First, I want to say how great it is that you all come here to talk and get opinions about epilepsy. I have a sister who is 30 years old, she has had it since she was 14. Right now she is down at the hospital in Phila PA being monitored to see if she is a candidate for surgery on the front right temporal lobe of her brain. She has been incredibly depressed for a long time now, she has lost a tremendous amount of weight and I have tried talking to her about how important her health is. She does not exercise, doesn't eat right, drinks soda, does not take vitamins and the worst part of it all, she smokes cigarettes! Have any of you battled depression? Is there anything that I can do for her? I am so afraid of the worst happening to her and I won't stop trying to get through to her. I know that I don't have epilepsy and I may not be able to fully understand what it is like to have it, but I am not understanding why she is not doing everything that she should be to be healthy & happy. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
I love your nickname and can relate to that one!
You're a great sister for her. It sounds like you have an excellent grip on where she needs to improve her health habits. It might be a good idea to see if a doctor can obtain a blood level of her epilepsy medication. Some medications that are used for epilepsy are also used to treat depression. Maybe a simple switch in meds would work for her. Or, maybe she's taking a high dosage of a depressant/barbituate that needs to be reduced.
If you could do it, I'd ask to see if she would give you permission to visit her neurologist or physician. With privacy laws, you'd have to obtain that permission (probably in writing). They're really touchy about that stuff.
One thing she may also need to start is calcium supplements. Some epilepsy medications can contribute to osteoporosis. And, vitamin D can help the absorption of the calcium. I personally take chewable calcium supplements (a chocolate fix!).
Personally, for me, epilepsy can be a double challenge to control seizures and to also fit in with everybody else. I usually tell close friends about the epilepsy. The people who mock it are definitely not worth my time. That's the kind of battle we constantly face. I'd love to educate those around me who know little about it without suffering the stigma of being ostracized.
I fight any depressing issues on a constant basis by FAITHFULLY walking my border collie at least 2 miles every night. The exercise helps maintain good bone structure, releases endorphins (that alone fights depression), and gets rid of adrenaline.
This definitely sounds like a potential issue of depression and possible anorexia.
Does she have kids or husband/mate? I'm wondering if she's incredibly lonely. I've known people who get so down after they lose a loved one that they lose a lot of weight.
Also, there are pets who can be extremely therapeutic. My dog is a great companion. She's always by my side. We're mates!
Hopefully, they'll take good care of her in Philly and figure this one out.
First, you seem like a great sibling. 
