Everyone reacts to stress and crisis in different ways. When someone close to you has a medical condition like epilepsy, it can be challenging for both of you at first. It’s important to remember that positive and supportive relationships can go a long way in helping the person manage their condition and get through these trying times with confidence and strength.
There are many things you can do as a friend, partner or family member of someone who has been diagnosed with epilepsy. These actions not only help that individual cope but also support them physically, mentally, and emotionally during this period of transition. Keeping the lines of communication open is essential so they know they have your support at any time.
Here are 10 ways you can help a loved one manage their condition:
Educate yourself about epilepsy
Knowing as much as possible about epilepsy can help you provide better support to your loved one. It’s important to understand what epilepsy is, what causes it, how it’s treated, and how it may change over time. This knowledge can help you understand the daily challenges the person with epilepsy faces. You can also educate others who are part of your loved one’s support system. Epilepsy is a condition that is found in all ages, races, and genders. It is not just a childhood disorder, nor is it rare. It is estimated that approximately one in every 100 people will have a seizure in their lifetime. However, while it may be relatively common, many people still don’t understand epilepsy as a condition and what it entails.
The NHS website provides lots of useful information about epilepsy including the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
Be a listening ear
When someone close to you is going through a tough period, you want to be available for them. You want to show them that you are there for them and understand their pain. But when someone has a condition that is often stigmatised, talking about it can be stressful. You may even struggle with how much you want to share with others about the situation. You may feel like you have to hide the condition from others or keep it a secret. Or you may feel like you are always putting on a brave face for others to see. You may not be comfortable with discussing or even thinking about the situation.
Epilepsy can take a toll on your loved one. Be there for them when they need a listening ear. Let them know that you are there for them to talk to and be open with. Let them know that you are there for them and understand their pain.
Go with them to appointments
You can help your loved one stay on track with all of their appointments by going with them. If the person with epilepsy lives with you, you may want to go with them to their doctor appointments, neurologist appointments, and even their general practitioner appointments. This can help you gain a better understanding of the condition and see how epilepsy is impacting your loved one’s life. It can also help you feel more confident in your role as a care partner. This can be especially beneficial if you are newly involved in the person’s care and aren’t as familiar with their healthcare team.
You can also help your loved one keep track of important dates and appointments. This can be helpful if they have difficulty with organisation or memory because of the effects of the seizure disorder.
Help with chores and activities they struggle with
When someone has a medical condition like epilepsy, it can take an emotional and physical toll in many aspects of life. It can be challenging for your loved one to maintain employment, complete household chores, care for their health, and maintain relationships and friendships.
You can help by tackling some of the things they struggle with. But be careful not to do too much as this can cause resentment. You can help with things like carpooling kids to and from activities, picking up groceries for the week, or paying bills. You can also help them with things like taking their medication, eating healthier, and keeping up with their appointments and health care tasks.
Show you care and love them unconditionally
When you show your loved one that you care, you are helping them in more ways than you may realise. When a person has a serious medical condition like epilepsy, they may experience fear, uncertainty, and feelings of being isolated. This is especially true if they have just been diagnosed and don’t know anyone who has epilepsy. Sometimes people with epilepsy feel like others are afraid of them because they worry they might have a seizure at any time.
People with epilepsy may also feel like they are no longer who they once were. They may feel like they have lost some of their abilities and are now limited in what they can do. This can lead to feelings of depression, sadness, and hopelessness. You can help your loved one combat these feelings of isolation and self-doubt by showing them that you care.
Help them strengthen their physical fitness
When someone has epilepsy, there are many ways you can help them stay healthy and fit. Some people with epilepsy like to exercise as part of their condition management. This can help them lower their risk of developing other health conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
You can help your loved one stay fit by encouraging them to engage in physical activity. You may want to join your loved one on their workouts or exercise sessions. Your presence can help them feel more comfortable engaging in physical exercise and can serve as an extra source of inspiration and motivation.
You can also help your loved one eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet. This can help prevent other health conditions and diseases.
Celebrate their victories no matter how small
When someone has epilepsy, they may feel like they are always losing. They are losing the life they once knew and the things they used to be able to do. They are also dealing with a serious medical condition that can be scary and stressful.
You can help your loved one stay positive and feel like they are still winning even though they have epilepsy. You can help them stay motivated and engaged with their condition management by celebrating their victories. This can be as simple as celebrating when they are able to maintain their medication schedule without missing doses or when they go a full day without a seizure.
Help them find support groups
Many people struggling with epilepsy find support and cope with their condition best when they are around others who understand what they are going through. You can help your loved one find support groups in their area by doing an internet search for epilepsy support groups in your area.
You can also help your loved one find an online support group where they can share their experiences and connect with others who understand what they are going through. The Epilepsy Foundation hosts support groups online where people with epilepsy can find people with similar experiences, ask questions, and get support from others who are going through the same thing.
Having epilepsy can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to limit a person’s life. With the support of loved ones, people with epilepsy can manage their seizures and live their best lives.
Our charity can help you find local support for people with epilepsy and their carers
There is excellent support for carers in the area from Carers Central in Luton, Carers MK and Carers in Bedfordshire.
The Disability Resource Centre is a small charity that supports disabled people living in Milton Keynes, Luton, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire.
Our team can help you find local support for people with heart and cardiovascular conditions. Please contact us to discuss how we can help you, which may include arranging a free appointment with our Benefits Advisor. They are an expert in helping people with claiming benefits for disabled people and people with long term health conditions.
We are here for you
Our support team are here to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Phone: 01582 470 900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
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