POLICE FILES

Argyll and Bute’s MSP is encouraging an estimated 623 constituents living with epilepsy to make sure their voices heard by completing a new national survey.

Jenni Minto is calling on people living with epilepsy across Argyll and Bute to take part in the survey, launched last week by Epilepsy Scotland, to understand the affect epilepsy can have on mental health.

Epilepsy is defined as the tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain and there are an estimated 58,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy, which is the most common neurological condition.

“I am delighted to support Epilepsy Scotland in promoting this vitally important national survey to understand the specific mental health needs of people living with epilepsy in Scotland,” said Ms Minto.

“In my constituency, there are estimated to be around 623 people living with epilepsy, which can have a significant impact on their day-to-day life and on mental wellbeing.

“People living with epilepsy are more likely to develop mental health conditions including anxiety and depression as a result of the condition.

“I would encourage all my constituents and people across Scotland with epilepsy to make their voices heard through this vital survey.”

Lesslie Young, chief executive of Epilepsy Scotland, added: “We are pleased to have the support of Jenni Minto MSP in promoting our ‘It’s Time to Talk about Epilepsy’ mental health survey to people living in Argyll and Bute and across Scotland.

“Epilepsy can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and almost every person we support through our national helpline is affected by mental health struggles.”

The survey will run for six weeks and will close on Monday March 13.

Visit www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/ mentalhealthsurvey to complete the survey.