An Irvine MSP is urging residents who suffer from epilepsy to participate in a “vital” survey on mental health.

Ruth Maguire, who represents the Cunninghame South constituency, is endorsing Epilepsy Scotland’s ‘It’s Time to Talk about Epilepsy’ campaign.

The survey was launched this week and aims to highlight the mental effects of the condition and find support options for sufferers.

Ms Maguire said: “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.

“In my constituency there are estimated to be around 681 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.”

The most common neurological condition in Scotland, an estimated 58,000 people live with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is defined as “the tendency to have repeated seizures (not just one) which starts in the brain” which are caused by a brief disturbance in the brain’s normal electrical activity.

Lesslie Young, chief executive of Epilepsy Scotland, said: “We are pleased to have the support of Ruth Maguire in promoting our ‘It’s Time to Talk about Epilepsy’ mental health survey to people living in Cunninghame South 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.

“To someone living with uncontrolled seizures, there is a significant psychological impact of never knowing when the next seizure is going to happen.

“For some who have controlled seizures, the medication can have side effects which affect mood and mental health.”

The survey is open until Monday March 13 and can be accessed at epilepsyscotland.org.uk/mentalhealthsurvey.

Epilepsy Scotland’s helpline is available on 0808 800 220.