The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Epilepsy

Today is World Mental Health Day, a global moment to acknowledge the importance of mental wellbeing and break the silence around psychological struggles that millions face every day. 

If you or someone you love has epilepsy, you already know that seizures are only part of the story. The invisible burden such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, and the weight of stigma often impact daily life just as deeply as the neurological symptoms themselves.
This World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on the mental health challenges faced by people with epilepsy and exploring why integrated, compassionate care isn’t just important. It’s essential.

The Mental Health Crisis We Don't Talk About Enough

Mental health challenges affect people from all walks of life, but for those living with chronic neurological conditions like epilepsy, the risk is significantly higher.

Research shows that approximately 1 in 3 people with epilepsy will experience a psychiatric disorder during their lifetime, substantially higher than the general population.

Depression affects between 11-62% of people with epilepsy, whilst anxiety disorders impact roughly 11-25%. To put that in perspective, individuals with epilepsy are 4-5 times more likely to experience depressive episodes compared to the general population.
These aren’t just statistics. They’re mothers missing their children’s school events due to overwhelming anxiety, young adults withdrawing from social circles, and professionals struggling to maintain employment whilst managing both seizures and depression.

Why Mental Health and Epilepsy Are So Closely Linked

The relationship between epilepsy and mental health is bidirectional and complex. It’s not simply that having seizures causes psychological distress (though that’s certainly part of it).

Research suggests that the neurological changes that make someone susceptible to seizures may also increase vulnerability to mood disorders, even before the first seizure occurs.

Several factors contribute to this connection:

Neurobiological factors: Epilepsy and mood disorders share common pathways in the brain, particularly involving neurotransmitter systems and brain regions like the temporal and frontal lobes. The same neurological changes that trigger seizures can also affect emotional regulation.

Medication side effects: Many anti-seizure medications can impact mood, energy levels, and cognitive function, sometimes contributing to feelings of depression or anxiety.
The psychological burden: Living with the unpredictability of seizures creates persistent stress. The fear of having a seizure in public, losing consciousness, or experiencing injury creates a state of hypervigilance that takes a profound toll on mental wellbeing.
Social and economic impacts: Epilepsy can affect employment opportunities, driving privileges, independence, and social relationships, all of which are deeply tied to mental health and quality of life.

The Invisible Weight of Stigma

Perhaps one of the most damaging aspects of living with epilepsy is something that doesn’t show up on an EEG or brain scan: stigma.
Despite living in 2025, misconceptions about epilepsy persist across Europe. Studies show that between 30-62.5% of people with epilepsy experience felt stigma—the internalized sense of being different, flawed, or somehow “less than” because of their condition. This isn’t merely sensitivity; it’s a response to very real discrimination and misunderstanding that many face in their daily lives.

People with epilepsy who feel stigmatized often experience:

• Lower self-esteem and increased social isolation;

• Poorer psychological health and quality of life;

• Reluctance to disclose their condition, even to close friends or employers;

• Worse seizure control (stress from stigma can actually trigger seizures);

• Higher rates of depression and anxiety

The Social Isolation Cycle

Stigma breeds isolation, and isolation worsens mental health. Many people with epilepsy report:

• Withdrawing from social situations for fear of having a seizure in public and facing judgment or misunderstanding. Nearly 40% of people with epilepsy choose not to disclose their condition to others, often out of fear of discrimination;

• Avoiding romantic relationships due to concerns about being a burden or facing rejection when revealing their diagnosis;

• Limiting career ambitions or avoiding certain jobs entirely, anticipating discrimination or assuming they won’t be accommodated;

• Losing friendships after diagnosis, as some people distance themselves due to discomfort or lack of understanding about epilepsy.

This cycle of stigma and isolation doesn’t just impact mental health, it can worsen seizure control, limit access to care and diminish overall quality of life.

Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Support for People with Epilepsy

The good news? Mental health challenges in epilepsy are treatable, and acknowledging them is the first step toward healing.

Recognize the Signs

Depression and anxiety in people with epilepsy can sometimes look different than in the general population. Watch out for:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Excessive worry about seizures, health, or safety

• Social withdrawal or isolation

• Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much)

• Irritability, restlessness, or feeling “on edge”

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or unexplained pain

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (if you or someone you know is experiencing this, please seek immediate help)

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Integrated Care Is Essential

Treating epilepsy without addressing mental health is like treating only half the condition. Comprehensive epilepsy care should include:

Regular mental health screening: Neurologists and epilepsy specialists should routinely screen for depression and anxiety, not just seizure frequency.

Access to psychological support: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and counseling can be highly effective for managing anxiety and depression in epilepsy.

Medication review: If you’re experiencing mood changes, talk to your neurologist about whether your anti-seizure medications might be contributing. Sometimes adjustments can make a significant difference.

Peer support: Connecting with others who understand your experience can combat isolation and provide practical coping strategies. Support groups (both online and in-person!) can be invaluable.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

• Talk to your healthcare team: Be honest about your mental health. If your neurologist doesn’t ask, bring it up yourself. You deserve comprehensive care.

• Build your support network: Whether it’s trusted family members, friends, or peer support groups, connection is protective against isolation.

• Prioritize self-care: Quality sleep, regular movement, stress management techniques, and activities that bring you joy all support both seizure control and mental wellbeing.

• Educate those around you: Helping friends, family, and colleagues understand epilepsy reduces stigma and creates a more supportive environment.

• Consider technology and safety tools: Tools that help you feel safer and more independent can reduce the constant anxiety many people with epilepsy carry. Whether it’s epilepsy monitoring devices or apps that can alert loved ones during a crisis, the right support can provide genuine peace of mind.

A Special Note for Caregivers and Family Members

If someone you love has epilepsy, your role is invaluable, but it can also be emotionally and physically exhausting. Caregiver burnout is real, and your mental health matters too.

Remember to:

• Set boundaries and ask for help when you need it;

• Seek your own support (therapy, support groups, respite care);

• Communicate openly with your loved one about fears and needs;

• Celebrate small victories and moments of joy together. 

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary for sustainable, compassionate caregiving.

Building a Future of Hope and Innovation

The conversation around epilepsy and mental health is evolving. Researchers are uncovering the complex connections between seizures and mood. Advocates are fighting stigma. And innovators are developing technologies designed to give people with epilepsy greater safety, independence, and peace of mind.

At Lampsy, we understand that living with epilepsy means living with uncertainty, and that uncertainty takes a psychological toll.

That’s why we’re developing technology that goes beyond seizure detection. Our vision is to create tools that not only alert emergency contacts when abnormal movements are detected, but also provide the kind of reassurance and independence that supports mental wellbeing.

Because you deserve to live fully, safely, and freely without the constant weight of “what if.”