Epilepsy in College
Starting college means starting from scratch. We leave our home, family and lifelong friends. Familiarity begins to fade as college campuses toss us into a brand new setting. When realizing we are moving away, that comfortable feeling we had at home is like a rug being swept out from under us. College is a “new normal” for everyone, but for some, there’s even more of a twist.
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder in which nerve cell activity is disturbed, and seizures are sudden surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in your brain (big, scary words, we know). So, let’s put this into perspective. POV: you’re a freshly graduated and eager student ready to head off to college and start your next chapter. New friends, new community, new places. But, let’s pump the brakes for a second…you have epilepsy. These are new friends (practically strangers) and a new home away from home (but we’re grateful for Google Maps). To be blunt, how the hell are you going to explain you have epilepsy to a bunch of strangers? This is scary. It could completely change the way people see you, and you don’t want to sound the alarms by saying the word “seizure” on the first day.
On a personal note, I experienced this when entering my freshman year of college, and let me tell you, I was terrified. This was something that I could hide on the outside, but inside the fear of being judged began to eat away at me. It came to a point where I had to face the tough yet eye-opening realization that there is not a single thing to be ashamed of about having epilepsy. Epilepsy is something I was diagnosed with, not my whole persona.
There will always be judgemental people in this world. There were times where epilepsy drew people away from me when I started college, and it was painful. However, this meant that those people were not supposed to be in my life. If you are struggling, read this sentence over and over again: you will find the people who see you for who you truly are. Those people will love you unconditionally. They will be at your side when things get tough, whether it’s related to a medical condition or not. They will support you.
How do we find these relationships? The answer is trial and error, which requires complete transparency. Entering college with any type of medical condition is something that needs to be addressed when it comes to your personal safety. Although easier said than done, understand that this is not a conversation you should be scared to have. If anything, those hidden words will become a weight lifted off your shoulders once revealed. In my experience, I had a sit down chat with my friends as we grew closer. I explained my condition, and when I saw the way they reacted, I knew they were my people. They were receptive, asked questions and wanted to learn more about how to help me if needed. Now, my friends are basically epilepsy experts! This goes with any medical condition you may have, and the best thing you can do is be open and honest.
To friends of those with medical conditions, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. All we ask is that you are supportive and never forget that this is someone you love for who they are as a person. If you have questions, absolutely ask them because we want to answer them. We want to help better your understanding so we can all be more comfortable. Yes, it can be awkward, but there are no dumb questions! To those with medical conditions, take that fear you are bottling up and pour it down the drain. Hold your head high and know you are not alone in this. You are not your diagnosis; you are your own, incredible self.