Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
epilepsy and depression
Mon, 04/10/2017 - 02:19I get depressive fits that come and go. I cry randomly, begin to hate the life that I live, I feel like my medical expenses are a financial burden to everyone around me. I don't want to tell anyone in my family because I don't want them to worry, but I know I shouldn't hold something in like that. I don't do anything to harm myself. It's just the fact of having epilepsy, plus a heart condition, having to take medications everyday, and so many other precautions I need to take, for example, driving. I just keep to myself and basically hermit in my room all day.
Does anyone else experience depression that comes and goes? I've not spoke with my doctor, so I don't know if it IS in fact epilepsy related, but that's all I think about when I get these episodes.
Comments
I agree I think it is totally
Submitted by Roald on Wed, 2017-04-12 - 02:35
I agree I think it is totally normal as strange as it may seem to say, not having some degree of depression would be more strange. Seizures themselves can cause depression just from the pain exhaustion and damage done, side effects from Rx's can cause depression... Not being able to work... Being broke... Treated like a criminal under house arrest etc. All can contribute to feeling depressed in any of those situations big or small although it is hard to pinpoint or say for you specifically...Or even myself. I would also agree to talk to you Dr. Ive had a rough time finding an Rx that didn't make me a zombie or manic and depression is a common side effect of many anti-epileptic drugs. I would also say I have depression that can come and go. Maybe it's been a while since I've had a seizure and I'm not in as much pain and slept better or maybe I just woke up in the ER and can't remember anything other than disappointment "it" happened again. Yes it is normal- at least for me
Depression is one of the many
Submitted by Antestatik on Tue, 2017-04-18 - 05:25
Depression is one of the many side effects of medication.
I'm not on any
Submitted by Roald on Wed, 2017-04-12 - 02:35
I'm not on any antidepressants Rx's now but I have used cannabis with quite a lot of success. It helps with appetite and digestion, depression, pain and sleep, and stood some people's seizures thought not mine. Compared to many Rx's it also has a very mellow side effect profile. The oil is really soothing on my tongue after I bite it during seizures too. Depending where you live you may be able to get safe/legal access to it.