Everyone is different and everyone's epilepsy is different. Some people cope better than others with a diagnosis of epilepsy. They soon begin to feel better without needing support.
Others, however, need help with the way they feel. They may continue to feel anxious, sad, angry or depressed. They may find that they are becoming increasingly irritable with those around them. They may also begin to experience feelings of fear or panic. Sometimes they may have physical pain that cannot be explained by another medical condition.
You may recognise some of these feelings in yourself. This may affect the way you think and also the way you behave. You may find it is the beginning to have a more serious impact on your ability to work and interact with people, including your own family.
Give yourself time to adjust. If you find you cannot shake off these feelings after a few weeks, and they are stopping you from getting on with your life, get help.
If you find some or most of the following apply to you or your loved one, seek medical advice:
- You feel sad most of the time
- You begin to lose interest in the things you used to enjoy, such as a hobby, sport or leisure activity
- You no longer want to go out with friends and mostly prefer to be left alone
- You lose interest in your sex life
- You feel bad or guilty for no good reason
- Your appetite has changed. Suddenly you don’t want to eat at all or you are over-eating
- You find it difficult to get to sleep at night and wake up frequently throughout the night
- You feel tired all of the time even though you sleep for many hours at night and during the day
- Friends notice that you no longer pay attention to how you look
What to do if you are suicidal
Sometimes people who struggle to come to terms with epilepsy think about suicide. They find it difficult to imagine that things will get better. If you have these feelings talk to someone you trust. This could be a member of your family or a close friend. Some people prefer to speak to their doctor or phone a helpline. You will be listened to and will not be judged. It can help to talk to someone about the reasons why you want to end your life.
If you are feeling suicidal right now, please pick up the phone and speak to someone. It’s important that you do.
- Pieta House – learn more by visiting their website or by calling 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444
- Samaritans Ireland – learn more by visiting their website or by calling 116 123
- Aware – learn more by visiting their website or by calling 1800 80 48 48
- Text About It provides a safe space where you’re listened to by a trained volunteer, the service is free and provides 24/7 support by text. Text HELLO to 50808. Visit the 'Spunout' website for further information.
- Visit the Mental Health Ireland website, which has links to a range of community mental health support services
It may be difficult to imagine feeling better but speaking to someone will help.
Where to go if you need help
Your doctor is usually you first point of contact. If you are feeling low, they can look at your medications to see if mood changes are a possible side effect. Your doctor will also check whether your low mood is caused by another medication. They may be able to prescribe anti-depressants if they feel this is the right treatment for you. Your doctor can also refer you to counselling, psychology, psychiatry or the community mental health team for further support. If your epilepsy medications need to be reviewed, your doctor will refer you back to your consultant.
You can also talk to you epilepsy nurse. You can ask for advice on medications and possible side effects, as well as how to keep as safe as possible with seizures. You can talk about anything that worries you such as the impact epilepsy may have on your relationship. The nurse will understand how epilepsy can affect your life and how it can make you feel. They may be able to suggest ways to help you accept and deal with the condition better.
You can also talk to us and we can help you come to terms with epilepsy. We are here to listen and give you some emotional support. We understand it’s not always easy to describe how you are feeling. If you cannot find one word, use lots. What does it feel like inside your head? What does it make you feel like doing? We may be able to suggest different ways to help you to get on with your life. You can find details of your Community Resource Officer by visiting the 'Our Local Service' page on our website.