Mental health and wellbeing

Get top tips and coping strategies and hear from other young people with epilepsy about how they are supporting their mental health wellbeing.

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As a young person with epilepsy, you may face challenges your peers don’t, like managing seizures, sticking to medication routines, and transitioning from paediatric to adult care, all while navigating everyday life.

Epilepsy can bring added anxiety and emotions, affecting your mood, quality of life, and relationships. It can also impact your physical health and self-care.

If you're struggling with your mental health, remember you're not alone, and help is available. In this section, we explore why you might feel this way and how to get support.

young woman with red hair looking at the camera
Young people discuss the impact of epilepsy on their mental health

How are you feeling?

Anxiety

Anxiety is common emotion that many people experience, from mild to more severe forms. And it’s ok to feel anxious, especially during times of stress.

Depression

Depression effects on average 1 in 6 people in the UK. If you have epilepsy this is 1 in 3. Everyone feels sad from time to time, but a constant low mood shouldn’t be ignored.

Isolation

Isolation is a word we may associate with being physically alone, but you can feel isolated in a room full of people. As a young person with epilepsy, isolation is a feeling you may know well.

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed is an emotion that can cause physical strain during difficult times. It can make you feel like there’s not enough hours in the day, like you have too much to cope with.

Self-Worth

Self-worth is how you value yourself, it’s also easily bruised, because it can be the hardest thing to protect.

Are you struggling to cope?

For anyone struggling with their mental health, we have partnered with SHOUT, a FREE 24/7 confidential text service.

To start a conversation Text PURPLE to 85258

Find out more
Annie smiling by a bookcase

Annie and her wellbeing

'Epilepsy can mess with your health and overall wellbeing in many ways, whether it be mentally or physically and both can be hard to heal from.'

Read Annie's story
Renell talking to his support worker by a football pitch

A game of two halves: Renell's journey

'The day I experienced my first seizure. So many emotions came crashing down. Fear, anger, sadness I didn't know what to do with myself.'

Read Renell's story

Asking me about my mental health

Tips from young people living with epilepsy about how to check in with them and their mental health, whether you're a friend or a professional supporting them.

Getting a good night's sleep

Discover helpful tips for improving sleep quality, especially for those with epilepsy, from bedtime routines to creating a sleep-friendly environment.

The Channel

A space for young people, aged 13+, who are living with epilepsy, for them to share, learn and find support.