Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
The Encephalitis Society

Support line: +44 (0)1653 699599

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Need help?
  • Join Us!
  • Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Encephalitis explained
    • What is encephalitis?
    • Diagnosis of encephalitis
    • Types of encephalitis
      • Infectious encephalitis
      • Auto-immune encephalitis
      • Other
    • Being in hospital
    • Coronavirus and encephalitis
    • Effects
      • How the brain works
      • After-effects of encephalitis
      • Death from encephalitis
      • Effects on learning and school life
      • Mental health and encephalitis
    • Recovering from encephalitis
      • Guidelines for recovery
      • Practical strategies
      • Rehabilitation after encephalitis
      • Professionals involved in recovery
      • Neuropsychological assessment
    • Infectious encephalitis and travel
  • Get Help
    • Get support (now)
    • Get information
      • Encephalitis in adults
      • Encephalitis in children
      • Encephalitis in young people
      • Information for carers & family
      • Dealing with bereavement
      • Information for teachers
      • Information for health professionals
      • Helpful books
      • Crisis lines worldwide
    • Legal advice
    • Meet other people affected
    • Events and activities
  • Stories and News
    • Our campaigns
      • Research month
      • Encephalitis Information Week
      • Measles FAQ
      • BBC Radio 4 appeal
      • Hollyoaks
      • Encephalitis Matters petition
    • Our projects around the world
    • Our blog
    • Your stories
    • Our Podcasts
    • My brain and me
    • Newsletters
  • Encephalitis research
    • Global Impact Report
    • Events for professionals
      • Encephalitis Conference
      • Masterclass webinars
      • External events
    • Grants
      • Current grants/projects
      • Completed grants/projects
      • Information for researchers
    • Resources for health professionals
      • Research Summary
      • Professional Newsletter
      • Professional guidelines
      • Patient resources in different languages
    • Research currently recruiting
    • Professional membership
    • Training and consultancy
  • Support Us
    • Fundraise for us
      • Fundraising events
      • Do your own thing
      • Fundraising Blog
    • Donate now
    • Ways to give
      • Give in memory
      • Gift in Your Will
      • Gift Aid
      • Unity Lottery
      • Trusts and foundations
      • Other ways to give
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Our Partners
    • WED partners
    • Corporate engagement
    • Changemakers
  • Shop
  • About us
    • Our vision
    • Our team
      • Our Ambassadors
      • Our President / VPs
      • Our Scientific Advisory Panel
      • Our Trustees
      • Our Staff
    • Our previous events
    • Our impact
    • Our accounts
    • Our policies
    • Current vacancies
    • Media Centre
  • World Encephalitis Day
  • 01653692583
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  1. World Encephalitis Day

Mental health and encephalitis



By Alina Ellerington and reviewed by Dr Ava Easton, Encephalitis Society and Dr Thomas Pollak, King’s College London

What is mental health?

We all have mental health, in the same way that everyone has physical health. As our physical health, our mental health often fluctuates or changes too. Mental health refers to our psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. When people experience a period of poor mental health, the way they feel, act and think can be affected.  Many people have mental health concerns from time to time, but when these are more frequent, or there all the time, and affect the way we function in our daily lives, then mental health concerns can become mental illnesses.

The types of mental health problems that can occur vary widely among people and different types of encephalitis. They can include mood changes, sleep problems, anxiety, unexpected crying or laughter, aggression, anger, paranoia, depression, hallucinations, personality changes, problems with alcohol or drugs, or eating problems. Some of the mental health problems can be even more severe with people exhibiting suicidal thoughts or even suicide attempts. Mental health problems can be confusing and overwhelming for both the individual and for their family and friends.

How does encephalitis affect mental health?

Depending on the type of encephalitis, some people may experience mental health problems as their initial symptom doing the acute phase. This can make establishing a diagnosis of encephalitis very challenging and can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Encephalitis is also a risk factor in developing poor mental health and/or a mental illness after the acute disease. Firstly, encephalitis can affect mental health by disturbing the brain’s structure or its function (the way it works). This can change the way that someone perceives or understands the world or the people around them, or how they regulate their own emotions or behaviour. Secondly, after having had encephalitis people can face significant challenges which may also affect their mental health. The psychological impact of experiencing a life-threatening illness, the loss of abilities (cognitive, emotional and/or physical) because of the subsequent acquired brain injury, and the loss of an old way of life can sometimes be devastating.

