how do you cope or be happy - Epilepsy Message Board

sammi2 · 11-09-2007, 04:32 PM

I know that may be a silly question but seems like I am always waiting for another seizure or something weird to hit. If I am feeling well in the back of my mind I am wondering what next. I don't ever feel joy anymore. I try to act happy for the family but inside I feel sad.
I just wondered if anyone else felt this way. Thanks.

Travis from MN · 11-09-2007, 07:46 PM

Part may be the lack of sunlight possibly? It's called S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder. It can cause slight mood swings, mainly moodyness towards depression due to lack of seeing natural sunlight. They have a very simple remedy (light exposure!) no added medication to help with this.

It's common in the northern states this time of year due to the tilt of the earth.

I will often be in my rooms for a few days at a time, no reason to go out. I can relate. However I don't fret the onset of seizures. Mainly due to having them since childhood.

--Travis

neurowreck · 11-09-2007, 11:47 PM

I know what you're saying, and do avoid going out (since I'm alone) and being in a vulnerable situation if a seizure would hit.... but at the same time, even with all of the other medical problems, I could be in worse shape.

sammi2 · 11-10-2007, 06:04 AM

Thanks for your reply. I love being in the sunlight but even in the south it's cold now. I think being alone so much & feeling like there's no one that cares is probably the worst part. I always feel fortunate & realize that there are much worse things.

life_is_good · 11-10-2007, 06:39 AM

Sammi,

It's not a silly question at all. When I was first diagnosed, I was petrified to be alone and that a seizure would hit at any time. It happened at school during finals, while at work, and soon I realized it was going to happen and it was something I couldn't control and it was not going to control my life. I surrounded myself with people who understood. I did not hide it from my employers, my boyfriend (now husband), as well as my friends. I am not ashamed, E is part of who I am and I embrace it.

In addition to having pretty severe health issues myself, I have suffered profound losses in my life (death of first husband, passing of mom and dad) I've taught children with extremely severe physical disabilities. Having experienced these tragedies has certainly put epilepsy into perspective. I feel I have a true appreciation for life and all that there is to love about it.

It is just sad that I had to have gone through all of that turmoil to appreciate all that is good in the world. I hope you are able to find joy again. If you can't speak to family or friends, perhaps you can talk to your doctor. Nobody should have to live with sadness.