Changing the Conversation About Epilepsy

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Anna Shapiro Krew, Director of Epilepsy Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, we explore the often-overlooked connection between epilepsy and mental health.

Dr. Shapiro Krew joins Empowering Epilepsy Founder and Executive Director Leigh Goldie to discuss ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar symptoms, and other mental health conditions that can affect people living with epilepsy. She explains why these conditions may be biologically connected to epilepsy, why mental health symptoms can sometimes appear before seizures begin, and why people should feel comfortable discussing them with their epilepsy care team.

The conversation also explores treatment options, communication between mental health providers and epileptologists, and the importance of clearly telling your doctor when symptoms are affecting your quality of life.

Most importantly, Dr. Shapiro Krew emphasizes the power of connection. Support groups, shared experiences, and open conversations can help reduce the isolation that often accompanies epilepsy and mental health challenges.

In this episode:
• ADHD and epilepsy, including treatment considerations
• Depression, anxiety, and bipolar symptoms
• How mental health and epilepsy may be biologically connected
• What to tell your doctor when you need help
• Why treating mental health can improve overall quality of life
• The importance of community, support groups, and knowing you are not alone

Mental health challenges are not something people with epilepsy simply have to “push through.” Help is available, treatment matters, and talking about mental health is an important part of changing the conversation about epilepsy.

Learn more about Empowering Epilepsy, our programs, support groups, and resources at EmpoweringEpilepsy.org.

Mental health is an important, and often overlooked, part of living with epilepsy.In this episode of Changing the Conversation About Epilepsy, Empowering Epilepsy Founder and Executive Director Leigh Goldie talks with Dr. Anna Shapiro Krew, Director of the Epilepsy Psychiatry Center at Cleveland Clinic, about the connection between epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and overall mental health.

They explore how epilepsy can affect mood both emotionally and biologically, why anxiety and depression are so common among people with epilepsy, and how the uncertainty of seizures can impact confidence, relationships, and everyday life. Dr. Shapiro Krew also discusses the importance of talking openly with your neurologist about mental health, advocating for yourself, and creating a collaborative approach to care.

Most importantly, this conversation reinforces a powerful message: mental health is not separate from the epilepsy journey, it is an important part of treating the whole person.

Living with epilepsy does not mean giving up an active lifestyle. In this episode of Changing the Conversation, Leigh Goldie, Founder and Executive director of Empowering Epilepsy, talks with certified personal trainer Jan Gutowski about how Functional Fitness can help people with epilepsy build strength, confidence, balance, and connection in a safe and supportive environment.

https://www.empoweringepilepsy.org/events/functional-fitness

Jan shares how Empowering Epilepsy’s Functional Fitness classes are designed for all abilities, with adaptable exercises, personalized options, and a focus on discovering what each person can do. From weighted balls and resistance bands to balance exercises and agility training, participants learn that movement can be empowering at every level.

Tune in to hear how fitness can help change the conversation around epilepsy by building confidence, improving physical abilities, and creating a community where everyone belongs.

Empowering Epilepsy

Episode 1: Welcome to Changing the Conversation About Epilepsy

In this pilot episode, we introduce Changing the Conversation About Epilepsy, a new podcast from Empowering Epilepsy created to educate, support, and empower people living with epilepsy, their families, and caregivers.

We’ll share why this podcast was created and what listeners can expect in future episodes, including conversations with epileptologists, epilepsy specialists, neuropsychologists, advocates, and people with lived experience. We’ll explore the many sides of epilepsy, from understanding seizures and preparing for medical appointments to improving sleep, exercise, mental wellness, and everyday quality of life.

Join us as we work to break down myths, answer questions, share resources, and help change the conversation around epilepsy, one story at a time.