Living with epilepsy

Being diagnosed with any illness can be a shock, and everybody reacts differently. For some people, a diagnosis of epilepsy is a relief as it gives a name to what has been happening to them. Others will feel scared and upset or angry. All of these reactions are normal. Coming to terms with your diagnosis will take time, but with planning, most difficulties can be overcome.

Having epilepsy should not take over your life, but it needs consideration. Learning more about your epilepsy can help you and your doctors make the right choices for you.

If you have any problems or questions, please discuss them with someone, either your GP, an epilepsy support helpline or our specialist epilepsy nurses.

You can find out more about living with epilepsy on the NHS website.

Sources of support

National support

External organisations that offer further information and support:

• Epilepsy Society
• Epilepsy Action
• SUPED Action, a charity raising awareness of epilepsy risks and tackling epilepsy deaths including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Services include bereavement support and counselling
• Young Epilepsy, supporting children and young people with epilepsy
• Women with epilepsy

Local groups

• Epilepsy Action local groups - you can search for local groups supported by Epilepsy Action on their website.

Resources for people with a learning disability

• Choices advocacy
• Find your local community learning disability team here.