3 Ways to Support Someone With Epilepsy

Those who are climbing the epilepsy mountain are strong, inspirational individuals. While I do believe each one of us can handle our battle, it’s important to have a strong support system. I wouldn’t be where I am in my epilepsy fight without my family, friends and doctors. They provide me with a sense of comfort, and I know I can go to any one of them when I feel down.

We are strong people, but we are strengthened by the people who are carrying us. If you care for, know someone or just see a person battling epilepsy, these are a few ways you can offer them support.

Other relevant stories:
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• When Was Epilepsy Discovered
• Is Epilepsy Genetic

1. Listen.

It may sound simple and a little cheesy, but it helps a lot of us in the epilepsy community. When you’re supporting someone with epilepsy, listen to them first. When I call or text my friends, I tend to just vent stuff out to them about my seizures. They are patient with me and let me finish my venting. It’s a way for us to express what’s on our minds, whether it’s good or bad. When I’m supporting others in the epilepsy community, I always let them start the conversation first. They will get their thoughts and emotions out there, and then I can be there for support the rest of the way.

2. Change the topic.

Epilepsy is a full-time job no one signed up for. It’s always good to change up the topic when talking with someone with epilepsy. With a few exceptions, not many people like to talk about their seizures all the time. If you’re out or on the phone with someone battling epilepsy, change the topic to something totally different! For me, it would be sports for sure.

I have had times when I texted friends telling them to talk about any random topic just to take my mind off everything. I’ve also done the same for friends of mine who have seizures. It’s no fun talking about them daily and sometimes we just need a break!

3. Reassure them they are not alone.

Like I mentioned before; we are only as strong as those around us. Sometimes we need to be reminded we are not alone in our fight. From family to friends to the entire epilepsy community, no one battling epilepsy has to go through it alone. There were definitely times when I forgot about this and had to be reminded.

When supporting someone with epilepsy, you aren’t just helping one person, you are helping the entire epilepsy community. It may get hard at times as we go through rough patches, but these tactics should help you as you support your loved one, friend etc. with epilepsy. Now go out and be that support system for the epilepsy community. We thank you in advance for your help!