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Stress
and Epilepsy
The
link between stress and epilepsy
It
is widely accepted that we live in a stressful society. The
pressures of financial survival, work, travel in crowded cities
and meeting our responsibilities are just some of the stresses
that everyone experiences in their daily life.
For
people with epilepsy there may be additional stresses associated
with their condition. These included the need to take medication
regularly, uncertainty about when a seizure will occur, difficulties
gaining a driver's licence and dependency on others, to name
just a few.
The
effect of this stress, and the anxiety and emotion that accompany
it, can trigger seizures. An Australian study found that 63
per cent of respondents believed there was a relationship
between stress and seizure control.
Stress
management cannot replace the use of anticonvulsant medication.
However, together with regular medication, it can be one of
the most effective approaches to reducing seizures and living
well with epilepsy.
How
stress develops and how it affects the body
Stress
is a natural physical response by the body. It is believed
to be associated with the primitive 'flight or fight' instinct.
When confronted by a challenge, the body responds by releasing
a hormone called adrenalin which gives extra strength to the
muscles and sharpens our responses. This physical reaction
is designed to provide a quick response to a challenging situation.
The stress reaction can become a problem, however, if there
are too many challenges to the body at any one time.
Just
how much stress is too much varies for each individual. You
can recognise when you have too much stress in your life by
watching for certain changes in your behaviour. These changes
might include missing meals, drinking too much alcohol or
being unable to rest and relax.
Techniques
that help to reduce stress
There
is a wide range of techniques you can use to help manage and
reduce stress. Some techniques are outlined below.
Relaxation
and breathing: These techniques involve focusing on your
body and your breathing, consciously relaxing your muscles,
deepening your breathing and allowing your thoughts to flow
without attempting to control them.
Meditation:
Meditation emphasises relaxing the mind, techniques such
as observing thoughts and emotions, and focusing on your breathing.
Exercise:
Regular exercise helps keep you fit and can induce better
sleep and a healthy appetite. It often contributes to a sense
of well-being, by providing a break from day-to-day worries,
and gives a sense of control and achievement.
Gentle
movement - such as simple stretching, rocking, and moving
hands and arms - can relax and calm the body.
Time
management: This approach addresses excessive demands
within work and personal time. It involves techniques such
as establishing priorities, using lists, notes and a diary,
taking time for yourself and rewarding yourself for a job
well done.
Assertiveness
training: Assertiveness is an approach that helps you
better communicate your feelings and needs, without aggression,
in both personal and professional areas of your life. This
technique also emphasises the importance of listening to and
respecting the other person or people in the discussion.
Improving
self-esteem: By becoming aware of the power of your own
thoughts in creating your self-image, this technique builds
up positive thought and reduces negative ones. It involves
actively learning about yourself and taking more control of
your life.
Anxiety
management: Anticipating problems also causes stress.
A range of approaches can help to diminish anxiety. These
include identifying your fears and learning to take control
of your life, to name just two.
Original
courtesy of Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria
Revised April 2002
This
information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South
Australia Inc on the Internet is designed to provide basic
information about epilepsy. It is not intended, nor does it
constitute medical or other professional advice. Diagnosis
and advice on medical care or other assessments should be
sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified professional.
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