What should I do?

There are loads of people living with epilepsy who don’t let their condition affect them or hold them back.

The most important thing is to talk to friends and family about it, get on with your life, go out and keep active.

Talking to teachers about epilepsy can be difficult, but it will help them to understand if you’re struggling in lessons or what to do if you have a seizure.

When people have all the information they need they will deal with epilepsy so much better. It’s essential though that your life should go on as normally as possible.

Understanding more about epilepsy

Take a look at our games and quizzes which may help you, your friends and your school learn more about epilepsy

Learn more about epilepsy

Talking to friends and family

Talking to your friends will help them understand what epilepsy is, what happens when you have seizure and how they can help.

It will also make them feel less panicked if you do have a seizure and can prepare themselves for what happens.

Parents may be more overprotective than before you were diagnosed. Calmly explain that having a social life will mean you are less likely to feel isolated from your friends and become withdrawn. Suggest some ideas to reassure them:

Make sure your friends know what to do if you have a seizure.
Give your parents’ phone number to your friends and their parents number in case of emergency.
Agree to give your parents a call or send them a text to reassure them you are okay.

Find out how other people live with epilepsy

Many young people, parents and celebrities who live with epilepsy have shared their stories with us.

Read about how others live with epilepsy

Is there anything else that can help me deal with it?

Keeping a diary or notes about your epilepsy will help doctors see if there is a pattern to your seizures. This may provide information to improve how your seizures can be managed and controlled.

Seizure diaries

Take a look at our seizure diaries which can provide useful tips as well as helping you monitor your seizures.

Find out more about our diaries

While changes in life such as different schools, teachers, doctors and friends can be exciting, it can also become tiring and stressful. Make sure you collect as much information as possible so that future challenges like changing doctors will be straightforward.

Further information

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Will epilepsy hold me back in my career?

What should I do?

Telling school or college

Understanding more about epilepsy

Talking to friends and family

Find out how other people live with epilepsy

Is there anything else that can help me deal with it?

Seizure diaries

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