Living with Epilepsy

If you have recently been diagnosed with epilepsy you are likely to have a lot of questions and be experiencing a range of emotions.

Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be upsetting and make you feel isolated and alone. You're not alone! Talk to other people with epilepsy. People can help you and you can help others, too!

Families can be a great source of support for someone with epilepsy. Encourage all members of your family to learn as much as they can. Then you can share with each other your feelings, fears, and hopes.

One of the biggest questions for adults with epilepsy concerns whether and how much to restrict their activities of daily living.

There must be a balance between safety and the need to pursue employment, fulfill household responsibilities, and enjoy leisure activities. That balance can best be achieved by common sense.

Epilepsy is perfectly compatible with a normal, happy, and full life. Most people with epilepsy go to school, make friends, date, have jobs and families.

Not that it's always easy. Sometimes coping with the reaction of other people can be the most difficult part of living with epilepsy. Keeping a positive outlook is key. So is a strong sense of self-esteem and independence, with emphasis on abilities rather than difficulties.