These resources are oriented towards patients with epilepsy in British Columbia, Canada. This page brings together high-quality resources for people with epilepsy and their families. It is intended as a starting point — not a substitute for advice from your own medical team.
If you have been recently diagnosed with epilepsy, welcome — you are not alone. The BC Epilepsy Society runs a dedicated New Diagnosis Program providing education, support, and connection for people who are newly navigating life with epilepsy. We encourage you to reach out to them early.
Many patients in BC have their seizures managed by a neurologist in the community. For more complex evaluation or treatment, patients may be referred to the specialist VGH Epilepsy Program at Vancouver General Hospital — BC’s only comprehensive adult epilepsy program.
Understanding seizures
- What types of seizures are there? — Epilepsy Foundation guide to the full classification of seizure types, including focal, generalised, and unknown onset seizures.
- What actually happens during a seizure? — Epilepsy Foundation explanation of the phases of a seizure and the underlying brain activity involved.
- Is there a quick overview of seizure types? — US Centers for Disease Control concise overview of seizure classification.
- What should I do if someone has a seizure? — CDC guidance on how to respond safely when someone has a seizure, including when to call emergency services.
- Can I get a printable seizure first aid reference? — Epilepsy Society (UK) printable first aid reference card.
Mental health support in BC
Living with a chronic neurological condition like epilepsy carries a significantly higher risk of anxiety and depression. Support is available — and seeking it is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Peer support
Connecting with others who truly understand your experience can make an enormous difference. The BC Epilepsy Society runs several peer support options:
- Can I connect with others who understand life with epilepsy? — In-person and online peer support groups for adults, young adults, and families affected by epilepsy in BC.
- Is there a free program to help me manage depression and anxiety? — Project UPLIFT is a free, 8-week online program using mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help people with epilepsy manage depression, stress, and anxiety.
Counsellors and psychologists
A psychologist has completed a doctorate in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and is registered with the College of Psychologists of BC. In addition to providing therapy, psychologists are qualified to conduct formal psychological assessments — for example, if there are questions about cognition or learning alongside emotional wellbeing.
A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) typically holds a master’s degree in counselling and is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). RCCs provide talk therapy and are well-suited for working through anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and the emotional demands of living with a chronic condition.
Both psychologists and RCCs can provide effective, evidence-based therapy. A psychologist may be the better fit if you also need a formal assessment alongside therapy.
To find a psychologist or counsellor in BC:
- How do I find a registered psychologist in BC? — BC government resource listing registered psychologists, searchable by location, specialty, language, and availability.
- How do I find a Registered Clinical Counsellor near me? — The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors’ searchable directory of RCCs across BC. Filter by location, session style (in-person or online), areas of practice, and more.
- Where else can I search for a counsellor or psychologist? — CounsellingBC is a searchable directory of counsellors and psychologists across BC.
Most extended health benefit plans cover a number of counselling or psychology sessions up to a set dollar amount per year. Check with your benefits provider or HR advisor to understand your coverage before your first appointment.
Psychiatrists
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed specialist training in mental health. Unlike psychologists and counsellors — who are trained primarily in therapy — psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. They typically work alongside a GP or therapist rather than replacing them.
Antidepressant and antianxiety medications can be genuinely life-changing for people who suffer from depression or anxiety — in the same way that blood pressure medication is life-changing for someone with hypertension. You would not hesitate to take medication for high blood pressure, or thyroid hormone for an underactive thyroid: both involve a biological process that has gone out of balance, causing real and measurable symptoms. Depression and anxiety are no different. They often reflect a biological imbalance that medication can meaningfully correct, and the evidence that it does so is strong.
It is entirely reasonable to decide that medication is not for you — that choice deserves respect. But it is worth at least getting properly assessed and having the conversation, particularly if you have been struggling for some time. Many people who were initially reluctant to consider medication describe it as one of the best decisions they ever made.
To access a psychiatrist in BC, ask your family doctor or neurologist for a referral. You can also call HealthLink BC (8-1-1) for guidance on mental health services in your region.
Other BC mental health resources
- Does the BC Epilepsy Society offer mental health support? — Yes: their Mental Wellness Program offers counselling and peer support specifically for people affected by epilepsy in BC. Contact them at 604-875-6704 to ask about current availability.
