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Coping With
Epilepsy
Coping
With Epilepsy
Strong coping skills are associated with:
- Decreased risk for anxiety or depression
- Less likelihood for worsening illness
- Decreased stress
- Better quality of life
- Less severe seizures
Strategies for Coping
Know your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- You have a right to not be discriminated against due to your condition in terms of employment, public services, and other factors. Review the ADA to determine which rights apply to your specific situation
- List steps you can take if you are concerned your rights are being violated and who you can contact for support (e.g., Epilepsy Foundation)
- You do NOT have to disclose your seizures or epilepsy diagnosis to your employer. This website provides details about how ADA works with epilepsy in the workplace
- The Epilepsy Foundation has a helpful web page about how the ADA supports people with epilepsy
- There are attorneys who specialize in helping people who are protected under the ADA. If needed, the Epilepsy Foundation can refer you to a lawyer
- If you need to have a conversation with your employer about your seizures/epilepsy, list key points to include to ensure your concerns are expressed
Find alternative means of transportation if you are unable to drive
When you have seizures, you may not be able to drive for safety reasons. This can be stressful if you are used to driving.
- List the typical places you go each week, with the most important listed first
You can learn about the epilepsy driving laws in your state by visiting here
- List an alternative means of transportation for each place you travel (e.g., work, grocery, shopping, appointments)
It is important to think about how to find transportation. This includes identifying people to help you
- List people who are part of your support system who can assist, and plan for how you will contact each person
Ride vouchers are available for people with epilepsy/seizures to assist with vital transportation: https://www.epilepsy.com/ride-share
- List public transportation options that are available to you
Case managers or social workers are healthcare workers who provide support, including resources for driving. Ask your provider for access to a case manager or social worker to help with transportation. Case managers are also available through the Epilepsy Foundation.
Determining effective coping strategies
Click on the following real-life scenarios that discuss effective coping strategies that patients may encounter while living with epilepsy:
Scenario 1: Jane was recently diagnosed with epilepsy in the Emergency Department of her local hospital. She is awaiting her initial neurology appointment 4 months from now. Jane has been feeling overwhelmed with lifestyle changes related to her epilepsy diagnosis. She has been withdrawing from loved ones, has stopped engaging in activities that usually bring her joy, and has trouble getting out of bed most days. Which of the following are effective coping strategies she can implement now for dealing with her probable depression?
Answer: This is an effective coping strategy. Friends and family can help recognize emotional changes and encourage professional help.
Answer: It is important to discuss these symptoms with her neurologist, however, she needs help now. Her initial neurology appointment is 4 months away and her depressive symptoms may get worse prior to the appointment.
Answer: This is an effective coping strategy. She needs to be assessed by a professional now, and her primary healthcare provider can see her sooner than her neurologist.
Scenario 2: Andre was diagnosed with epilepsy last week and was told that he is no longer able to drive. Andre is worried because his job is a long distance from his house and there is no reliable public transportation during his typical work hours. He does not have short- or long-term disability benefits at his employment and needs to work to pay his bills. What are effective coping strategies that Andre can implement to help?
Answer: While this may be effective long-term if he is eligible, it is not an effective short-term solution since it takes several months for approval.
Answer: This is an effective coping strategy. Having a plan in place to cover transportation to and from work can help decrease worries related to missing work hours.
Answer: This is an effective coping strategy. These vouchers can help Andre, and may also help when friends, family, or other close loved ones are not available.
Answer: This may be an effective coping strategy, but finding a new job is not a realistic short-term solution. Additionally, there may not be any appropriate jobs within walking distance of Andre’s residence.
Ask questions and get information from reliable sources
As you search the web or talk to people about epilepsy and seizures, it is important to make sure you are obtaining reliable information.
- List questions about your seizures or epilepsy that need to be clarified
Ask your provider for information about seizures and epilepsy. The following websites are known to have reliable information:
- https://www.exploringepilepsytoday.com
- https://www.epilepsyadvocate.com
- https://www.epilepsy.com/
- https://talkaboutit.org/
Find an epilepsy support group
Identify epilepsy support groups online or in person. There are many epilepsy community and support groups on Facebook including Epilepsy Advocate, CURE Epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation (including national and state chapters), etc.
