By Lucy Ashton
Jackie Baillie is encouraging the estimated 752 constituents living with epilepsy throughout the Dumbarton constituency to make their voices heard.
She is calling on people with epilepsy in Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond to take part in a new national survey to understand the affect epilepsy can have on mental health, launched this week by Epilepsy Scotland.
Epilepsy is defined as the tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain and there are an estimated 58,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy, which is the most common neurological condition.
This new national survey looks to understand the experiences of people of all ages living with epilepsy across Scotland and seeks to identify which specific support measures should be highlighted.
The Dumbarton constituency MSP, left, 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.
“In my constituency there are estimated to be 752 people living with epilepsy, which can have a significant impact on their day-to-day life and on mental well-being.
“People living with epilepsy are more likely to develop mental health conditions including anxiety and depression as a result of the condition.
“I would encourage all my constituents and people across Scotland with epilepsy to make their voices heard through this vital survey.”
Leslie Young, Chief Executive of Epilepsy Scotland, added: “We are pleased to have the support of Jackie Baillie in promoting our ‘It’s Time to Talk about Epilepsy’ mental health survey to people living in the Dumbarton constituency and across Scotland.
“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.”
The survey will run for six weeks and will close on Monday 13 March 2023. To complete the survey, please go to https://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/mentalhealthsurvey/
Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in 97 people. We represent the estimated 58,000 people with epilepsy, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers support and information.
People can email (contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk), text 07786 209501, find us on Facebook, use twitter @epilepsy_scot or visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk.
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder and is defined as the tendency to have repeated seizures (not just one) which starts in the brain. A brief disturbance in the brain’s normal electrical activity causes the nerve cells to fire off random signals. The result is like an electrical storm that causes a temporary overload in the brain. There are over 40 different types of seizures. Some end in seconds while others may last several minutes. People may lose their awareness of what is happening or where they are during a seizure. They may lose consciousness altogether.