Anxiety

Mental health wellbeing space

So what is anxiety?

One of our Young Reps looking serious

For lots of people it’s extreme worry, nervousness or a fear of losing control. For others it can cause unease and panic.

Anxiety is common emotion that many people experience, from mild to more severe forms. And it’s ok to feel anxious, especially during times of stress. Anxiety can motivate us: it’s not always a negative emotion. But it affects everyone differently, and sometimes anxiety can become more intense or all consuming, which can really impact on your mental health and wellbeing. What’s important is how you manage your anxiety, and that you find the best coping mechanisms to suit you.

How does it affect people with epilepsy?

Seizures and anxiety often go hand in hand. The fear of having a seizure, not knowing where or when it could happen can make you feel anxious. An epilepsy diagnosis can also cause anxiety, so can feeling excluded from doing the things you enjoy because of your epilepsy. Anxiety can also be a side effect of some ASMs. It’s a natural human emotion so be kind to yourself if you’re anxious and remember you’re not alone. Since Covid-19, 1 in 6 people have experienced some form of anxiety, without living with epilepsy too.

Anxiety can cause panic attacks and the symptoms are very similar to some seizures, lasting between 5-20 minutes. Knowing the symptoms of anxiety could reduce their impact and your stress levels. These include:

  • Intense feelings of nervousness
  • Sweating
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Hyperventilation
  • Flushing of the skin
  • Feeling sick
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach pains
  • Muscle pains and tension
  • Dry mouth
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Tiredness

Are you struggling to cope?

Shout is a free, confidential and 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK

To start a conversation, text PURPLE to 85258

Shout’s trained volunteers are available around the clock to listen and support anyone who is suicidal, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed. The service is anonymous and does not show up on phone bills.

find out more about our partnership with Shout.

Young people with epilepsy told us

Young people with epilepsy who responded to our survey told us:

  • 99%

    Epilepsy has had an impact on their mental health

    99% of young people, who responded to our survey, told us living with epilepsy has had an impact on their mental health

  • 66%

    Physical health

    66% told us it had an effect on their physical health

You are never alone

Other young people with epilepsy describe the impact on their mental wellbeing as:

“[I’m] constantly anxious about when and how bad my next seizure will be.”

“Epilepsy has completely changed who I am as a person, affected my confidence and I have developed a life-long battle with anxiety.”

“The constant thought of breaking into a seizure in public and at work causes me nothing but constant anxiety.”

“I was scared to go out by myself for a good year and a half… my epilepsy has caused so much anxiety.”

I was diagnosed with absence epilepsy at eleven years old. Since then I have been on a journey with my anxiety.
Jasmine Young Rep

What can I do if I feel anxious?

Focus on your senses: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste.

The 10 second rule: Focus on getting through the next 10 seconds, and breaking each hour into manageable chunks of time. If you feel that worry start to rise, wait 10 seconds before you respond. That's it. Just stop.

Practice square breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4 and repeat.

Have you heard of CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)? If you are struggling with severe anxiety, visit your GP and they may refer you for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. 

Practice mindfulness when you’re brushing your teeth, eating a meal, walking outside. Actively using the senses to make yourself fully present with whatever you are doing.

Listen to a relatable podcast, such as 'The Anxiety Podcast'. There are lots of others available on iTunes and Spotify for free. 

Try Art Therapy such as adult mindful colouring.

Guided Meditations to support with breath work are available for free on Youtube.

A photograph of Joe, one of our Young Reps

Our Young Reps share their advice...

Where can I access support?

If you feel you are experiencing anxiety, please contact your GP. 

Find urgent help and support here.

If you are struggling with anxiety, remember, you are not alone. 

Try downloading one of these apps that young people recommend:

  • Calm - The number one app for meditation and sleep  
  • Headspace - A meditation and mindfulness app for reducing stress & better sleep
  • WorryTree - Helps you record, manage and problem solve your worries and anxiety based on CBT techniques. Built by worriers, for worriers.

If you feel like you would like to talk to someone, you can contact us or reach out to one of the organisations below. There are people ready and waiting to support you:

Throughout our #OnTopOfEpilepsy campaign, our supporters shared messages of support to children and young people with epilepsy who may be struggling.

Explain to your friends how you are feeling and why. I think you will be surprised how understanding and supportive people can be . xx

The mental health wellbeing space

Explore other emotions

The mental health wellbeing space

Depression

Depression effects on average 1 in 6 people in the UK. If you have epilepsy this is 1 in 3. Everyone feels sad from time to time, but a constant low mood shouldn’t be ignored.

The mental health wellbeing space

Isolation

Isolation is a word we may associate with being physically alone, but you can feel isolated in a room full of people. As a young person with epilepsy, isolation is a feeling you may know well.

The mental health wellbeing space

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed is an emotion that can cause physical strain during difficult times. It can make you feel like there’s not enough hours in the day, like you have too much to cope with.

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Self-Worth

Self-worth is how you value yourself. It’s also easily bruised, because it can be the hardest thing to protect.