“Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favourable Thoughts” (UPLIFT) is a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy program that improves depression, anxiety, and overall psychological quality of life. This program is for groups of adults aged 18 and older and groups of guardians of individuals with epilepsy, and involves meeting virtually once a week for an hour for a total of eight weeks.

Each session reviews different ways living with epilepsy can affect mental health and teaches valuable coping strategies. Some topics include coping and relaxing, monitoring thoughts, and preventing future low moods. Each session is run by two facilitators that lead members through group discussions and skill building exercises.

A pilot project found that UPLIFT participants had improved depression, anxiety, and psychological quality of life – even a full year after they finished the program.

To be eligible, potential participants must:

• be at least 18 years old.
• have epilepsy or a seizure disorder or be a Caregiver of an individual with epilepsy.
• feel that they could benefit from learning how to manage anxiety and/or depression.

The next UPLIFT program date is to be determined. Contact us to learn more, be added to Epilepsy Durham Region’s UPLIFT waitlist, or find other locations currently offering UPLIFT.