Epilepsy & Mental Health Are More Connected Than People Realize with Monica Lopez Morales

In this episode of the KCNA2 & Rare Epilepsy Podcast, Monica Lopez Morales returns for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about the connection between epilepsy and mental health. Drawing from more than four decades of lived experience, Monica shares how epilepsy can affect far more than seizures alone, touching anxiety, depression, PTSD, stigma, isolation, and the daily emotional weight that many people carry silently. Together, Monica and Nancy talk about what seizures are in simple terms, how epilepsy and mental health are deeply intertwined, and why emotional wellness should be part of epilepsy care from the very beginning. Monica also speaks candidly about support groups, self-advocacy, safe disclosure, movement, nutrition, and recognizing when help is needed. This episode is especially valuable for adults living with epilepsy, parents raising children with epilepsy, family members, caregivers, and clinicians. It is also an important reminder that epilepsy affects the whole family, and that mental health symptoms may impact parents, siblings, and caregivers too. Monica encourages families to create safe spaces for children and teens to talk openly, and she reminds listeners that no one should have to carry this alone. And remember... This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It also includes discussion of depression, suicidal ideation, and mental health challenges related to epilepsy. Please speak with your doctor or epilepsy care team about diagnosis, treatment, medications, seizure safety, and mental health support. Chapters 00:00 What a seizure is in simple terms 01:27 Introduction and welcome 01:53 Monica Lopez shares her epilepsy journey 02:46 What epilepsy and seizures actually are 04:23 What seizures can look like from the outside 05:57 Why epilepsy affects more than seizures 07:17 Depression anxiety and PTSD in epilepsy 08:31 Why mental health symptoms look different for everyone 10:10 Finding support and not facing epilepsy alone 12:37 How depression changed across Monica’s life 14:42 Mental health comorbidities and stigma 17:33 Disclosure safety and telling others about epilepsy 19:31 Suicidal ideation and epilepsy 20:40 How to respond and where support begins 24:03 Hope coping and finding joy in daily life 27:20 How fitness helped Monica heal and rebuild 30:03 What to do first if you are struggling 31:15 What clinicians and families need to understand 33:34 Supporting children teens and families About KCNA2 KCNA2-related epilepsy is a rare neurological condition that affects how the brain sends electrical signals, often leading to seizures, movement challenges, and developmental differences. Every experience is unique, but community and shared stories play a critical role in support and understanding. You can read more on our website https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/ Hashtags #Epilepsy #MentalHealth #RareEpilepsy #KCNA2 #EpilepsyAwareness #Depression #Anxiety #SUDEP #SeizureDisorder #CaregiverSupport #EpilepsySupport #RareDisease #ParentSupport