Lifestyle
Accepting epilepsy
The degree to which people accept their epilepsy varies from person to person. Some people easily face it and learn to deal with it while others experience confusion. When the doctor informs you that you have epilepsy, a lot of questions go through your mind:
- Did (s) he say epilepsy or leprosy?
- Am I going to die now?
- What did I do wrong?
- How can I get rid of this?
- Why me and not someone else?
- How can I hide this from others?
Understanding epilepsy is a critical step in the endeavor to acknowledge and accept the condition. For this, you need knowledge. The doctor will more often than not, givethe necessary information. This re-assurance will help you know that it’s nothing to be ashamed about and that you can live beyond the epilepsy.
It is also advisable for you to participate in trainings on the condition, where you can share experiences and knowledge. This can be achieved at various epilepsy organizations that organize meetings for people with epilepsy. Once you have enough knowledge, you can understand how you can live an active life.
Epilepsy Opening Up Model
There exists a misconception that people with epilepsy should just accept their condition, even before they understand it. It is more important to check how someone with epilepsy perceives their condition before giving advice. Below is the Epilepsy Opening Up Model indicating the various stages people with epilepsy can experience and what support is most appropriate at that moment: