Do you know someone with Epilepsy? Depending on how close you are to this person you are either nervous around them or totally comfortable, if even a smidge concerned. Epilepsy affects the brain and nervous system and one of the most obvious symptoms are seizures. Seizures are very frightening to watch and are one of the main reasons people are so nervous to be around someone with Epilepsy..
HealthyWomen.org is a site dedicated to independent health information for women. They cover a huge spectrum of health issues from pregnancy to midlife and beyond. They have a wonderful section of their site about Epilepsy. You can watch videos about women succeeding with Epilepsy and – my favorite – a story from a mom when she learned her child had Epilepsy.
You can also download a fact sheet with 10 Tips for Supporting Someone Living with Epilepsy. Please download the fact sheet – here are 2 of my favorite tips:
1. Talk Openly – By normalizing conversation about Epilepsy and seizures, your friend or loved one will feel more comfortable talking about their concerns and fears. And don’t be afraid to express your feelings as well. Witnessing a seizure can be scary – if it happens to you, talk about it.
2. Be a Cheerleader and Advocate – Stay optimistic and celebrate seizure control and important milestones. Educate those around you and encourage them to get involved with Epilepsy awareness.
If you know someone with Epilepsy – be it your own child or a friend of a friend – you will want to read this site. Education and knowledge combat fear and nervousness. By knowing what to do and the risks as well as the probability of seizures and how to communicate your feelings with this person you will improve your relationship immensely.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of HealthyWomen’s “Women Succeeding with Epilepsy” sponsored by UCB, Inc. and received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
Very nice article. I think anyone with any kind of disease or difficulty needs to know they aren’t alone no matter how alone they may feel at times.
Thank you for sharing this! My daughter isn’t diagnosed with epilepsy per se, but her condition causes seizures. She will probably have them for the rest of her life, they started when she was only a day old and now she is two.
I am so happy to have this resource on how to help her deal and others to deal with her condition in a proactive and positive way.
Thank you!