One’s quality of life can be drastically degraded by the combined effect of epilepsy and accompanying emotional and cognitive symptoms. Depression is the most common mental health problem to affect people with epilepsy. Approximately 20–30 percent of patients with epilepsy experience symptoms of depression. Compared to people without epilepsy, patients with epilepsy have a 40–50 percent higher suicide rate. The organizations listed here can provide information, referrals and supportive counseling.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
1731 Mahan Dr, Lower-Level Suite B. Tallahassee, FL 32308. (850) 841-3386.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a grassroots, nonprofit, education, self-help support and advocacy organization for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. NAMI provides free mental health information and related services in Leon County and throughout the Big Bend area of Florida.
Helpline 2-1-1
P.O. Box 10950, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Dial 2-1-1, (850) 617-6333, or text your zip code to 898211.
Helpline 2-1-1 is a hotline providing free access to information, referrals, and confidential telephone counseling services. Helpline 2-1-1 operates out of Tallahassee, Florida and services the eight counties of the Big Bend area. By dialing 2-1-1, individuals will reach caring, trained counselors who can provide supportive counseling and information about and referrals to programs in the community.
Apalachee Center
2634 Capital Cr N.E., Tallahassee, FL 32308. (850) 523-3333.
The Apalachee Center is dedicated to helping the individuals and families of North Florida succeed in recovering from emotional, psychiatric, and substance abuse crises. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, the Apalachee Center empowers persons served to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families through the provision of quality behavioral health care with unrelenting attention to clinical excellence and safety.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline
(800) 662-4357.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
Visit The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline website