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Epilepsy and anti-depressants, depression?

Mon, 02/17/2020 - 09:28
Hi, I was just wondering if anybody has any experiences of taking anti depressants alongside anti-epileptic medication. I began having focal seizures about four years ago and around this time I was also struggling really badly with my mental health, however when I finally went to see a GP about my low mood and self-harming at the time, the dr had just said I'd been suffering with low moods. Since then I've battled low moods on & off, however over recent months, I've felt the worst I've ever felt. There's a long history of depression in my family, and I know that in epilepsy patients, it's also much higher. I of course don't want to self-diagnose, and definitely feel that I need to see a doctor because of how I'm feeling, but I just feel a bit nervous as previous experiences I've had with doctors have always made me feel that they do not understand or care. I'm currently taking lamictal and feel that this hasn't really had an effect on my moods, as it's something I've struggled with since before my epilepsy diagnosis. I wasn't sure whether I should go straight to the GP, or speak to my epilepsy nurse first. I'm just a bit scared and confused.

Comments

Hi, Thank you for posting, it

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2020-02-18 - 09:11
Hi, Thank you for posting, it sounds like you've been through a lot. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and we are here to help support you. If you ever need to speak with someone please contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline  We are glad to hear that you’re able to identify that your moods have changed over the past few months. As you mentioned, it is common for some people living with epilepsy to report experience feelings of depression and anxiety. It’s important that you’re continuing to address these challenges with your healthcare team (both your epilepsy doctors & nurses & general practitioner), who can work with you to help determine what individual treatment plan is best for you.  Be open and honest about how you’re feeling, and how this is affecting your health and daily life. We understand if can be challenging to find a healthcare team that you’re comfortable working with, but if you that you aren't working towards the same goals, it may be time to get a second opinion. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinionsWe know that living with epilepsy is more than seizures, it also means learning how to handle the way epilepsy affects your life including your physical well-being, social and emotional health. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-healthIn addition to medications like anti-depressants,there are many different types of counseling that can be very helpful. Ask your doctors about getting a referral to other members of the healthcare team, such as neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers, who specialize in helping people with epilepsy and their families to improve their lives. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behaviorAdditionally, you may want to consider keeping a journal or a diary. My Seizure Diary:https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for identifying & tracking your seizures, setting reminders, managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers, and other therapies or personal experiences, that may affect seizures & wellness, which can be shared you’re your healthcare team.

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