Parents of Children or Teens with Epilepsy – You Are Not Alone
Has your epileptic teen ever struggled with, or have you as his or her parent been concerned that your teen may suffer from:
- depression or anxiety
- problems socializing with peers or low self-esteem
- being bullied by classmates because of their epilepsy
Emotional and mental health is an important part of our overall wellness. Unfortunately, because of the fear and stigma our society harbors about mental illness, many of us are uncomfortable dealing with that part of our lives. So, we may overlook warning signs that we or our children are depressed or anxious, with sometimes disastrous consequences.
What is Project COPE?
Collaboration for Outreach and Prevention Education (COPE) for Children with Epilepsy
The COPE program consists of four sessions geared toward either the parents of children/teens who have epilepsy or the children/teens (ages 12 to 18) themselves.
Participants will learn about the importance of emotional wellness/mental health and how to cope with everyday stressors they may face.
Improving Access to Mental Health Care for Youth with Epilepsy
Despite continued progress in the treatment of epilepsy, the psychosocial outcome in adults is reported as poor, even in patients who reach seizure freedom. Rates of psychopathology are high in patients with epilepsy, ranging from 37 percent to 77 percent in children and adolescents with epilepsy. An analysis of 29 cohorts of patients with epilepsy demonstrated increased risk of suicide compared with the general population.
View or Print the Project COPE forms below
- For more information and to submit your suggestions, contact Tatiana Falcone, MD, 216.444.7459.
