Epilepsy and Stress

Stress is a normal physical and mental response to life’s challenges.

From day-to-day responsibilities like work and family through to big life events like the loss of a loved one, stress can affect you at many different times in your life.

Seizures and Stress

Many people with epilepsy report having more frequent seizures when they are stressed. Others, who have experimented with stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, have noticed that they have fewer seizures. While more research into the relationship between seizures and stress needs to be done, reducing your stress levels will likely result in better seizure management.

Stress management cannot replace medication, but taking steps to reduce stress may help reduce your seizure frequency.

What happens when you feel stressed?

When you feel stressed, your body responds by releasing hormones that increase your breathing and heart rates. Your muscles may tighten, and you may experience chest pain, high blood pressure and digestive problems.

Signs of stress

Stress can sometimes be difficult to measure. This is because what is stressful for one person will not always be stressful for another.

A great way to monitor stress levels is to check if you (or the person you are caring for) is experiencing any physical symptoms such as tense muscles, rapid breathing, or a racing heartbeat.

Stress can also cause irritability, memory loss, and constant worrying. Behavioural changes such as finding it hard to relax, having difficulty sleeping, or increased alcohol use are also signs of stress.

Reducing stress

Understanding what causes you stress and avoiding unnecessarily stressful situations is a good first step.

If spending time with a particular person or visiting particular places is stressful, try to limit the amount of time you spend on these activities. You may also find the following techniques helpful:

• Exercise –whether gentle or intense, is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Meditation and breathing techniques that slow your breathing rate and quieten your mind can help you to relax.
• Time management – establishing priorities and routines can reduce stress.
• Cutting back on commitments can stop you from feeling too rushed.
• Connecting with other people – can improve mood and enhance well-being.
• Psychological approaches – assertiveness training, mental imagery, anxiety management, and work on self-esteem issues can reduce stress.
• Physical approaches – massage, singing, dancing and other enjoyable activities can reduce tension.
• Talk to a qualified mental health worker.
• Getting enough, good quality sleep.
• Taking your medication on time.
• If ongoing stress is a problem for you, talk to your doctor.

This information provides general information about epilepsy. It does not provide specific advice. Specific health and medical advice should always be obtained from an appropriately qualified health professional.