Living with Epilepsy
Epilepsy And Stress
Stress and epilepsy share the same sites and thus each can influence the other even though they are not directly related. People have seizures when the normal electrical signals are disrupted by overactive discharges, causing a temporary communication problem between nerve cells.
Individual Differences
Each individual is unique and their reaction to stress levels will be different from others. The same is true for medical conditions such as epilepsy. Stress can never be avoided and in some cases may even be beneficial as it provides required stimulation and motivation to help in achieving desired goals. The chemical changes in adrenaline and cortisol that provides stimulation can influence a seizure once an individual is able to relax. Negative emotions related to tension, such as worry or fright may cause seizures. This may happen because the limbic system, the portion of the brain that regulates emotion, is one of the most common places for seizures to begin.
A person with seizures carries the same range of stress baggage as the general population but constant worry can cause changes in the brain which affect how nerve cells work with each other, especially around any damaged area.
A Vicious Circle
The stigma associated with epilepsy can raise anxiety levels for many because few want to have a seizure in a public place. Many people who witness a convulsion may react by being afraid or embarrassed by the situation. The person with epilepsy has no control over other people's reaction during a seizure, but will be aware of their reaction upon recovery. This with the genuine fear of physical danger can create a vicious circle with stress creating a seizure and the seizure increasing stress.
Excessive concern about a particular problem can result in missing medication which can lead to a seizure. This is an example of a vicious circle within a larger vicious circle.
One of the greatest concerns for persons who have recurring seizures is the perceived loss of control that goes along with a seizure. Western culture has glorified the image of the well controlled and independent adult. Thus by "failing" to meet the basic standards of our society stress is increased in the person with epilepsy.
High rates of unemployment or under-employment, more than 50% for persons with seizures, restricts income making it more difficult to sustain a household. The added expense of medication without proper insurance can force some to reduce the dosage required which can obviously increase stress on two fronts. There is a proper level for medication doses and the person knows this.
Coping Strategies
If stress has a role in triggering seizures, then coping strategies may be useful. Learning how to reduce worry levels is different for each individual person and each must recognize his own apprehension levels.
A person with continuing seizure activity must accept that he has epilepsy. This alone can reduce stress simply by eliminating denial and attempting to hide the condition.
A person with epilepsy must learn that while he has this condition called epilepsy, epilepsy does not have him. Seizures will occur, and one needs to keep a log or diary of those events that were present before the spasm struck. This takes a lot of effort and time; many false leads will develop and may lead to a stress factor of its own.
Learn to accept ideas from other people. Watch what you are thinking and be realistic. You can expect set-backs but consider this a learning experience.
Learn about stress and the factors that cause the condition. Make changes in diet, lifestyle and learn to relax. Make a stand against over scheduling but remain active. Solve the little difficulties and many of the big problems will be eliminated.
Your seizure level may never be completely eliminated, but could easily be reduced in number and intensity.