Managing mental health problems/illnesses

During the acute phase of the illness, the treatment aimed at the cause of encephalitis (e.g., immunotherapies for autoimmune encephalitis) can help greatly managing the mental health symptoms. In addition, specific symptomatic treatment for those problems is often needed too, and this can include sedating medications to help calm anxiety, agitation or even psychosis.

People who are experiencing mental health problems/illness after the acute stage of encephalitis should speak to their family doctor, or their current neurologist. They can refer you to a neuropsychologist, neuropsychiatrist, mental health team, or another service or an organisation which can help.

There is lots of help available for mental health issues and it is important to remember that most mental health problems are highly treatable. Treatment for mental health illness can include therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, other psychotherapies, and neuropsychology therapies and/or medication.

It is very important that people seek help from family, friends and professionals. Talking to teachers, school nurses or a counsellor can also help.

Mental health problems cannot always be seen – and in fact many people experiencing mental health problems might feel like talking less than usual. Family members/friends/ school/employees should pay attention to signs of mental health issues such as changes in appetite and sleep patterns, changes in mood, withdrawal from activities and friends, problems with alcohol and drug use.

Looking after your mental health during recovery from encephalitis

Recovering from encephalitis can involve coming to terms with new ways of doing things, how that may change how you feel about yourself and the emotional impacts that may bring. It is important to learn about the types of changes that take place, why these happen, and ways to manage them.

People are different, and so are their journeys through encephalitis: some are smooth, others are more challenging.  There isn’t a pattern that fits everyone’s experience. People will want, or need, support at different times and in different ways. It is good to know that you are not alone on this journey. We are aware of amazing stories of encephalitis and many inspirational people who went through this experience. Whilst trying to make sense of what has happened to you, you need to surround yourself with people and things that can help and make you feel good. Sometimes when you are experiencing mental health problems it can feel that things will never get better, but we can assure you that with the right support things CAN get better.

Below are some suggestions of ways to support and maintain your wellbeing:

  • Manage stress by learning to recognise stress triggers and taking preventative measures to minimise it (e.g., avoid doing two things at once).
  • Manage fatigue by making sure you take regular breaks during the day and have a good quality sleep at night.
  • Try to talk to others about your feelings – both the good and the bad.
  • Do something to help you relax and bring about calmness every day (e.g., keep a diary, listen to music) – you could even schedule this in for a regular time each day.
  • Connect with others with similar experiences to help feel understood, validate feelings and reduce isolation (e.g., find a support group).
  • Find a hobby or become a volunteer.
  • Be active (if possible), even if you do only a gentle exercise (e.g., walk).
  • Spend time outside doing something you enjoy – the latest research shows that exposure to nature can have very positive effects on mental wellbeing.
  • Eat healthy food that you enjoy and drink plenty of water.
  • Tackle other difficulties left by encephalitis (e.g., finding ways to cope with memory problems).
  • Practice relaxation techniques (e.g., mindfulness and/or meditation).

How can the Encephalitis Society help you?

The Encephalitis Society has a wealth of information and support to help people who have been affected by encephalitis worldwide. Below are some of the ways our support service can help you:

  • Contact the support team - available on telephone, email and online chat
  • Opportunities to connect with other people with similar experiences. Find out more
  • Various information resources on our website or YouTube Channel 
  • A comprehensive guide on After-effects, recovery and rehabilitation after encephalitis can be downloaded from our website or requested from our Support Service.

FS037V1 Mental health and encephalitis

Date created: January 2023; Review date: January 2026

Disclaimer: We try to ensure that the information is easy to understand, accurate and up-to-date as possible. If you would like more information on the source material and references the author used to write this document please contact the Encephalitis Society. None of the authors of the above document has declared any conflict of interest, which may arise from being named as an author of this document.

Published: 1st February, 2023

Updated: 9th February, 2023

Author: Alina Ellerington

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Overview of autoimmune encephalitis and its relevance to psychiatry

    Overview of autoimmune encephalitis and its relevance to psychiatry

    Webinar organised by the The Romanian Association for Autoimmune Encephalitis (RAAE).

