Support groups for epilepsy may provide help and information for people who have the condition. These groups are available online and in person.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes reoccurring seizures. It is a chronic condition, meaning it is long term. Having a long-term condition can result in a person developing issues with their mental health.
Information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that depression is
Support groups provide a space for people to talk with their peers and share help and information. This may help a person with a chronic illness alongside psychological symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
This article discusses finding support groups for people with epilepsy and how to choose the right group.
Support groups for epilepsy connect people with the condition. This allows a person to share their experiences and issues with their peers.
A study from 2019 states that group work can benefit people with chronic illnesses. Researchers noted that group work could provide:
- improved outcomes
- patient support
- reduced medical costs
Additionally, researchers found that groups with a healthcare professional in attendance had improvements in:
- pain
- psychological symptoms
- self-belief
- self-care
- quality of life
Targeted Self-Management for Epilepsy and Mental Illness (TIME)
TIME is a behavioral program designed for people who have epilepsy. Participants meet in groups of
TIME involves
- facts versus myths about epilepsy and mental health
- forming an action plan for coping with symptoms
- setting goals
- stress management
- how to talk with healthcare professionals
Following these sessions, a person will receive phone calls from the nurse to offer support and self-care.
Certain people who have epilepsy may be unable to attend in-person support groups. They may prefer to connect with a support group online.
Various sites offer online support for people who have epilepsy, such as:
- social media groups provided by the Epilepsy Foundation
- virtual adult support group provided by the Epilepsy Foundation
- Zoom meetings provided by the Epilepsy Foundation branch in Colorado and Wyoming
- virtual support provided by the Epilepsy Foundation branch in Northern California
- virtual support groups for teenagers and parents provided by Valley Children’s Healthcare
- Facebook support groups provided by the Epilepsy Alliance branch in Florida
A person may also be able to find online support groups in their state via the Epilepsy Foundation.
There are many support groups for people with epilepsy in the United States. The Epilepsy Foundation has a tool that allows a person to locate local support groups.
The Epilepsy Foundation also lists virtual and in-person support groups and events in various states.
Additionally, the Epilepsy Alliance America lists organizations that provide support groups in several states.
A person may choose a support group based on their age, location, or type of epilepsy they have. People with family members who have epilepsy may also want to find a support group.
A healthcare professional may be able to help a person find a suitable support group.
The Epilepsy Foundation offers a 24-7 Helpline that provides support and information for people who have epilepsy. They can also help a person find support or help in their area. The organization also provides an online toolkit for people seeking help or information about epilepsy.
The
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological health condition. A person who has epilepsy may find it beneficial to become part of a support group.
Support groups allow people to discuss their experiences and provide information to their peers. Studies indicate that group work can help reduce depression in people who have epilepsy.
There are many resources a person can use to find the right support group for them. If they have difficulty finding a local support group, they can speak with a doctor about available options.