Emotional stress is a common trigger for some people, and stress can be a cause and symptom of mood problems such as anxiety and depression. Track your stress level and mood in relation to your seizures on your diary. During stressful times, consider ways to modify your lifestyle and manage stress better.

• Try counseling to help cope with seizures or other problems.
• Consider support groups for epilepsy, or groups for stress management, therapy, and other support.
• Write down feelings in a diary on a regular basis. It helps you get feelings out, rather than hold them in, and can help you see the issues more clearly.
• Use 'time-out' periods. Just like kids may need a time-out when they are overwhelmed or acting out, so too do adults. Giving yourself a time-out allows you to take a step back from the stressor or situation and think about how best to address it.
• Learn relaxation exercises, deep breathing, yoga, or other strategies that help with stress and general well-being.
• Tell your doctor and nurse how you feel. The effects of stress can be harmful to your seizures, and your life. When mood changes last longer than expected, you may need help from a mental health professional too. If you feel emotionally unsafe, call your doctor or go to an emergency room to be evaluated.

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed: 9/30/08