Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Depression
Thu, 01/27/2005 - 16:55I was wondering if anyone with TLE has experienced depression, and if so, what has helped you?
Blessings,
Angie
Comments
RE: RE: Depression
Submitted by angie on Thu, 2005-01-27 - 16:55
Lemond,
I also like to listen to music. Writing seems to always relax me. I know my limits, so I set definite boundaries for myself. I also exercise, which is the biggest help to me, I think. I am not sure about anti-depressants. If I thought they could improve my quality of life, I would be willing to try them. Medication is always kind of scary.
I was diganosed with TLE at 18 {22 years ago}. I can look back over my life and see that I have always struggled with at least a light form of depression. I never put 2 + 2 together before, but now I realize that the depression must be connected to the TLE. You seem to have a great attitude, which can make all the difference in this life. Thanks for sharing -- it was very helpful to me!
Blessings,
Angie
Lemond,
I also like to listen to music. Writing seems to always relax me. I know my limits, so I set definite boundaries for myself. I also exercise, which is the biggest help to me, I think. I am not sure about anti-depressants. If I thought they could improve my quality of life, I would be willing to try them. Medication is always kind of scary.
I was diganosed with TLE at 18 {22 years ago}. I can look back over my life and see that I have always struggled with at least a light form of depression. I never put 2 + 2 together before, but now I realize that the depression must be connected to the TLE. You seem to have a great attitude, which can make all the difference in this life. Thanks for sharing -- it was very helpful to me!
Blessings,
Angie
RE: Depression
Submitted by lemond on Thu, 2005-01-27 - 15:36
Angie,I have TLE and have had since I was five. I've been depressed for most of my life. Some of it very serious. I've found it hard to take some of the anit-depressants because they lower seizure threshhold and I don't have much tolerance for drugs in general. I had an incident on an SSRI a few months ago. The first major seizure in 9 years. The doc said there is really very little risk in the SSRIs, but maybe another one will work. Lots of people with TLE take SSRIs without complication.I have a great husband and work with a good psychiatrist who is understanding of where I am and is always available when I need. The neuro is rarely available and is not very understanding. I also have a good family doc who is easy to talk to. I feel very lucky to have good people in place. This is the first time in my life that I feel like I have that. It was worth the wait.I find that exercise, reading positive things (I like mysteries, not anything violent) and walking the dog help me. TV and movies used to help, but i can't seem to concentrate long enough now to watch a whole show. I also try to find the positive things in my life. I know that's really hard and I've been in places where that doesn't seem like an option. Hobbies help, too. I like woodturning and quilting. I just have to force myself to do it sometimes. Anything to take my mind off the negative thoughts. In some ways I feel very lucky and in others not so. I find seizures shameful, even though I tell myself it's no different than having diabetes or a heart condition. And I wonder why I have to deal wtih all this stuff and get frustrated with it all.Hang in there. I hope something here has helped.Lemond