What can others do?
During an attack
It is much less embarrassing and easier for you to get on with your life as normal if the people around you don’t make a fuss each time you have an attack. Your attacks may be frightening to other people who see them. To ensure that they respond to your seizures in the best way, it is helpful to talk to you friends, family and co-workers about what they should do in case you have an attack.
Download our information on what people should do when you have an attack (PDF, 17KB)
Help you to become more independent
Understandably, your family may feel anxious about your safety and as a result may discourage you from doing things that they feel put you at risk in any way. However, stopping doing things can have a bad effect on your life and may make your symptoms worse.
Your loved ones can help by encouraging you to do more, not doing things for you that you can do for yourself, and helping you to find ways of starting to do things that you have been avoiding, such as going shopping, travelling on public transport. Explain to them that it is important that you feel independent and in control of your own life.
Accepting your feelings
The people close to you may also try to protect you by stopping you from getting upset, either because they think this will cause an attack, or just because they find it hard to see you upset. In fact, attacks are often linked to feelings that are not expressed. Your family can encourage you to talk about your feelings by listening, encouraging you and trying to understand and letting you cry if you need to.
Jean says: “We follow her everywhere: toilet, shower, kitchen, because you just don't know when she is going to have an attack.”
Take some of the pressures off you
It is important that you take time for yourself. Your friends and family can help with this by sharing household tasks, encouraging you to take time off and helping you plan enjoyable activities.
Remember, different things seem to work for different people, and you may well find other approaches that help as well. Use the ones that work for you and start to take control.
You might find that you have good days and bad days or might be worried about how you can continue getting better.
Find out more if you are worried about what to do if you start to get worse again
