Introduction
It can be difficult to manage depression and epilepsy together, particularly for those who are struggling financially. In this blog post, we will explore the experiences of a single mother overcoming these obstacles and how, despite the financial strain of prescription costs, a cooperative effort between a psychologist and psychiatrist enabled her to find healing.
Sarah’s* Story
Several years ago, Sarah*, a strong single mother in her mid-30s, was diagnosed with depression and epilepsy. It was an overwhelming task to manage her health conditions and raise her two small children at the same time. Even worse, her tight budget was constantly stressed out by the expense of her depression and epilepsy medications.- By the time she visited the clinic, she was experiencing several seizures per day, and she was struggling with her daily tasks, including taking care of her children.
As Sarah* grappled with the psychological and physical consequences of her ailments, she noticed herself descending into a pit of hopelessness. Her anxiety and depression were made worse by her fear of having seizures in public. She also had enduring feelings of helplessness and melancholy, which made it impossible for her to go about her daily life normally.
“I want people with epilepsy to know that there are ways in which they can play a role in their own recovery. It’s all in how they approach what is happening and how they can use that as a catalyst for their own growth. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it’s that people are willing to embrace you if you share your story”.
Danny Glover
Thankfully, Sarah’s path to recovery took a turn for the better when she was referred to a sympathetic psychologist and psychiatrist who recognized the value of attending to her mental and physical health requirements. They collaborated to create a thorough treatment plan that was suited to Sarah’s particular situation because they understood how closely depression and epilepsy are related.
How are epilepsy and depression intertwined?
There are many ways in which epilepsy and depression are related, and treating people like Sarah who have both conditions effectively requires an understanding of these connections.
- Biological Factors: Both epilepsy and depression are neurological disorders that involve imbalances in brain chemistry and functioning. Studies have indicated that depression is more common in people with epilepsy. This is because of disruptions in the neurotransmitter systems and structural alterations in the brain, which are brought on by seizures.
- Psychosocial Factors: Living with epilepsy can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and psychological well-being. Social stigma, limitations on daily activities, the unpredictable nature of seizures, and concerns about safety can all aggravate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat epilepsy, such as certain anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), can have side effects that affect mood and increase the risk of depression. Additionally, individuals with epilepsy may experience medication-related fatigue or cognitive impairments that can exacerbate depressive symptoms.
- Chronic Stress: Taking care of a long-term medical condition, such as epilepsy, can cause continuous stress because of follow-up appointments, medication schedules, lifestyle modifications, and worries about seizure control. Depression is known to be more likely to develop or worsen when there is ongoing stress in an individual.
- Bidirectional Relationship: The relationship between epilepsy and depression is bidirectional, meaning that each condition can exacerbate the other. For instance, depressed epileptics may be less likely to take their medication as prescribed or practice self-care, which may lead to an increase in the frequency or intensity of seizures. On the other hand, uncontrollable seizures and the restrictions and difficulties they bring with them can exacerbate depressive symptoms by fostering feelings of helplessness and loss.
“Epilepsy is something nobody knows much about. It’s just part of me, part of my head, part of what’s happening in there. Sometimes something in my brain triggers it off”.
Neil Young
Understanding how depression and epilepsy are related is crucial to creating a thorough treatment plan that takes the patient’s physical and mental health needs into account. This all-encompassing strategy might involve anti-epileptic drugs, psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, social support, medication side effects, and mood swing monitoring.
Treatment Interventions
Sarah’s psychiatrist looked into affordable options and assistance programs to lessen the financial burden while also prescribing anti-epileptic medications to help manage her seizures. In addition, Sarah received therapy from the psychologist to help her deal with her anxiety and depression, which was greatly needed. Sarah developed resilience in the face of hardship, learned coping mechanisms to handle her stress, and confronted her negative thought patterns through consistent counseling sessions.
Additionally, Sarah’s care was well-coordinated by the psychologist and psychiatrist, who worked closely together to ensure that her treatment plan was comprehensive and integrated. They kept in touch frequently to assess her development, modify her medication as necessary, and offer continuous encouragement and support.
Despite her challenges, Sarah was able to heal because of her tenacity and the steadfast support of her medical team. She experienced fewer seizures, fewer depressive symptoms, and a renewed sense of hope and empowerment as her general well-being gradually improved.
As I reflect on Sarah’s journey, I am able to acknowledge the invaluable role that both the psychiatrist and psychologist played in her recovery. The collaborative efforts not only addressed her medical needs but also nurtured her mental and emotional health, enabling her to reclaim her life and thrive as a mother and individual.
“I encourage individuals with epilepsy to advocate for themselves and find a supportive doctor who will advocate for them as well. I hid for many years my epilepsy despite being seizure free for years due to the fear I would lose my job and not be able to get my medication to survive. Hiding what I have gone though would only allow the stigma to continue”.
Natalie Boehm
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Sarah serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration between healthcare professionals in treating complex health conditions like epilepsy and depression. By working together with empathy, expertise, and dedication, they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, even in the face of financial challenges.
*Note: The name and specific details of the individual mentioned in this blog post have been altered to protect their privacy.
Some additional information on Epilepsy is here:https://dotcommagazine.com/2022/01/natalie-boehm-president-the-defeating-epilepsy-foundation-a-dotcom-magazine-exclusive-interview/
