Jenny’s Story: I’m not afraid anymore
I’ve had epilepsy since I was 14 (now 31) and about 6 years ago I began to suffer from post-ictal psychosis.
I’ve had epilepsy since I was 14 (now 31) and about 6 years ago I began to suffer from post-ictal psychosis.
I feel as though I am not alone anymore. What I struggle with is, in a way, normal. My brain doesn’t always function correctly and it causes seizures, but I am not alone, and I am not helpless.
Sometimes, in my fight to eliminate stigma and live a “normal” life, I create the perception that my life is easy and free from struggle. However, in my speech at the Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania’s (EFWCP) annual Mardi Gras Gala I showed what life with epilepsy is like–both the good and the bad parts.
Growing up with Epilepsy means growing up with stigma. In one of my earliest memories of stigma, I learned a valuable lesson.
Participating in fundraising events, like a run or a walk, is one way to stop epilepsy stigma in it’s tracks.
Epilepsy stigma can be a legitimate concern in the workplace but having a job is more about showing off your abilities.
Epilepsy stigma is a societal problem. Addressing people one-by-one is helpful, and I hope they teach others what they have just learned.
A guest post by Virginia Cunningham Every parent needs to do their part to make sure their children have high self-esteem, and this is particularly important for children who have issues that can easily affect their self-esteem, like epilepsy. Children diagnosed with epilepsy later in life may need extra encouragement, since they … Read More