My friend has epilepsy
If one of your friends, someone in your family, or someone else you know has epilepsy, you might wonder what you can do to help them.
Epilepsy affects everyone differently. The type of seizures and how often they have them varies from person to person. There’s lots of information about epilepsy on our website, but sometimes the best way to find out about someone’s epilepsy is to ask the person themselves.
One very useful thing to know is what to do if someone has a seizure, for example.
Although some people are very open about their epilepsy, other people might prefer not to talk about it. Sometimes all you can do is let the person you care about know that you’re there for them if they do want to talk about their epilepsy.
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Epilepsy Helpline
- UK freephone 0808 800 5050
- International +44 113 210 8850
- Email: helpline@epilepsy.org.uk
- Txt msg: 07797 805 390 info
- Live online: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1230-1330 UK time
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Comments
Hi,
I don't have epilepsy myself, but I just recently found out that my boyfriend does. We have been dating for almost two years and he told me before we went to our senior prom. He didn't give me very much information about epilepsy of specifically what he has. I have been searching through many websites and have found that there are many different types os seizures that all have slight variations in their first aid. I want to know more on his type of epilepsy, but whenever I try to ask him about it I just get brushed aside. I want to be more informed in case anything happnes while I'm with him. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to bring it up or what to say so that he would actually give me some information? Thank you.
Sarah
Hi...
I don't think that you should ask him about it. There is a reason he does it. The last thing you would to do is cause him any emotional distress. When he is ready to talk about it, he will. I don't have epilepsy either but my bf has. I would suggest that you do your reading on the condition and also on how these individuals feel. He probably just want to lead a normal life. It is tough being discriminated against. Place yourself in his shoes.Learn what triggers it so as you would know what not to do but try not to let it affect your relationship. He is attracted to you for a reason. Treat it like any other condition as scary as it might be. Hypertension, diabetes, asthma. Epileptics have trouble with breathing especially with grand mal but do your reading. Just know the basics like basic cpr -ABC. Trust me, he doesn't want you to worry. So please don't. Just be there when he needs you. Things will develop with time. I didn't see a seizure as yet. I wish not to see any but I know you will do harm if you keep asking him. A lot of epileptics are sweet ppl who lead wonderful lives. I don't know you or your bf but I think your bf falls in that group. All is well, my dear. God is love.