Life with epilepsy can be challenging, but there are things you can do to make it easier.
People with epilepsy can lead healthy, productive lives. Life with epilepsy can be challenging, but there are things you can do to make it easier. For example, you can pay attention to your emotions. If you feel down, upset or scared, talk with your health care provider. And be open with the people in your life. Talking about epilepsy can help them understand. It can also help you feel better.
Coping with emotions
You may be scared to go out in public for fear of having a seizure. Or you may just get frustrated with having epilepsy. Such feelings are normal, but they can lead to depression if left unchecked.
Depression is an illness that affects your thoughts and feelings. It can be caused by trouble coping with epilepsy, and sometimes it may be caused by the medicines used to treat it. Depression can be serious. If you have any of the following, call your health care provider:
- Feeling down most of the time
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Losing pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping less or more than normal
- Having a big change in appetite or weight
- Having trouble focusing, remembering or making decisions
- Staying away from friends or family
Treatment for depression is available, so be sure to talk with your health care provider. Discuss what can help you, such as the following:
- Support groups. These groups let you talk with other people who have epilepsy.
- Counseling. Talking with a counselor can help you learn to cope with your emotions and health problems.
- Medicine. This can help if you have a mood disorder.
Coping at home
Epilepsy affects those around you, too, so it is important to talk openly with your loved ones and learn their concerns. For instance, your children may be afraid for your safety. Reassure them that you can live a long, healthy life with epilepsy. Your partner may wonder if a normal sex life is possible. Let them know that epilepsy doesn’t have to affect your love life. If loved ones have questions, you can always arrange a talk with your health care provider.
Think about wearing a medical alert bracelet. This can provide other people information about your epilepsy if there is a medical emergency.
Epilepsy and your job
Epilepsy doesn’t have to keep you from working. In fact, people with epilepsy hold many kinds of jobs. But there are some issues you should consider, such as:
- What kind of work can I do? This depends on several things, such as how well controlled your seizures are. Also think about whether the job involves tasks that may not be safe for you. These include driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Should I tell my boss or coworkers about my epilepsy? This is your personal choice. But you may be safer if people at your workplace are prepared to respond to a seizure. If you are concerned about losing your job, know your rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act provides work-related protections for people with epilepsy.
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Personalized care for epilepsy
The Vanderbilt Epilepsy Center evaluates and cares for adult and pediatric patients who are experiencing a range of symptoms — from mild seizures to more complex epilepsy disorders.
