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Blogs by Stephanie S. Sawyer
Public treatment of epilepsy 1/3/2008 10:04:32 AM
Treating anyone in the midst of a seizure with love and not panic is the first priority I have to give to the public understanding. How exciting it is to see that the effects of Facing Me are still going forward. Now, students of mine are reading the book and spending time in lessons asking all sorts of questions about epilepsy and seizures.
There's still alot of stigma in society about people who have seizures in public, and luckily, I can reach my students through candid talking. I help them to understand the truth about epilepsy and the truth about how to treat someone in the midst of a seizure. In this way, I can counter alot of that ignorant mindset about how to steer clear and label the person who is having the seizure. I did so today.
I find that there are still lots of people who want to relate to people having a seizure as ones who need to be hidden, as ones who have a problem to hide. Nonsense!
Although I grew up in a home where I had to hide it, I refuse to take part in that sort of mindset. Treating anyone in the midst of a seizure with love and not panic is the first priority I have to give to the public understanding. It is my goal to keep pushing forward to help the public mindset to better understand that epilepsy is not something to be afraid of, but is something to be assisted for the sake of the person afflicted. Assistance with compassion and not humiliating panic is the finest goal. I hope I make some impression.
As always, staying calm is the best thing a person can do when near a person seizing. Providing a safe environment is the kindest offer. One cannot stop the seizure. It has to run its course. No spoons or any other objects in the mouth. That's all wives' tales, but I still hear about them from others. An ambulance may not be necessary unless the seizure is lengthy or loss of oxygen is apparent.
The Epilepsy Foundation is always ready to come to any organization and provide materials on treating seizures and methods appropriate. When I was in need, at the forefrom of Facing Me, way back in '90 or '91, they saved my life. I could not have found my life without them. If you know of someone who is hampered with a life bound by seizures, call the Epilepsy Foundation in your area.
