"Replace fear-based thinking with love-based thinking. Every time you're making a choice, ask yourself if it's going to cultivate the experience of unity and love or the experience of separation and stress." – Deepak Chopra

We all experience fear. When it comes to living with a chronic condition like epilepsy, fear can manifest in many ways.

Sometimes our initial diagnosis gives us fears about our quality of life. Dealing with the realities of our "new normal," with epilepsy can put us in a chronically fearful state of mind. Will I have a flare today? Will I be able to attend to my daily tasks seizure-free? Fear about outcomes that are beyond our control can facilitate fear taking root.

"I finally came to realize that my fears about having epilepsy and what that could potentially mean were ADDING to my pain. Once I consciously decided to relieve myself of that burden I could better focus on managing my epilepsy." – Member of MyEpilepsyTeam

Here are recent conversations from MyEpilepsyTeam members:

• "It was my first day back to work today after having seizures on the ward where I work and being admitted. I nearly turned around to go back home as I’m still having balance issues and dizziness. I am so afraid of having more seizures and being taken to ED. On a positive note I went in and had a massive welcome back we missed you!!! That was a real morale boost."
• "I am afraid to sleep because I am afraid I will shake while sleeping again. But I am gonna be strong and face my fears as I am sore and exhausted. I hope everyone has a safe seizure free night."
• "I'm in a good spot right now. The best that I've had since seizure #1 which was 3 years ago. And I'm grateful for that. Are you afraid of happiness?"

Dealing with fear will look different for everyone. Sometimes it means arguing with our intrusive thoughts. Sometimes it looks like meditating to clear the mind.
How do you stop fear from taking over? Join the conversation below.