Epilepsy Talk

Wounds that time won’t heal — childhood abuse and epilepsy

October 7, 2022
4 Comments

All types of abuse — sexual, physical, and emotional (including verbal abuse and witnessing domestic violence) raise the risk of depression, anxiety and epilepsy-like symptoms.

Research featured in Harvard Mental Health Letter and published in The American Journal of Psychiatry looked at the damage that hostile words, and/or yelling can have on a child.

They found “words are weapons that can cause lasting wounds, especially when wielded by parents against children.


What Part of Your Epilepsy Do You Hate Most?

May 16, 2022
29 Comments

Compared to others, I know I’m very lucky, but the concussions really stink.

And the anxiety never goes away.


Epilepsy, Anxiety and Depression 

March 21, 2022
18 Comments

One study stated that 80% of the patients with epilepsy were also diagnosed as having a depressive disorder.

Upwards of 60% of these individuals had a history of significant episodes of depression.

And 10-32% experience symptoms of anxiety.


Some Stress and Anxiety Solutions… 

March 17, 2022
10 Comments

Sometimes my hands shake so much, I look like I’m leading a symphony. (Without a baton.) Legs too, I have to sit down.

Maybe you panic before a test, the very fear of having a seizure, social rejection, job anxieties, debt, fear of failure, an anticipated argument, holidays, fear of flying.

Or the daunting prospect of being alone without any support system. Or even death itself.

There are probably as many kinds of stress and panic attacks as there are those of us who suffer from them.


Seizure Provoking Conditions…

December 19, 2021
9 Comments

Few of these conditions will cause epilepsy itself…but many can lead to seizures. So consider this a definition of the possibilities…


When it’s not “just” epilepsy…

August 4, 2021
4 Comments

At least 50 percent of adults with active epilepsy are also living with other health conditions say experts at a leading epilepsy medical research charity.


Why would a psychiatrist be embarrassed?

July 23, 2021
7 Comments

Pills. Medication. They’re a sign of mental illness.

Even if you take them for depression, stability, anxiety.

There must be something inherently wrong with you.

What does it mean if you do need medication?

Are you’re crazy? Mentally ill? Unstable? Unreliable?

What if you ARE a psychiatrist AND take medication?


What Part of Your Epilepsy Do You Hate Most?

May 16, 2020
172 Comments

Compared to others, I know I’m very lucky, but the concussions really stink.

And the anxiety never goes away.


Traumatic and Post Traumatic Stress — Online Support Groups

April 19, 2014
10 Comments

It’s incredible. When I researched resources for Traumatic Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, there weren’t many.

An embarrassing shortage, considering the magnitude of need.

That’s the sad news.

The good news is that I found loads of all kinds of different stress disorder support groups online.

This is just a small sampling of different Traumatic Stress and Post Traumatic Stress support groups.

To find more, simply type in your subject and look for forums or support groups.

There’s a wealth of wonderful resources for those who have shared whatever trauma you’ve suffered.


    About the author

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    I've been a professional copywriter for over 35 years. I also had epilepsy for decades. My mission is advocacy; to increase education, awareness and funding for epilepsy research. Together, we can make a huge difference. If not changing the world, at least helping each other, with wisdom, compassion and sharing.

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