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epilepsy and depression

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 02:19
I 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

YES. I was diagnosed with

Submitted by meganreign on Tue, 2017-04-11 - 01:59
YES. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 12. Around my late teens and early adulthood I had moments where I felt crazy because I would cry at nothing. There were times when I felt so dark that I didn't want to exist. I was lost and sad and totally alone. I can't say if it is related to epilepsy, but I can say you aren't the first that it's happened to. I told my doctor and was put on an antidepressant alongside my seizure meds. Changed my life. I think in this community it's so easy to feel like a burden and to feel frustrated... I spiraled and the meds really helped me find balance. I still have some dark days, but everyone does. I say talk to your doctor about it. Honestly, it could even be a side effect of one of your current meds. Only one way to find out. Self care is so important. I hope things get better

I was diagnosed at age 9, and

Submitted by laceytees on Tue, 2017-04-11 - 21:55
I was diagnosed at age 9, and on the same meds since.But like I said, these come and go, and I have been experiencing these feelings since I was 13. They're just getting worse now. I don't know if it's medicine, if it's a chemical imbalance, or if it's epilepsy related. I've thought about telling my doctor, because it's not new, but these feelings are worsening. I don't want to eat, don't want to move out of my bed, but when I do I act like everything is fine.

I agree I think it is totally

Submitted by Roald on Wed, 2017-04-12 - 02:27
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

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