Depression

Mental health wellbeing space

So what is depression?

Everyone feels sad from time to time, but a constant low mood shouldn’t be ignored. It’s more than likely depression. And it’s nothing to be ashamed of - ever. Commonly known as the ‘Black Dog’, depression is an unwanted companion. One that barks, bites or silently follows in your shadow – but rarely strays from your side without medical help. Depression changes how you feel about life and makes even simple everyday tasks feel like a challenge. It can interfere with school, work and your personal life.

How does it affect people with epilepsy?

There’s a big link between epilepsy and depression. Although they’re completely different conditions, the two can attract each other. People with epilepsy are more likely to develop depression than others. Our bodies and minds are connected and epilepsy can affect your emotional health. Just as depression can trigger a seizure. It can also be a side effect to some meds, so it’s important you talk to your epilepsy doctor as soon as you notice any change in your mood.

On average in the UK, 1 in 6 people have depression. If you have epilepsy this is 1 in 3. It affects everyone differently but you may notice you feel:

Hopeless or helpless
Guilty
Anxious or worried
Irritable
Sad or low
Tired and fatigued all the time
Unable to concentrate
Unmotivated
Uninterested in the things you enjoy (from food and sports to sex)
You eat more or less than usual

If you have any dark thoughts such as harming yourself or ending your life – talk to family, friends, strangers or doctors immediately – help is always available.

[Living with epilepsy] has affected all areas of wellbeing, but the mental impact has been the hardest to deal with.

This was just one opinion shared with us when we surveyed young people with epilepsy, like you, (aged 25 and under) and asked how living with epilepsy has affected their mental wellbeing.

Young people with epilepsy told us

Young people with epilepsy who responded to our survey told us:

99%

Epilepsy can have an impact on mental health

99% of young people who responded to our survey said living with epilepsy has had an impact on their mental health.
57%

Learning

57% said their mental wellbeing has had an impact on their learning.

You are never alone

Other young people with epilepsy describe the impact on their mental wellbeing as:

“Severe anxiety and depression, feel like I have no independence.”

“Epilepsy has taken a lot of things from me. It has impacted my life greatly and my mental health has suffered as a result. I now have a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety and depression.”

Advice shared by young people with epilepsy:

“It’s hard to talk about, but even if you’re crying, go to someone you trust and let it all out, don’t ever be afraid of what you are going to say. Because once you have spoken, even if it’s just one word, that’s where it all gets better.”

“If you’re struggling, just know you’re not alone and you deserve help and to be happy.”

Our Young Reps share their advice...

Are you struggling to cope?

Shout is a free, confidential and 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK

To start a conversation, text PURPLE to 85258

Shout’s trained volunteers are available around the clock to listen and support anyone who is suicidal, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed. The service is anonymous and does not show up on phone bills.

find out more about our partnership with Shout.

What can I do if I feel depressed?

Talk to People

Talk to friends, family, those you trust. Keep connected to those you care about and who care about you. You can also talk to people at Young Epilepsy who will understand you.

Look after Yourself

Try your best to eat a balanced diet and avoid drinking alcohol (it’s a depressant after all)

Prioritise Sleep

Try to have a good sleep routine – 8 hours or more if you can. If you struggle with sleep, find out here what you can do to help make sure you catch those zzzz's.

Exercise

Find exercise that you enjoy and that doesn’t feel like a challenge or chore. Then try to do as much as you can. Endorphins are chemicals that are natural anti-depressants, and your body releases these when you exercise.

Guided Mediation

Guided Meditations to support with breath work are available for free on Youtube.

Journaling

You may find journaling cathartic, it helps you get things off your chest and put your feelings into writing. You can write down what is worrying about your seizures, or get off your chest an experience you’ve maybe had because of your seizures.

Laughter

The brain doesn’t know the difference between real/fake smiling or laughter. So smile at yourself in the mirror, watch a comedy, or try some online laughter exercises on YouTube.

Join Kooth

Recommended by one of our young reps, Kooth offers online mental health services that work alongside you to provide compassionate and effective support.

“Just man up and deal with it”, that's what they all say.

Renell's quote on depression

Where can I access support?

If you feel you are experiencing depression, please contact your GP.

Find urgent help and support here.

If you are struggling with feelings of depression, remember, you are not alone.

Try downloading one of these apps that young people recommend:

Happify - Science-based activities and games to help reduce stress, overcome negative thoughts, and build greater resilience.
Blue Ice - Helping young people manage and understand their emotions and reduce urges of self-harm.
Catch it - This app uses CBT to teach you how to look at problems in a different way, turn negative thoughts into positive ones and improve your mental wellbeing.

If you feel like you would like to talk to someone, you can contact us or reach out to one of the organisations below. There are people ready and waiting to support you:

Throughout our #OnTopOfEpilepsy campaign, our supporters shared messages of support to children and young people with epilepsy who may be struggling.