Epilepsy causing social awkwardness?

[oversteps]

I developed epilepsy almost four years ago now, and I can remember becoming increasingly awkward in everyday social circumstances without fully understanding why. I was always reasonably shy, but at the time I developed epilepsy, it hit a new peak. Now this shyness has become a major handicap in my life and I find even basic small talk with acquaintances arduous.

Could it be that my epilepsy, or medication (200mg lamotrigine daily) were/are responsible for this?

..and if so what are my options in finding a solution to this problem?

A friend of mind recommended vallium/diazepam but I have no idea if/how to get it from the NHS.


Thank you kindly.

 

[PFunk]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I hate making conversation, especially when meeting new people. It’s a lot of work, and I hate awkward silences. I also feel like I have to put all the effort into maintaining any discussion. Larges social group = high anxiety. I have recently started to employ a new approach called the "Who the hell cares". You have nothing to say, well, who the hell cares. Am I coming off as a little weird, who the hell cares. Am I standing here not talking to anyone, who the hell cares. Do I have a giant ball of snot hanging out of my nose, who the hell cares…. Surprisingly it has helped. Being self conscious had inhibited may ability to socialize. Another thing that helps is to hang by a close friend, partner or family member and piggy back off of their conversation. You can let them handle the bulk of the conversation while interjecting with your ground breaking epiphanies. It’s easier and you'll come off as a genius. I realize my situation may be very different from yours, but maybe in some way it can help. As far as the drugs or epilepsy... who knows. It all probably plays a role, I try not to think about it. If you current situation does have a dramatic impact on your life, then its defiantly worth looking into and talking to your doc about.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi oversteps, welcome to CWE!

There could be a connection between your shyness and the onset of your epilepsy, but it can be hard to untangle the strands in hindsight. As P-Funk says... "who knows. It all probably plays a role." What matters now is finding the right tools to move forward. While valium might help in the short-term, I think it would be better in the long run to find strategies that are not drug-dependent, if at all possible. Do you see a therapist? A counselor or therapist might be able to give you perspective on how you present yourself, and practical tools to help you feel more comfortable and confident in public.

Best,
Nakamova