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.

Seizures and Depression

Wed, 03/07/2007 - 06:36
Hi all...since being a seizure patient I've experienced just about everything there is. Now I'm dealing with depression due to the AED that I'm taking. It seems just about lots of AED's have that side effect. It's causing me so much problems at work that I quit. What more...I came back to work today after going home early from work yesterday 'coz the depression was hitting me hard that I had a hard time breathing. I know that if I can't get a hold of my emotions that it will trigger my seizures and that's what I'm afraid of. So, I went home. When I came back today (which was a bad move on my part 'coz I don't think I was quite ready to return), my co-worker that I work with in the classroom questioned me and wouldn't stop concerning what happened yesterday. I've already told her that I don't want to talk about it 'coz I'm trying to have a calm day, but she just doesn't get it. She even became downright hostile towards me basically acting as if what I'm going through is nothing. Hearing all the negativity from her mouth only made things worse for me. I had to leave the room. I talked to my boss in the office alone about what's bothering me because if I get over emotional then my seizures will hit me. That is the one thing that I do not want to happen which is why I've been asking my co-worker to drop this subject of what happened yesterday. It seems that she just doesn't have any compassion whatsoever for people who are dealing with depression or seizures. She thinks that it's nothing..no big deal. But, what makes her such an expert when she's never had a seizure or depression in her life? So, as of today.....I no longer have a job. I just can't deal with all the garbage that I have to deal with. Do you know that I am so depressed that I was thinking about killing myself? It's how bad it is for me, but someone told me that if life starts to get basically too much to make sure that I tie a knot on that rope and hang on. Well, I was trying to hang on at work, but that rope became a thread and it just snapped. So, if I'm away from all the negativity perhaps my life can be a little easier. Still holing on to life.......

Comments

Re: Re: Re: Seizures and Depression

Submitted by lisaltstheresa on Wed, 2007-04-11 - 07:53
My advice to you would be, call your doctor immediately to tell him how you are feeling. I dont know what meds you are taking, but something needs to be adjusted and I would do it now. Sorry to hear that you dont have a job now, because of all this. http://www.epilepsysupportcentre.com/epilepsyinformation/livingwithepilepsy/depression.html http://epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/Depression+and+Epilepsy But as someone said, it will pass, you just got to get over some of curse that we go through with these seizures. Take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EpilepsyApproach1/ http://www.sleep-safe.co.uk/id90.htm

Re: Re: Seizures and Depression

Submitted by aussiesam on Tue, 2007-04-10 - 23:01
Not a dumb question at all! I find I can work a 14 hour day sometimes, but when I get depressed and think about personal issues or am tired I will have a seizure. I am on Keppra, which doesn't help, along with my other cocktail of drugs and it can hit hard. I have started keeping a diary to see if I can pick up a pattern. Somedays I will just cry for no reason and it is so hard to break out of, but some days I am OK. I find distraction is the best medicine:) The less you think about seizures and their impact on your life, the less they happen. I just have to drag myself out of the slump or wait for it to pass. As soppy as it sounds writing down my feelings really helps because a book is better than no-one to vent thoughts to at all! Be strong! Sam aussiesam

Re: Re: Seizures and Depression

Submitted by kimtattersall on Mon, 2007-04-30 - 13:24
Yes it can I am 20 and had to drop out of school because my fits where increasing by every week from stress of work. After dropping out of school I became very depressed and started having fits three times a day I was pout on med.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.