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Epilepsy and Mental Health: Coping with Anxiety and Depression as a Young Adult

  • Writer: Austin Cole
    Austin Cole
  • May 17
  • 7 min read

Updated: Jun 1

Living with epilepsy isn’t just about managing seizures – it can also affect how you feel emotionally. Many young adults with epilepsy experience anxiety or depression at times. If you find yourself feeling stressed out, worried, or down, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show that roughly one in three people with epilepsy will also face depression or anxiety in their life. The good news is that there are ways to cope and support available. This post explores why epilepsy and mental health are linked, and shares some practical strategies – both personal and professional – to help you or your loved one handle anxiety and depression. We’ll keep it hopeful, honest, and totally accessible whether you’re a young adult living with epilepsy or someone who cares about them.


The Link Between Epilepsy and Mental Health


Epilepsy is a neurological condition, and while it isn’t a mental illness, it often impacts mental health. Why do anxiety and depression tend to go hand-in-hand with epilepsy?



  • Unpredictability of Seizures: Not knowing when a seizure might happen can create constant worry. Many people feel anxious about the possibility of having a seizure at school, work, or out with friends. This fear of the next seizure (and what could happen during it) can lead to persistent stress and anxiety. It’s completely natural to feel this way when so much feels out of your control.

  • Brain Chemistry and Mood: Seizures originate in the brain, and sometimes they involve the same areas that regulate mood and emotions. This means epilepsy’s biological impact can directly affect how you feel. In fact, the parts of the brain that control emotions are often the same places where seizures start. So, the condition itself can make you more prone to mood swings, sadness, or anxious feelings due to these neurological links.

  • Medication Side Effects: The medications (anti-epileptic drugs) that help control seizures can sometimes have side effects that influence your mood. For example, some people find that a new medication leaves them feeling more irritable, down, or on edge. On the flip side, a few anti-seizure meds might actually improve mood or calm anxiety for some. It’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently – if you suspect your seizure medicine is contributing to anxiety or depression, talk with your doctor about it.

  • Life Changes and Stigma: Epilepsy can introduce lifestyle restrictions and social challenges that take an emotional toll. You might worry about things like losing your driver’s license, managing college or a job, or telling new friends about your condition. Facing misunderstandings or stigma (like people not knowing how to help during a seizure, or making hurtful comments) can make you feel isolated or depressed. Feeling like others don’t “get it” or fearing you’ll embarrass yourself if a seizure happens in public can create anxiety. All these factors can chip away at anyone’s mental well-being over time.

The combination of these factors can create a bit of a cycle: stress can trigger seizures, and seizures can create more stress and sadness. Recognizing this link is the first step – it helps to know it’s not “just you.” There are real reasons why you might be feeling anxious or down, and it’s absolutely valid.


Personal Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression

Dealing with anxiety or depression when you have epilepsy is a journey, but there are everyday steps you can take to feel better. Here are some personal coping strategies that many find helpful:

  • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can be great for calming an anxious mind. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing each day can lower stress levels. Some people use apps or YouTube videos to guide them through short meditations. Relaxation techniques not only ease anxiety, but can also help with seizure management by reducing one potential trigger (stress). Think of it as giving your brain a daily “calm break.”

  • Journaling Your Feelings: Keeping a journal might sound simple, but it’s a powerful way to cope. Write down what’s on your mind – whether you’re scared about an upcoming exam, frustrated about a seizure last week, or excited about something good that happened. Journaling helps you release pent-up feelings and spot patterns in your mood. For example, you might notice you feel more anxious on days when you slept poorly (a clue to prioritize your sleep). Writing things out can bring clarity and relieve some of the mental pressure. Plus, a journal can also double as a seizure and mood tracker that you can share with your doctor.

  • Connecting with Peer Support: One of the best ways to remind yourself you’re not alone is to talk to others who truly understand what you’re going through. Consider joining a support group, like ours at Young Adults with Epilepsy or an online community for people with epilepsy. Sharing experiences and tips with peers can be incredibly reassuring – you can vent about things that only someone else with epilepsy would “get,” and trade advice on handling school, work, or relationships. If in-person groups aren’t available or comfortable for you, there are social media groups and organizations with virtual meet-ups too. Connecting with others in this way can reduce isolation and even help lift your mood on tough days. Tip: Don’t forget your friends and family as part of your support network. Even if they don’t have epilepsy, a good friend can be there to listen or to hang out when you need a distraction.

  • Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Taking care of your body can do wonders for your mind. Start with sleep – getting consistent, adequate sleep is crucial for both seizure control and mood. Make it a goal to get the hours you need each night and keep a regular sleep schedule. Exercise is another natural mood booster. When you’re feeling up to it, try to get some form of physical activity, like a walk, bike ride, or dance session. Exercise releases endorphins that fight stress and improve mood, and over time it can make you feel more confident and strong. A balanced diet also matters – highs and crashes in blood sugar or excessive caffeine can jitter your anxiety or leave you feeling low. Focus on regular, nutritious meals and staying hydrated. Finally, avoid substance triggers as best as you can: limit alcohol and steer clear of recreational drugs.


Professional Treatment Options and Support


Coping on your own is important, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Professional help for anxiety or depression can

make a big difference, and make a massive influence in an individual's life. Here are some

treatment options to consider:



  • Therapy or Counseling: Talking with a mental health professional, like a therapist, counselor, or psychologist, can provide relief and new coping skills. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have a good track record of helping people manage anxiety and depression. Over time, therapy can arm you with tools for self-confidence and emotional control. If in-person therapy is hard to get to, look for online therapy options or community counseling services. Don’t hesitate to ask your neurologist or doctor for a referral.

  • Medication for Mental Health: Just as we take medication for seizures, sometimes medication is needed to treat anxiety or depression – and that’s okay. Antidepressant medications or anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed to help balance the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. It’s important to have a frank discussion with your doctor about any mental health meds, because they’ll consider how those might interact with your seizure medicines. The key is: don’t self-medicate or start/stop any medication on your own. When used appropriately, medications for anxiety or depression can significantly improve your day-to-day life.

  • Support Groups and Community Resources: Beyond one-on-one therapy, there’s also strength in numbers. Organized support groups (in person or online) can provide a sense of community and understanding. These groups might be run by epilepsy organizations, hospitals, or community centers. Sharing in a group setting can help you learn new coping strategies and get encouragement from others who have been where you are.

  • Talk to Your Healthcare Team: Don’t forget that your epilepsy doctors and nurses are part of your support system when it comes to mental health. Sometimes we hesitate to bring up feelings of anxiety or depression during neurology appointments – but epilepsy care providers understand the importance of mental well-being, too. If you’ve been feeling especially anxious or down, tell your doctor.


For Caregivers and Friends: How to Support a Young Adult with Epilepsy

If you’re reading this as a parent, sibling, partner, or friend who cares for a young adult with epilepsy, your support is incredibly important. Here are a few tips for caregivers and loved ones:

  • Listen and Communicate: Encourage your loved one to talk about what they’re feeling, and really listen when they do.

  • Learn About Epilepsy and Mental Health: Take some time to educate yourself about how epilepsy can affect mood. Understanding the basics can make you more empathetic and patient.

  • Support Healthy Habits and Independence: You can play a role in reinforcing those positive coping strategies. At the same time, respect their independence.

  • Encourage Professional Help (When Needed): If you notice your loved one struggling, gently encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to help with logistics like finding a therapist or setting up an appointment.

  • Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone with a health condition can be stressful, so make sure you’re also tending to your own mental health. It’s not selfish – it’s necessary.


Finding Hope and Moving Forward

Epilepsy can throw a lot at you, especially as a young adult trying to live your life, but it’s important to remember that things can get better. Managing anxiety and depression is absolutely possible with the right tools and support. Be patient with yourself. Celebrate the small victories. Most of all, keep hope alive. Having epilepsy might feel like a heavy burden some days, but it’s just one part of who you are.


If you ever feel like your depression or anxiety is too much to handle or you have thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out for help immediately. You are never alone, and there are people who want to help you get through the storm. Bottom line: Epilepsy may be an unwelcome passenger in your life, but with self-care, support, and proper treatment, you can take back the driver’s seat when it comes to your mental health.



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