Social activities and relationships

When a person’s seizures are uncontrolled, it may become difficult to participate actively in their community, enjoy leisure activities and develop friendships.   The list of factors that create isolation from the simple pleasures in life is a long list and one that epilepsy education and support may help to minimize:

• Stigma
• Fear of having a seizure in public
• Fear of rejection
• Fear of disclosure
• Fear of intimacy
• Transportation restrictions
• Restrictions of activities due to safety concerns
• Financial restrictions due to unemployment or underemployment
• Lack of socialization experience; feeling awkward in social settings
 
What may be helpful in transforming that long list to a short list is the simple to say but difficult to “own” adage that …”Epilepsy is not who you are, it is something you have.”  Acknowledging and accepting that statement as a fact for yourself will enable you to acquire the tools and strategies you need to become the person you want to be.  Unfortunately, like all good things in life, this does not happen without some work!

• Engage in life. Step out of your comfort zone. 
• Participate in your community. Learn about the support it offers.
• Initiate friendships. Take that chance and reap the rewards.
• Learn about your epilepsy. You will fear less what you understand the most.
• Explain epilepsy to anyone who will listen.  Eliminating stigma is your responsibility, too.
• Pursue a career.  Big or small, make your time count.
• Seek the help of experts. Talking to professionals can yield useful strategies.
• You are the one in control. Epilepsy does not control you.