Neurologists would define Epilepsy as a neurological disorder that causes seizures and brain malfunctions. I would define Epilepsy as a challenge I have lived with for almost 22 years. I also don't consider it a disorder. Epilepsy is a big responsibility, but you get used to after a while. Getting used to it hasn't been an easy journey for me.
I believe that I got Epilepsy from a brain injury. I was climbing my bookshelf as a child of three and pulled it on top of me. That night I had my first seizure. Normally, doctors will wait and see if you have more than one seizure before diagnosing you with Epilepsy. When I was six, I had another seizure. So I was officially diagnosed with Epilepsy and put on a prescription drug called Phenobarbital. At age ten, I had yet
another seizure. Needless to say, my neurologist changed my prescription to Tegretol and I haven't had a seizure for almost 19 years.
So your life was perfect after that? My life was far from perfection. As a young child, I had cloud of insecurities hanging over my head. I figured no one would want to be friends with someone who has Epilepsy. Writing stories is what took my mind off having Epilepsy. At that time, I couldn't accept being different. I wanted to have friends like all the “normal” kids at school. I felt out of place at school. I thought everyone was pointing and laughing at me. Not everyone was though.
In second grade, I met my best friend. I won't mention her name, but she has been there for me through the good and bad times. She has been through her share of problems, but so has everyone. Some have Epilepsy worse than others. I realize today that I am better off than a lot of people with Epilepsy. Some people have to wear helmet so they don't injure themselves when they have a seizure.
Epilepsy isn't just caused by a head injury. It can also come from drugs and alcohol abuse. Consuming large quantities of beer can cause impotence in men. Alcohol isn't healthy for anyone, but to someone with Epilepsy it's like inhaling carbon monoxide. Why do you think they put the birth defects warnings on cigarettes? Because your child runs the risk of being born with Epilepsy if you smoke. Birth defects also include brain trauma.
It's a fact that, females have higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, while males have higher rates of substance abuse and impulse disorders in the United States.
I've actually seen people have seizures. It's very scary. Anyone can have seizures because of lack of sleep, poor diet, a traumatic experience, or any over the counter drug. There are certain symptoms that come with having Epilepsy; such as, spacing off, fatigue, and nausea, which are minor problems. The more important issues are depression, anxiety, thoughts of or attempted suicide. I have had all of them.
When I'd have those kinds of episodes, I would be alone in my bedroom. I'd pace back and forth while thoughts of suicide swirled around in my head. Your brain is in constant overdrive when you are anxious or depressed. All you do is think about how you are feeling. The real world is of no importance to you. You don't want to be around friends or family. You think everyone is against you and they don't care. Yes, it can be called being a teenager, but not when you're 25.
Some people have told me it's normal to have these feelings. O.K. So it's normal to plan your funeral and write out your will? Not to mention the day you plan to end your life. I've done it all. I used to pray to God asking him why he put me on this earth to torture me. I would beg him to end my life that night so I wouldn't have to suffer through another horrible day.
Being stuck in your own little World also houses many other abnormalities, like obsession and jealousy. But, by being able to talk about all your problems with loved ones helps tremendously. Having family and friends around whom I have always trusted with their support has been very helpful throughout all of this. Talking with your parents isn't easy because they take your making mistakes as just a way to break the rules instead
of a learning experience. You learn more by going out and making mistakes rather than staying at home watching Lifetime movies with your mom.
Still, I must say my parents raised me right. I am a strong, open-minded woman with a legal crave for adventure. I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs, but I do love staying out past midnight with my boyfriend. So all in all, I am very happy with my life and where it is headed. And just like with my Epilepsy, I am ready to except whatever challenges life has in store for me in the future.
How can you help someone who is having a seizure?
Stay calm- don't try to restrain or revive the person. If the person is seated, help ease him/her to the floor.
Remove hazards such as hard or sharp objects that could cause injury if the person falls or knocks against them.
Don't move the person unless the area is clearly dangerous, such as a busy street.
Loosen tight clothing and remove glasses.
Protect airways by gently turning the person on one side so any fluid in the mouth can drain safely.
Never try to force something into the person's mouth!
Don't call an ambulance unless the seizure lasts more than five minutes, or is immediately followed by another one, or if the person is pregnant, ill, or injured.
When the seizure ends, let the person rest or sleep. Be calm and reassuring because the person may feel disoriented or embarrassed.
