Of course you're depressed.  Who wouldn't be?  And unfortunately you lash out at those you love the best.  (Or at lease those you depend upon which is frustrating enough!) But you're hardly alone... 

One study stated that 80% of the patients with epilepsy were also diagnosed as having a depressive disorder. Upwards of 60% of these individuals had a history of significant episodes of depression.  And 10-32% experience symptoms of anxiety.  Not too reassuring, is it?

And for those whose epilepsy cannot be controlled by meds, the likelihood of depression and anxiety are even greater.

In fact, many of the medications used to treat seizure disorders can trigger depression.  Dilantin, Phenobarbatol, Celonton and Tegretol are all notorious for this side effect.

Here are some suggestions that may (or may not) help...

Consider counseling…

Support groups…

Tracking your seizures, their triggers and your emotions daily in a diary…

Try some time-out when you’re feeling overwhelmed…

Learn relaxation exercises, deep breathing, yoga, meditation…

But most importantly, tell your doctor and family how vulnerable you feel. It might make it easier for them to understand your behavior.  And support can often go a long way towards helping your anger and depression.

Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com

Hi, I'm 29 & It's not easy to deal with this. I feel the same. I've had epilepsy for 10 yrs, it's not controlled, I can't drive, I don't have much friends & I depend everything on my parents. I hate all of those things. I don't want to be 30 this year & still have to depend on my parents. My family has to deal with my depression & mood swings. I have my days where I'm happy & feeling good but all of a sudden my thoughts set my anger off or change my mood. My mom & I have arguments because of my mood swings. Then she gets emotional because I go through all of these things. I don't want to do this to my mom & family. 

I've been seeing a psychologist for a few months. It has helped me slowly. I try to keep myself busy doing things. This stops me from sitting in my room, thinking about my problems & getting depressed. As hard as this may be for us, we must be thankful for what we have. Seizures are not easy to deal with. There are many people with health issues that are worse than seizures. I think about that every day now. I hope I'm not sounding like a nun =)  I started taking vimpat in january & it's been helping me. 

Take care & I hope things get better for you...Rena