Things every person should understand about epilepsy

1. It's not just falling to the floor and shaking.
2. Sadly, there isn't a "one size fits all" treatment to epilepsy. Nor is there currently a cure.
3. Schools need to be more educated about epilepsy because a lot of teachers don't understand the symptoms nor what to do should a seizure happen in the classroom.
4. Like I've mentioned in previous blog posts, everyone's struggle with epilepsy is different. In other words, no two forms of epilepsy are alike. 
5. I'm NOT faking it and no, I can't control it!
6. Not all seizures are obvious. A person can look fine when they really don't feel it. They can also look like they're daydreaming when they really aren't. 
7. There's always the fear of where and/or when the next seizure will occur.
8. You don't need to be afraid of being around someone that has epilepsy. It's NOT contagious!
9. Epilepsy does come with depression and anxiety. They're not just side effects of the medications. They also stem from the fact that your chances of doing things other people your age do are quite limited. 
10. Am I defined just by my diagnosis of epilepsy? No!!!
11. It doesn't just affect the person who has epilepsy. It affects their loved ones as well. 
12. Epilepsy is also about what effect the seizures have on your everyday functioning.
13. Don't stick anything in a person's mouth when they're having a seizure. (See my post "Why you shouldn't stick things in a person's mouth")
14. Don't treat the person like they're made out of glass.
15. SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epileptic People)
16. Going to the hospital because of a seizure is not always necessary. 
17. I didn't ASK to have epilepsy!!! Don't preach to me on what I should or shouldn't do unless you truly understand how I feel!