- Where can I find BC-specific mental health information and self-assessments? — Here to Help BC provides mental health information, self-assessments, and connections to local services.
- How do I find mental health programs in my community? — The Canadian Mental Health Association BC can help you find mental health programs and peer support across BC.
- Is there a crisis or distress line I can call? — The Crisis Line Association of BC maintains a directory of volunteer-operated crisis and distress lines across British Columbia.
- What if I need immediate emotional support right now? — Call or text 310-6789 (310 Mental Health Line, no area code needed) for free, 24/7 emotional support and mental health referrals anywhere in BC.
- What if I am in crisis? — Call or text 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7) for immediate support.
Memory and cognitive strategies
Memory and thinking difficulties — including problems with attention, processing speed, word-finding, and recall — are among the most common and frustrating challenges in epilepsy. They can result from the condition itself, seizure activity, or medication effects. Understanding why they occur is the first step toward managing them effectively.
The Epilepsy Foundation provides a comprehensive overview of thinking and memory in epilepsy, covering why these difficulties arise and what can help. For practical, day-to-day strategies, see their guide to memory techniques for people with epilepsy.
Books by Sallie Baxendale
Dr Sallie Baxendale is one of the world’s leading neuropsychologists specialising in epilepsy and memory. She has published several accessible, evidence-based books written specifically for people who experience memory difficulties. They are available at low cost and offer practical, research-backed guidance that goes well beyond what any website can provide.
- Coping with Memory Problems — Dr Baxendale’s essential guide to understanding and managing memory difficulties, covering how memory works, why it goes wrong, and evidence-based strategies for coping day-to-day. Highly recommended as a starting point.
- The Sheldon Short Guide to Memory Problems — A compact, accessible companion covering the key strategies in a shorter format.
HOBSCOTCH — free memory management program
HOBSCOTCH (Home-Based Self-management and Cognitive Training CHanges lives) is an evidence-based, eight-session memory management program developed at Dartmouth and delivered by trained coaches. It covers memory education, self-awareness, practical strategies, and problem-solving — and it is free.
- Can I access free HOBSCOTCH memory training in BC? — Yes: the BC Epilepsy Society offers HOBSCOTCH free to BC residents, delivered via Zoom, regardless of seizure control. Contact esther@bcepilepsy.com to register.
- What is the research behind HOBSCOTCH? — The HOBSCOTCH Institute at Dartmouth Health is the originating centre for the program, with information on the evidence base behind the approach.
Living with epilepsy
- Can I drive if I have epilepsy? — Canadian Epilepsy Alliance overview of driving regulations across Canada, including seizure-free period requirements and licensing rules. In BC, driving regulations are administered by ICBC — confirm current BC requirements with ICBC or your neurologist.
- What are my rights at work? — Guidance on workplace rights under Canadian human rights legislation, reasonable accommodations, safety-sensitive roles, and considerations around disclosing epilepsy to an employer.
- How can I reduce my risk of injury at home? — Practical tips for reducing seizure-related injury risk in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
- Is it safe to exercise or play sports with epilepsy? — Information on safe participation in physical activity and sport, including water safety.
- What do I need to know about epilepsy and pregnancy? — What to discuss with your neurologist before and during pregnancy, including medication management and monitoring.
Epilepsy organisations
In British Columbia
- Who supports people with epilepsy in BC? — The BC Epilepsy Society is BC’s provincial epilepsy charity, providing support services, education, counselling, and community programs for the 50,000+ British Columbians living with epilepsy.
Across Canada
- Is there a national epilepsy network in Canada? — The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance is a national network of community epilepsy organisations offering local support, information, and advocacy. Use their site to find your nearest affiliate.
- Who funds epilepsy research in Canada? — Epilepsy Canada is a national non-profit focused on funding research and raising public awareness of epilepsy.
International
- Where can I find comprehensive epilepsy information online? — The Epilepsy Foundation is one of the most comprehensive epilepsy resources available, with detailed information on all aspects of living with epilepsy, a 24/7 helpline (1-800-332-1000), and an extensive online community.
- Are there good international resources for epilepsy? — The Epilepsy Society (UK) is a well-regarded charity with clear, evidence-based information on epilepsy, seizure types, and treatment.
If you are interested in a neuropsychological assessment to better understand cognitive difficulties related to epilepsy, please contact us or submit a referral.