The estimated 752 people living with epilepsy across the Dumbarton constituency are encouraged to open up about their mental health following concerns raised in a recent report published by a leading Scottish epilepsy charity.

The report by Epilepsy Scotland has found that over half of people living with epilepsy who took part in a national survey said it was ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ talking about their mental health

The Epilepsy on the Mind revealed that in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that 34 percent of people living with epilepsy in the health board area who responded to the survey said they have depression and 48 percent have anxiety. While 61 percent of people in the health board area said that their epilepsy has a “significant impact” on their mental health.

Nationally, 1 in 3 people said they have depression and 46 percent said they have anxiety – 1 in 4 said they have both.

The report was debated by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament recently after a motion lodged by Alasdair Allan MSP to highlight the findings received support from all five of Holyrood’s political parties.

Jackie Baillie said: “There are estimated to be around 58,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy, including 752 here in my Dumbarton constituency.

“It is common for someone living with epilepsy to develop a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, as has been highlighted within the Epilepsy on the Mind report.

“Epilepsy is a serious and very complex condition which can impact so many aspects of a person’s life from relationships and social life to employment and education.

“Due to the link between epilepsy and mental health, I would encourage constituents living with epilepsy to seek support if they are struggling mentally. Epilepsy Scotland’s free and confidential helpline is an important source of information and their helpline officers can help you find the support you require.”

Ross Cunningham, Policy & Communications Manager at Epilepsy Scotland added: “Epilepsy Scotland is delighted to have the support of [MSP name] in highlighting the findings of our Epilepsy on the Mind report and in encouraging more members of the public to open up about their mental health.

“Many people living with epilepsy find it challenging to open up, which is why raising awareness of this report and the link between epilepsy and mental health is so important. It can help to reduce the stigma of an often misunderstood condition and highlight the support available, including Epilepsy Scotland’s national helpline.

“It is extremely concerning that 1 in 3 people living with epilepsy in Scotland who took part in this survey said they have depression and almost half said they have anxiety.

“Epilepsy Scotland looks forward to working closely with MSPs across Parliament on the report’s recommendations to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy throughout Scotland.”