Do You Know Someone with Epilepsy? 5 Key Ideas to Help

At some point in everyone’s life, they will need help from someone else. Whether it is someone to turn to for advice, or someone who is skilled and more capable in certain activities, helping one another is a staple part of our society. Epileptics are no different and just like other people with a disability, they often need more help and support from others. Here are a few ways you can help your friends and loved ones with epilepsy.

Idea 1: The best thing you can do is show your support. People with epilepsy will need help and support to do many things most people consider a normal part of their daily routine. Try to think about things they might need help with. For instance, transportation is a big one. Whether it’s a ride to the grocery store or a ride to a doctor’s appointment, having a safe and familiar face to offer them transportation always helps. It also gets them out of the house, which can help your friends or loved ones avoid the cabin fever often associated with being homebound.

Idea 2: Offer help before they even ask. This shows you really care and makes them feel like they aren’t having to burden anyone. Sometimes I feel like a burden to those closest to me. It always makes me happy when a friend or family member offers unsolicited help and makes me realize that they are happy to help me any way that they can.

Idea 3: If they do ask for help, never make them feel embarrassed or ashamed. They can’t help what they have. Even jokes can hurt. As I stated above, since I sometimes feel like a burden, or worse, feel ashamed of my condition, it can at times take courage for me to reach out and ask for help.

Idea 4: Learn exactly what to do when they have a seizure ahead of time. You can do this by asking them or someone else who knows them well what to do. Many times, asking a loved one can be best, as they have first-hand knowledge of what to do for your friend/loved one’s specific situation.

Idea 5: Have a listening ear and open arms. Sometimes epileptics just need someone to talk to or someone to spend time with. Whether it’s taking them to lunch or just visiting them at their house, let them know you are there when they need you. My wonderful friends will sometimes stop in to say hello or take me out to lunch or shopping which always makes my day.

The Lord wants us to love others, give to those in need, and serve others. Remember this and have a sympathetic heart and help those who need it. And if you ever need help with something, remember that the person you know with epilepsy, if they are like me, will be more than happy to help you and show you how much they appreciate your help to them.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and humble mind” 1 Peter 3:8

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them” Hebrews 6:10