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Depression is common amongst sufferers of epilepsy, and links between feelings of sadness, a sense of hopelessness and mood disorders are well documented. However, people with epilepsy often resign themselves to weather the storm when it comes to coping with symptoms, rather than asking for help, or learning positive methods of dealing with their emotions. They may underestimate the importance of their feelings, or feel mental health has a stigma related to it which would send them down a road they don't wish to travel if mentioned to a health-care professional.

According to the Wisconsin medical Journal, individuals with epilepsy may fail to report feelings of depression to their doctor, or, because their feelings of hopelessness come and go, medical staff may not realize help is needed. PD, otherwise known as panic disorder, is a known condition which often accompanies epilepsy for a variety of reasons, but unless sufferers recognize and report their symptoms, they're left to try and manage by themselves, which can be an isolating experience.

Panic attacks are usually linked with symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, also known as palpitations. Individuals may get a sense of dryness in their mouth, and feelings of extreme panic and anxiety. Panic disorder often presents itself due to fear relating to the sufferers condition and how to manage life changes. It's common for sufferers of epilepsy to be unemployed and unable to drive due to epilepsy. This makes socializing and gaining a sense of self worth more difficult, as-well as leading to further feelings of depression.

The National Society of Epilepsy recognizes the difficulties epileptic people face regarding negative emotions and mood disorders. They recommend sufferers let their doctor know how they feel, and also get friends and family on board to offer them positive encouragement and someone to talk to when things get rough. A GP may provide patients with antidepressants, or recommend sessions with a counselor who can help them learn to deal with emotions and offload feelings.

Another symptom, which may be caused as a result of medication, the condition itself or depression, can be a lack of ability to concentrate. People with epilepsy often report that they find it hard to carry a task through, or to concentrate enough to take in information fully. There are positive ways though, which individuals with epilepsy can empower themselves, instead of feeling hopeless and helpless.

To aid memory difficulties due to a lack of concentration individuals can make a habit of writing notes and lists to refer to. Writing down what they want to remember can be a powerful way of inserting important information into their brain, as studies show there's a link between writing and learning, or remembering information, just as there is between visualization and memory.

Sleep is another important factor which can influence an epileptic persons mood and ability to concentrate. It's important for them to get enough sleep, even if they feel there's no need, which can happen when they have no job to go to in the morning. Adopting a repetitive sleeping regime can help keep their body clock in-order, and promote refreshing sleep.

Being active in the community can provide an epileptic individual with a sense of self worth and an opportunity to socialize with others and build up a supportive network. Joining groups with other people who follow similar interests, and taking up voluntary work can give individuals confidence, which will help them feel more in control of their life.

Establishing whether there's a trigger relating to feelings of hopelessness and depression can help epileptic people recognize when feelings of doom and gloom may arise, and avoid situations where this is likely to occur. Music, places, people and events can be triggers, especially when associated with negative past experiences.

Having a plan of action for when depression strikes can give sufferers a tool to work with to regain self esteem. Once they can spot triggers, they can use a plan to work in their favor when feelings of hopelessness loom on the horizon. Deep breathing from the belly, which is slow and repetitive can brush off a fight or flight response that gives rise to a panic attack. Meditation, deep relaxation and positive visualization may all act as a self-help aids.

Although epilepsy and depression often have a relationship, epileptic sufferers can empower themselves by learning how to deal effectively with symptoms and having a useful plan of action at hand. By letting their doctor know how they feel, they may also gain professional help and understanding.