A WEE COUNTY representative is encouraging constituents living with epilepsy to take part in a national survey to better understand the condition’s effects on mental health.
MSP Keith Brown is urging people to take part in the survey by Epilepsy Scotland, which is looking to understand the experiences of people of all ages living with the condition to enable the good cause to identify which specific support measures should be highlighted.
The Clacks and Dunblane representative said: “I am delighted to support Epilepsy Scotland in promoting this vitally important national survey to understand the specific mental health needs of people living with epilepsy in Scotland.
“Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition there is and, with the condition thought to affect a little over one person in every hundred, there are estimated to be over 700 people in my Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency living with epilepsy.
“There can be little doubt that epilepsy can have a significant impact on day-to-day life and on mental wellbeing.
“People living with epilepsy are more likely to develop mental health conditions including anxiety and depression as a result of the condition.
“The survey being carried out by Epilepsy Scotland seeks to quantify and understand that impact as they develop their campaign to increase awareness of epilepsy and mental health, and to improve the resources available for people with epilepsy.”
The survey will run for six weeks, closing on Monday, March 13.
Lesslie Young, chief executive at Epilepsy Scotland, said: “Epilepsy can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and almost every person we support through our national helpline is affected by mental health struggles.
“To someone living with uncontrolled seizures, there is a significant psychological impact of never knowing when the next seizure is going to happen.
“For some who have controlled seizures, the medication can have side effects which affect mood and mental health.
“I would encourage anyone living with epilepsy to share your experiences through our survey, to ensure your voice is heard.”
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