November is here. The days are colder, and it’s also Epilepsy Awareness Month. The color for it is violet. I’m not a huge fan of violet myself, but this month is a reminder for everyone to learn about epilepsy and understand what it’s like to live with this condition.
My own story with epilepsy began on what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life. It was New Year’s Day, and just hours after my husband proposed, I had my first seizure. I woke up in the hospital two days later with a letter from him by my side. The letter explained everything that had happened, and that we were now engaged. I couldn’t believe it, and I felt so sad because I had no memory of such a special moment. Those two days are still blank for me. At first, the doctors didn’t know if it was just one isolated seizure or if it was truly epilepsy. They told me to wait, and if it happened again, they’d run more tests and start treatment.
A few months later, I had another seizure, and this time they confirmed it: I had epilepsy. But back then, I didn't think much of it. I already had Crohn’s disease, which took up so much of my focus and energy. Epilepsy seemed less important. But then the seizures started happening more often, and I realized I needed to take it seriously.
Over time, I noticed some friends drifting away. Seeing my seizures made them uncomfortable, or maybe they just didn’t know how to handle it. I won’t say it was all because of epilepsy, but it felt like life was showing me who my true friends were, those who would stay by my side through anything. I started to shape my life around both diseases, finding ways to manage and live as best I could. Balancing both is difficult; Crohn’s disease needs me to stay calm, but epilepsy benefits from a bit of stress to keep it in check. It’s hard to balance that. But I’m learning, doing my best to stay steady in this journey.
This year, I finally understand why awareness months are important. I used to ignore them, but now I see they’re a chance to help others understand what this condition is like and how to help when someone has a seizure. I’ve been fortunate to have my husband by my side; he’s always known what to do, even when I couldn’t answer his messages. He just knew to come home. I truly have the best partner. But I worry about what could happen if I have a seizure and no one around me knows how to help. So, I want to share this advice with you. It might save a life one day.
Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes sudden seizures. About 50 million people around the world have it. When someone has a seizure, their body might shake, or they might seem to lose control. It can be frightening, but here’s how you can help:
Stay Calm. It’s important not to panic.
Keep Them Safe. Move objects away so they don’t get hurt.
Don’t Hold Them Down. Let the seizure pass naturally.
Place Them on Their Side after the seizure stops to help them breathe.
Time the Seizure. If it lasts over 5 minutes, call an ambulance.
Epilepsy isn’t something to fear, and people with epilepsy can live full, happy lives with the right support.
This November, let’s remember that we all have the power to help someone in need. If you see someone having a seizure, don’t walk away. Stay, follow these steps, and be someone who cares.
“Epilepsy can, in some circumstances, be enabling - not just disabling - through the stimulation and enhancement of artistic expression”. - Jim Chambliss
With love, @tinabrezpike ❤️