Stress and Seizures

[foreverdark]

Yesterday the dr's told us my mother has about a month to month and a half left. I am a person with a history of emotional problems. I am now concerned about the stress triggering seizures, because stress does seem to be a trigger at times, but I don't want to rely on my Diazapam, which does seem to help. Do any of you have any tips or tricks that may help?

[Nakamova]

I'm so sorry, foreverdark, losing a loving parent is so hard. Big hugs to you.

To protect yourself, the usual things apply -- get enough sleep, eat balanced meals. And if you can set aside at least half hour day to meditate, studies have shown that it makes a real difference in seizure control. If you can do it once in the morning and once in the evening, even better. And you don't have to "meditate" -- the idea is that you take a break, close your eyes, maybe listen to something soothing, lie down if that will help -- essentially "unplug" from everything around you. Another thing to try is taking a vigorous daily walk, with the same idea of giving your eyes something different to see and your mind something different to process, other than the grief that is front and center.

[Meetz1064]

sooooo sorry, Foreverdark.

I take a variety of options, depending on my mood....and how much stress I have to bust out. Today, I just may opt to go for a 10 mile walk. Some days, I'll do yoga, others I'll listen to meditational CDs, and meditate as Nakamova suggested. Other days, I'm all for walking and doing something totally physical, although my body pays for it later....the stress just flows out, and I feel soooo much better afterwards.

I know some people that choose to use martial arts, biking, or even carpentry as a way to work off their stress....so find something that you like to do, that you really need to FOCUS AND CONCENTRATE on. Then DO that. As you do that, the stress of the emotions of pain you're going through should begin to feel better.

Take care,

Meetz

[Zoofemme]

My chickens were my big stress relief. I kind of becamce obsessed about them and that drove my husband nuts but they helped me out a lot. Between the hours spent on genetics research, caring for and breeding them my mind was distracted. My husband bought us a nice house in town but the joke has been it was because he didn't want to be inundated with all things chicken again. Since my seizure activity increased he started looking into the city codes on animals in town and found there is no ordinance against poultry, lol. He asked if I wanted to get a couple of hens for the backyard

I should add that I was in a very dark place at one point in time...depressed, distressed and going through my own kind of grief. I may make light up above but you can find relief in some odd places...in the beginning I didn't want the chickens, to me they were just another burden I was going to have to bear.

[Endless]

Forever Dark,

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. That is so hard. I'm going to be thinking about you and sending some calm, comforting energy your way.

I'm assuming you live near your mom. Are you a caregiver to your mother? Do you have other family in the area? As a person becomes sicker, more and more tasks and care falls to the family, and it adds even more stress, becomes even more busy and affects sleep, etc.

I found support is a key part of managing stress through this. If you do have family in the area try to lean on each other for support, and also spread the responsibilities amongst you. If you don't have family in the area and it's just you and your mom, see if you can line up some support now (to help drive her to appointments, deliver meals to her, etc.) There are a lot of social service agencies and nonprofits that offer services. If your mom has been assigned a social worker, they can help. Your doctor's office may have some ideas. If she is in (or will be in) hospice, this aspect of things gets a little easier. All her needs are cared for there.

Breaks also helped me. Time out, away from the situation, both mentally and physically. Do whatever you love to do most, but get at least one afternoon off a week.

Other than that, talk to and lean on your friends (that definitely includes us), and remember to eat, sleep, and breathe.

[maureen]

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. All of the suggestions that I've read are great. Try and get plenty of rest, eat properly, meditate....all really useful in day to day life in getting around tough times. Also, if you're in a situation that is getting to you, try and excuse yourself, go to the bathroom, the hall and try a little deep breathing. That seems to help me get calmed down and refocused.

All the best to you and your family at this very difficult time.

[RobinN]

I do not have seizures but I wanted to share what helps me when I am under stress.
I work hard to move outside of myself. To be able to help others is a way to relieve the focus on my pain.

Perhaps there is a way to help your mom get her "things" in order. To help another family member cope. Volunteer in a place that brings sunshine to your life. My best stress release, since i am an artist is to draw or paint. Perhaps there is a creative way for you to honor your mother.