Psychosocial issues

Psychological and social implications of epilepsy can be more of a problem to someone than the seizures themselves…

Stigma The beliefs and reactions of others The beliefs of the person themselves

Loss of self esteem and self image How is that person’s life affected by the diagnosis? What restrictions will there be for them? What losses will they experience?

6 stages of loss Shock Anger Denial Guilt/blame Resolution Acceptance

Acceptance People who are finding it difficult to accept their situation may not take their medication as prescribed Once someone has accepted their situation they can develop effective coping strategies

These emotional reactions are often not just experienced by the person with epilepsy but also by those close to them. In the case of a child being diagnosed, the parents may be emotionally affected as much if not more than the child.

People who have infrequent seizures sometimes find it harder to psychologically adjust to having epilepsy and can go through the bereavement response each time they have a seizure.

If you were diagnosed with epilepsy tomorrow… What areas of your life would be affected? Who would you tell and not tell and why? How would you feel? What questions would you have? Where would you go for the answers to your questions? Who else would be affected by your diagnosis?