Mental health and wellbeing
Just like physical health, our mental health is an essential part of overall wellbeing. It influences how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. In people living with neurological conditions, mental health can be particularly vulnerable.
Mental health problems in neurological conditions are often a direct result of changes in brain function, coping with chronic illness, or the social and emotional impact of a diagnosis. It can affect your ability to take part in and enjoy life just as much as other symptoms, and they deserve the same level of attention and care.
At Affidea neuraCare, you’ll receive personalized care from a world-class team, where neurologists and neuropsychologists collaborate closely to provide whole-person care. By addressing the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of neurological conditions together, we ensure a personalized treatment plan that supports your overall wellbeing at every stage of your journey.
Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or supporting a loved one, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn how a neurological condition can affect your mental health, and the exceptional care pathway at Affidea neuraCare.
Whether it’s long-term or short-term, having a neurological condition can affect more than just physical and cognitive health. Changes in brain function, challenges with daily independence, and the emotional toll of a diagnosis can all affect your mental health.
These challenges are common among people with neurological conditions, and they’re not a sign of personal weakness. With the right support, symptoms can often be managed effectively and sensitively.
Below are some of the most common mental health challenges faced by people with neurological conditions and the signs to look out for.
Depression
Depression is complex and can have various causes, ranging from a stressful life event to hormonal imbalances due to menopause or thyroid problems. It can also occur alongside many neurological conditions, including dementia, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and after a traumatic brain injury.
For many patients, emotional and cognitive changes may be the first signs of a neurological issue, not just a reaction to it. For others, it may be a gradual response to living with a long-term condition, such as fibromyalgia or chronic pain.
It may develop gradually and can persist for weeks or months. It can sometimes be mistaken for fatigue or apathy, which are common symptoms of several neurological conditions.
Possible signs of depression include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood, such as feeling irritable or frustrated
- A loss of interest or enjoyment in hobbies, social relationships, or daily life
- Low energy or fatigue even after rest
- Changes to thinking, such as concentration problems or being forgetful
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or low self-worth
- Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or personal care, such as showering
Dementia and depression share many symptoms, particularly memory problems . This is why it’s important to also investigate depression during a dementia diagnosis. This makes sure you get the right combination of therapies and support for your needs.
Anxiety
It’s natural to occasionally feel tense or worried. But for some people with a neurological condition, uncertainty about symptoms, fears of progression, or the stress of managing everyday life can make anxiety feel persistent and overwhelming.
It can range from general unease and worry to intense episodes of panic, called panic attacks. Possible symptoms of anxiety, include:
- A constant worry or fear that’s difficult to control or let go
- Feeling very tense or restless
- Difficulty relaxing or sleeping, often leading to fatigue and thinking problems
- Feelings of hopelessness and avoidance due to your fears
- Physical symptoms, such as a fast heartbeat, a tightness in your chest, dizziness, sweating or headaches
Mood and behavioral changes
Some neurological conditions can directly affect areas of the brain responsible for emotions and behavior. For instance, some types of dementia, Parkinson’s or a brain injury may lead to noticeable changes in personality or mood.
These aren’t character flaws or emotional instability. They often reflect physical changes in the brain. Knowing this can help you and your loved ones respond with greater understanding.
Common signs to look out for include:
- Mood swings or emotional outbursts over small things that never used to bother you
- Increased irritability or frustration with people or things, such as loud noises
- Avoiding friends, family, or social situations you used to enjoy
- Impulsive or unusual behavior, such as spending money irresponsibly or acting inappropriately
- Feelings of apathy where you have little enthusiasm for life or hope for the future
Emotional difficulties and stress
Many people with neurological conditions go through emotional challenges that are difficult to diagnose or label. Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or emotionally vulnerable is common and valid.
Common feelings include:
- Difficulty coping with everyday stress and activities
- Feeling tearful or more sensitive
- Struggling to cope with change or uncertainty
- Feelings of denial or shock following a diagnosis, which can cause physical symptoms such as nausea, shaking, or a racing heartbeat
- Feeling like you’re ‘not yourself’
- Feeling pressure to ‘stay strong’ for others or maintain a certain public image
- Worry about what others will think if you seek help
Some people may also have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you care for is in a crisis, speak to a healthcare professional immediately for support and guidance.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you’re not alone and support is available. Many mental health problems can be effectively managed and treated with medication and supportive therapies to help you live and feel well.
As many symptoms of mental health problems overlap with symptoms of a neurological condition, an assessment by a specialist can be worthwhile. Reaching out is often the first positive step toward feeling better and getting the help you need and deserve.
Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their age, background, or lifestyle. It’s often hard to pinpoint why some people experience mental health problems and others don’t. Usually there isn’t a single cause and instead a combination of factors come together over time.
Common causes may include:
- Changes in brain function caused by the neurological condition itself
- Receiving and coming to terms with a diagnosis or prognosis
- Coping with physical symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, or mobility issues
- Uncertainty or fear about the future
- Changes to daily routines or independence
- Adjusting to life after a hospital stay, surgery, or neurological event
- Communication difficulties or challenges with memory and thinking
- Feeling disconnected or isolated from friends, family, or society
- Side effects of medications or treatments
For many people, it’s not easy to name what’s wrong, only that something has changed. Understanding the connection between mental health and neurological conditions can bring clarity and relief, especially if you've been quietly struggling or unsure where to turn.
If you’re experiencing mental health challenges or just need someone to talk to, seeking help is a positive step towards understanding and managing your mental health
We surround our patients with specialists who listen, understand, and care. They include some of Europe's most renowned experts – neurologists,
neuropsychologists, neuroradiographers, microbiologists, nurses, nuclear medicine experts and therapeutic specialists in physiology and occupational health.
A mental health assessment is typically an in-depth conversation between you and a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. They take this time to listen and understand your experiences, and determine the most appropriate support for you.
Mental health assessments may include questionnaires but they’re not a test. Instead, they’re an opportunity for you to share your story in a safe and respectful environment.
For many people, this is the first time they've spoken openly about their emotional wellbeing. Our clinicians are trained to listen without judgement, and all conversations are completely confidential.
During your assessment, you and your psychiatrist may discuss:
- Your experiences, such as your feelings, behaviors, and any physical symptoms
- When you first noticed these experiences
- How they’re affecting your life, including your work or studies, relationships with others and overall wellbeing
- Your medical history, including your family medical history and medication
- Your lifestyle, such as work and relationships, diet and physical activity
It’s a good idea to share as much as you feel comfortable with. The more your psychiatrist knows, the better they can understand your needs and provide the right support.
We understand these talks are sensitive and can be difficult. That’s why we encourage you to bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment for support. If you need it, the assessment can be split into multiple sessions.
After your assessment
For more common conditions, your specialist may give you a diagnosis after speaking with you once or twice, such as depression or anxiety. For more complex conditions, they may ask to see you a few more times before making a diagnosis.
At Affidea neuraCare, a team of specialists work together to decide the next steps. This can involve talking therapies, medication, self-care techniques, and lifestyle changes.
While professional help is important, self-care practices can also play a vital role in managing your mental health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Discover our expert tips to help you and your loved ones feel more in control, confident and supported.
