Could I Be Depressed?

Hi there. I am new in this forum. I am newly dx with Epilepsy. Right now I am off on medical leave from work, and taking 3 different anti-seizure meds. I just started a new seizure med Keppra about 10 days ago. I have been under a lot of stress since Christmas and my seizures have increased....my meds have increased accordingly. Have noticed that lately have had crying spells, been very emotional, moody, mood swings....doctor asked me lst time I was in there if I thought I was depressed cuz I cried the whole appt. I guess? I am not sure if I am depressed due to diagnosis/life changes...meds....or just losing it plain and simple lol! I do see a counsellor once every 2 weeks and now that I am on med leave am able to see her again, would appreciate any help possible. Thanks so much!

Hi SheeNA GIRL,
Have you always had mood swings and or depression. If not maybe it's a side effect of the meds you are on. my husband has epilepsy controled by meds. he's very quiet and his moods are so mild. allmost doesn't get excited or worked up about anything. I think it's a side effects. I am the strong, vocal person, he's the quiet resevred person. But you mayu want to talk to your doc or counseler about your mood swings and depression. But at the same time getting a medical diagnosis that is life changing can certainly put youinto a depression, until you learn more about your illness and learn what you have to do to cope. Try to do things that are positive and bring you joy or just makes you feel good. I like to do craft type projects to help me keep my mind off of having crohns disease which is a hard diagnosis to swollow. very painful anf sick all the time. But I get up everyday and try to find a bright spot or creat one. You can do things to help you feel better. What evber is on your mind or getting you down, you should talk about it or write in a journel, that might help you get somethings off your chest and lighten your load. I hope you start feeling better soon. Keep coming here and talking or venting, whatever it is you need to do to feel even a little bit better... Take care and be well... Donna

Hi Donna! Thanks for the info and support I really appreciate it...no I have not always had mood swings and depression. I have always had worrying/anxiety issues but not depression by any means or the crying jags I am experiencing. I attribute a lot to lack of sleep as well...it has been well over a week of disrupted sleep from the bizarre dreams/seizures??? I have been having. I have just started writing a journal and been trying out a few new hobbies as I am on a med. leave right now. Thanks so much for your help. Sorry to hear that you have to have so much daily trouble and pain, but good to hear you are so positive about it way to to!! Sounds like you keep busy and have a wonderful attitude! You made me feel better about things!

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TWILIGHT ....love generously...praise loudly...live fully!! (elias porter)\

hey everyone, thought I'd add here since I'm having similar problems,

I was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease and have become very emotional, negative, mood swingy and I cry very easily. I'm told that depression can be a symptom of Lyme, or maybe just because of all the stress I've been going through with all this medical stuff?? I'm just looking for a little advice from you all as to how to deal with this sadness (even if it's temporary for me...maybe) and what has worked for you all. Anyone find a counselor helpful? Meds? etc... thanks, lg

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 Seizures are a nasty little thing, aren't they? They are unwelcomed little annoyances and get all who have them in an uproar and can ruin a perfectly good day. I was on three different ones but only one at a time. I started on dilantin and then to neurontin and now on depakote. It works fine and I take a total of 3,000 mgs a day. We get so disrought after a seizure and it takes so much out of us. I wish that was my biggest downfall. Unfortunately, it's not. Hang in there.

Having2leftfeet-Hi -yes the seizures are nasty! The thing is right now I am not sure what is upsetting me the most the seizures the meds the diagnosis the lack of sleep the IBS the stress the Epilepsy itself....its all so confusing isnt it??? I do see a counsellor and it does help tremendously I find to talk to someone. These forums on the web have also been wonderful...talking to others in the same situation can be very comforting too. Thank you for your help!

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TWILIGHT ....love generously...praise loudly...live fully!! (elias porter)\

Hi Lyme Girl

I am sorry to hear that you are going a similiar situation, not much fun is it? I am sure that it could very well be a combo of all the things you mentioned that are causing the symptoms/signs you mention. I do find that talking to my counsellor really helps and to my doctor as well.

I would definetly mention the crying and mood swings to your doctor as your meds may be too high or low in dosage. I also find these forums are very helpful ....keep posting....and make sure you report your symptoms to your doctor and specialist asap especially if you were just put on these meds. and most important remember I am not a doctor...just friendly advice...good luck and hope you are feeling better! You can post to me anytime! (((Sheena)))

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TWILIGHT ....love generously...praise loudly...live fully!! (elias porter)\

Thanks all. I think we might be getting a counselor for me, and until then, I'm glad there's people here to talk to.

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you guys are so wonderfull , how you help each other and inspire each other.. you inspire me also may god be with you guys. can you please explain what is the symptum of seizures? is it similar to a panic attack? or some kind of anixety? does it mean you worry a lot when it happens? i have deppresion but also sometimes when if something bad happens i become increasingly worried and feel a little panic and crying even if it's something very normal like my parents went away for just 1 week and on the night before they left i felt very very worried and paniced about the situation like a baby! it felt very unusual to me, i mean i used to live alone in the past a few years back , and i was able to deal with being loonly, but now i feel weak i worry a lot about being alone maybe it's because of my deppresion.. and sometimes when i am trying to sleep i keep worrying and thinking about everything and my body becomes so alert as if it's trying to avoid sleep at any cost.. i feel some sort of panic while trying to sleep and i feel like getting out of bed even though my body is tiered..

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                                                     To be or not to Be

Just adding my well wishes as you go through this storm called life. I often ask myself why I have the chronic aliments that I do and found that I was living in spite of having my health issues. After alot of therapy to come to terms with a chronic health condition, I am just starting to learn to live with it. Good luck in finding the answers you are looking for. Know that we are here when you need us.

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We can respond to irritation with a smile instead of scowl, or by giving warm praise instead of icy indifference. By our being understanding instead of abrupt, others, in turn, may decide to hold on a little longer rather than to give way. Love, patience, and meekness can be just as contagious as rudeness and crudeness.