Patients & families

For Carers & Families

Supporting someone through epilepsy and medicine changes can feel confusing and isolating. This page offers a structured starting point while keeping the person’s dignity, safety, and voice central.

Urgent concern? If someone is at immediate risk, severely confused, experiencing psychosis, or expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact local emergency services or a crisis line. Do not wait for a routine appointment.

Notice and record changes

Write down what changed, when it began, how often it happens, and whether it followed a new medicine or dose change. A short factual record can help a clinical conversation.

Use appointment toolkit

Start a supportive conversation

Choose a calm time, describe what you have noticed without blame, and ask what support would feel helpful. You do not have to solve everything at once.

Open quick guide

Find support for both of you

Epilepsy organisations and mental-health services can offer practical information, peer connection, and options for carers as well as the person with epilepsy.

Explore resources

Your wellbeing matters too

Caring can create stress, worry, and exhaustion. Use the mental-health resources in the support directory, talk with someone you trust, and ask for practical help when you need it.

Find support resources

Make the next appointment easier

Ask the person you support what they would like you to help record or raise. The appointment toolkit can be printed or saved privately in the browser.