  • Gift in Your Will

    Gift in Your Will

    By leaving a gift in your Will, you can ensure we will be there to help people affected by encephalitis and their families for generations to come

  • Japanese Encephalitis in Australia - The Encephalitis Podcast

    Japanese Encephalitis in Australia - The Encephalitis Podcast

    Dr Lance Turtle joins the Encephalitis Podcast to talk about the Japanese encephalitis virus and its impact on Australia since March 2022.

  • Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Research Manager

Related

  • Encephalitis Podcast - World Encephalitis Day 2023

    Encephalitis Podcast - World Encephalitis Day 2023

    Our special World Encephalitis Day edition of the Encephalitis Podcast looks at some ground-breaking new research around mental health and encephalitis

  • A message from the Encephalitis Society

    A message from the Encephalitis Society

    A message from the Encephalitis Society about World Encephalitis Day media campaign

  • Connect  with other people affected by encephalitis

    Connect with other people affected by encephalitis

    We have members who are based across the world who like nothing more than offering a friendly ear for anyone who has been affected by encephalitis.

  • Crisis lines worldwide

    Crisis lines worldwide

    Help is available! As we do not offer a crisis support line, we have put together a directory of crisis lines open 24/7 in most of the countries worldwide.

Most read

  • NMDAR antibody encephalitis

    NMDAR antibody encephalitis

    NMDAR antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disease that causes psychiatric features, confusion, memory loss and seizures followed by a movement disorder, loss of consciousness and changes in blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.

  • Herpes Simplex  virus encephalitis

    Herpes Simplex virus encephalitis

    Herpes simplex encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis which happens when herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters the brain. Usually, it begins with ‘flu-like’ symptoms followed by neurological deterioration, which may include personality and behavioural changes, seizures, weakness and difficulties in communication.

  • What is encephalitis?

    What is encephalitis?

    Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.

  • Guidelines for recovery

    Guidelines for recovery

    No two people with encephalitis have the same outcomes. People recover at different paces. Recovery can be helped by having lots of rest, good nutrition, helpful social network and support from professionals.

  • Limbic encephalitis

    Limbic encephalitis

    The term ‘limbic encephalitis’ (LE) describes the condition when limbic areas of the brain are inflamed (swollen) and consequently not functioning properly. Most forms of LE fall into two main categories: infectious encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis.

  • Death from encephalitis

    Death from encephalitis

    Encephalitis is a serious neurological condition and unfortunately, despite improvements in specific and more supportive treatments such as excellent intensive care management, encephalitis still has a high mortality (death) rate.

  • West Nile encephalitis

    West Nile encephalitis

    West Nile encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis caused by West Nile virus. People usually become infected after being bitten by a mosquito, which has fed on an infected bird.

  • Encephalitis: after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

    Encephalitis: after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

    This booklet provides key information about the type of issues that people may have after encephalitis, why rehabilitation/support from professionals and families are important and what options for self-help are available.

  • Emotional and behavioural changes

    Emotional and behavioural changes

    Following encephalitis, some people may experience emotional and behavioural changes including low mood, increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, frustration, aggression, impulsivity, disinhibition, and/or poor emotional regulation.

  • Get support

    Get support

    Our Support Service is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis, recovery and rehabilitation or emotional support.

Tag cloud

About Us Anne McIntosh anti-nmdar Brain on Fire Case Studies encephalitis blog Japanese encephalitis limbic membership NeuroAccess Story support Tick-borne encephalitis volunteer
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Sitemap
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Media Centre

Contact us

Encephalitis Society, 32 Castlegate,
Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7DT
United Kingdom
T: +44(0)1653 692583
E: [email protected] (general enquiries)
E: [email protected] (support enquiries)
Directions

The Encephalitis Society is the operating name of the Encephalitis Support Group which is a registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

Registered in England and Wales No. 04189027. Registered Office as above. Registered Charity No. 1087843. Registered Charity in Scotland: SC048210

Keep up to date with out latest news

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])


We automatically make you a member which is free and supports our work, you can opt out at any time.
Manage Cookie Preferences