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How Do I Tell My Friends About My Epilepsy?
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭

I recently had a seizure at church and there were a lot of old people there and my parents want me to tell my friends so they know what to do if it happens at school. Can someone give advice about what to do?

posted October 6, 2015
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

The best thing to do is be upfront and honest with everyone. Personally, I use humor to break the ice. I tell people one of two things. Either Dr. Frankenstein got ahold of me and rewired my brain so it periodically shorts out, or I have an invisible stalker who is armed with a TASER. Make sure everyone knows we have an affliction and it is not contagious. Explain to them how to handle the situation when you have one. When I go to a new place, I explain to the manager what my condition is and how I would like them to respond to it. If they do not understand, I do not return to that place.

posted October 9, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

listen to your parents i know its tough, tell your friends as soon as you can, i did and as i did i learned WHO MY TRUE REAL FRIENDS ARE online and offline... look at it this way... this is a test to see How compassionate THEY ARE

Also as i mentioned your parents are right as they may want your friends to know what to do should you have a seizure WHILE WITH THEM.... and that is important, share the meds you take and why, share how often you have a seizure and if possible when most may happen (like me most all of my gran mals happen at night when i am tired or at times as i am waking up) i average about 3-6 a year...

you want your friends to know what to do should you have a seizure so they dont freak out as bad and through time they will be a great friend and treat you just like anyone else and help watch out for you,

and yes i have had a few seizures in public as well even when i was alone, its not easy i know, even today i get nervous about a situation ad a possibility of havieng 1 i public but this is a disability there is no real cure for

posted October 10, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

After my first seizure at my job people treated me like I had the plague until I educated them on the does and dont of my condition.

It won't be easy but with knowledge comes assurance. Many people react out of fear.

posted October 6, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Hi, we are very new to this. My daughter was just diagnosed a few months ago. What we have done so far is to normalize it. We told all the parents that she spends time with and teachers etc (I sent them video of what to do from Epilepsy Canada). Then asked them to talk to their kids, because my daughter is probably going to tell them about her hospital visits. Most parents were amazing...and the kids openly asked questions. So far this is working well for us. It's still hard, but I think the fact that we aren't hiding it helps her and her friends to feel like it's no big deal. The video also helped a lot...it's step by step on what to do. I find knowledge is power...once people know what to do, they are more comfortable with it.

posted October 14, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

You just bring it up and ask if anyone has questions. If my 4 and 5 year old can not judge me I am sure your friends will accept you as you are

posted October 11, 2015

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