EPILESPY & DEPRESSION
Taking care moves in cycles. This is normal, especially when your nervous system is recovering.
(I'm grateful to the clients who shared their feedback - it's helped me put together the following tips.)
You may feel:
-Tired or unmotivated even after a good week
-Like progress disappears overnight
-Like you "should be doing more"
Why this may happen:
-Your brain and nervous system are working hard to regulate
-Depression can come in waves
-Even progress requires rest and recovery
What may help:
-Stick to small daily routines even when motivation is low
-Remember: structure = support for your brain
-Use consistent sessions (massage, acupuncture, etc.), movement, and reflection as your anchors
-One off day doesn't undo the work you've done
MOVING THROUGH OVERTHINKING & LOW MOTIVATION
Feeling stuck isn't failure, it's a signal.
Especially when:
-You may have a history of high expectations at home
-You live with a chronic condition (like epilepsy)
-You feel unsure what your purpose is
The Pattern:
Overthinking -> Anxiety -> Inaction -> Shame -> Depression -> More overthinking
Try this reset when you feel the pattern:
1) Do One Action
-Press one acupressure point the licensed practitioner shared with you
-Send one message
-Stand up, twist your spine, and sway your arms
-Say out loud: "It's okay to start small."
2) Reframe What Progress Means
-Doing something gentle is still doing something
-Weekly reminder: "My value isn't based on how much I do. My progress matters, even when it's invisible."
LOW-ENERGY DAYS
For when things feel heavy or stuck
1) Move Your Body
-Stretch breaks, yoga
-Short walk around the block, rest outdoors
2) Nourish Your Body
-Drink water or herbal tea
-Take your meds/supplements/herbs on time
3) Do 1 Tiny Wellness Action
-Schedule 1-2 hours of work or screen time after doing 1 wellness action
-Step outside for 3 minutes of fresh air
RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCY PLAN
BODY
-Acupressure
-Stretching, yoga, favorite sport
-Rest outdoors
NUTRITION
-Regular meals
-Hydrate
-Reduce sugar/caffeine
SLEEP HYGIENE
-Screen cutoff time
-Wind-down routine
-Avoid sleep deprivation
BONUS REFLECTION
You're not lazy or lost. You might just find yourself in a loop where your energy is going out and not feeding you back.
-What skills are you quietly building? (i.e. navigation, stamina, consistency)
-Micro-purpose project ideas: Volunteer or host a "chill game night" (board games, cards, etc)
In sharing,
Kimy
*Disclaimer - Please check in with a licensed provider outside matters of opinion to see if any choices regarding prevention, treatment, or diagnosis are right for you.
Taking care moves in cycles. This is normal, especially when your nervous system is recovering.
(I'm grateful to the clients who shared their feedback - it's helped me put together the following tips.)
You may feel:
-Tired or unmotivated even after a good week
-Like progress disappears overnight
-Like you "should be doing more"
Why this may happen:
-Your brain and nervous system are working hard to regulate
-Depression can come in waves
-Even progress requires rest and recovery
What may help:
-Stick to small daily routines even when motivation is low
-Remember: structure = support for your brain
-Use consistent sessions (massage, acupuncture, etc.), movement, and reflection as your anchors
-One off day doesn't undo the work you've done
MOVING THROUGH OVERTHINKING & LOW MOTIVATION
Feeling stuck isn't failure, it's a signal.
Especially when:
-You may have a history of high expectations at home
-You live with a chronic condition (like epilepsy)
-You feel unsure what your purpose is
The Pattern:
Overthinking -> Anxiety -> Inaction -> Shame -> Depression -> More overthinking
Try this reset when you feel the pattern:
1) Do One Action
-Press one acupressure point the licensed practitioner shared with you
-Send one message
-Stand up, twist your spine, and sway your arms
-Say out loud: "It's okay to start small."
2) Reframe What Progress Means
-Doing something gentle is still doing something
-Weekly reminder: "My value isn't based on how much I do. My progress matters, even when it's invisible."
LOW-ENERGY DAYS
For when things feel heavy or stuck
1) Move Your Body
-Stretch breaks, yoga
-Short walk around the block, rest outdoors
2) Nourish Your Body
-Drink water or herbal tea
-Take your meds/supplements/herbs on time
3) Do 1 Tiny Wellness Action
-Schedule 1-2 hours of work or screen time after doing 1 wellness action
-Step outside for 3 minutes of fresh air
RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCY PLAN
BODY
-Acupressure
-Stretching, yoga, favorite sport
-Rest outdoors
NUTRITION
-Regular meals
-Hydrate
-Reduce sugar/caffeine
SLEEP HYGIENE
-Screen cutoff time
-Wind-down routine
-Avoid sleep deprivation
BONUS REFLECTION
You're not lazy or lost. You might just find yourself in a loop where your energy is going out and not feeding you back.
-What skills are you quietly building? (i.e. navigation, stamina, consistency)
-Micro-purpose project ideas: Volunteer or host a "chill game night" (board games, cards, etc)
In sharing,
Kimy
*Disclaimer - Please check in with a licensed provider outside matters of opinion to see if any choices regarding prevention, treatment, or diagnosis are right for you.
SUPPORTING REFERENCES
1.Armour M, Smith CA, Wang LQ, et al. Acupuncture for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2019;8(8):1140. doi:10.3390/jcm8081140
2.Bratman GN, Hamilton JP, Daily GC. The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Ann N Y Acad Sci.2012;1249(1):118-136. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x
3.Epilepsy Foundation. Photosensitivity and seizures. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-triggers/photosensitivity
4.Katon WJ. Epidemiology and treatment of depression in patients with chronic medical illness. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2011;13(1):7-23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181964/
5.Nolen-Hoeksema S, Wisco BE, Lyubomirsky S. Rethinking rumination. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2008;3(5):400-424. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00088.x
6. Sharma A, Madaan V. Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
1.Armour M, Smith CA, Wang LQ, et al. Acupuncture for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2019;8(8):1140. doi:10.3390/jcm8081140
2.Bratman GN, Hamilton JP, Daily GC. The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Ann N Y Acad Sci.2012;1249(1):118-136. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x
3.Epilepsy Foundation. Photosensitivity and seizures. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-triggers/photosensitivity
4.Katon WJ. Epidemiology and treatment of depression in patients with chronic medical illness. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2011;13(1):7-23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181964/
5.Nolen-Hoeksema S, Wisco BE, Lyubomirsky S. Rethinking rumination. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2008;3(5):400-424. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00088.x
6. Sharma A, Madaan V. Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a