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Finally Telling People
Thu, 01/24/2008 - 18:03Hey Everybody!
Okay so the deal is that I'm doing my first presentation on for Communications class on epilesy. This is my second semester in college and I've kinda been hiding the fact that I have it, not that I'm ashamed; I was just scared how people will react. After the first seizure that I had here, everyone freaked; so since then, I've kept it very low key. Anyway, I have simple partial and abscence seizures and I was diagnosed when I was in 8th grade and since then it has been a battle. When this project came up, I got the courage to put my topic in as epilepsy and I plan to tell my class that I have it and explain what it means. I really want to do my presentation on the misconceptions about epilepsy, like how one of my friends thought that I had brain damage just because I have E. So I was wondering what other people have said to you guys about it? Or initial reactions maybe? Or questions that people usually ask? I want to get most of my information from other people with epilepsy and not just web info or books. I would really appreciate the help and this is the perfect opportunity to spread correct information about epilepsy to at least 50 students, so please help me out, perhaps it would make someone else's life a little easier.
Thanks for all the support
Shelitha :)
Comments
Re: Finally Telling People
Submitted by aaroberson7 on Tue, 2008-02-12 - 16:29
I think that it is great that you are informing your class and the school for that matter of what Epilepsy is and everything that goes along with it. I actually have had great responses- for the most part, people have just asked me what it is, what I have experienced, and then what they need to do should something happen.
Also, the great thing now is that Epliepsy is covered under the American with Disabilities Act, so once hired, a company cannot fire you due to Epilepsy, or any disability for that matter. So, whatever evidence is provided, you can fight it if it does not seem fair. They also have to make accomodations and they cannot refuse to hire you- and really are not suppose to ask you if you have disabilities b/c it is a violation of the law not to hire someone b/c they have a disability.
So, we have come a long way! Overall, my largest adjustment has been in my home relationships, because they are who see me all the time, so they deal with the memory loss, tired/fatigue, seizures (which mune have been controlled for 6 years now- YEAH:-) But they ahve had to deal with the change in my demeanor- BUT, the more information we have gotten, the better it is to accept- yes, I may look normal, but there is something going on with me- so I need you to be patient while I work through this everyday.
Anyway, it is a long journey- but WE WILL make it!
Andrea
I think that it is great that you are informing your class and the school for that matter of what Epilepsy is and everything that goes along with it. I actually have had great responses- for the most part, people have just asked me what it is, what I have experienced, and then what they need to do should something happen.
Also, the great thing now is that Epliepsy is covered under the American with Disabilities Act, so once hired, a company cannot fire you due to Epilepsy, or any disability for that matter. So, whatever evidence is provided, you can fight it if it does not seem fair. They also have to make accomodations and they cannot refuse to hire you- and really are not suppose to ask you if you have disabilities b/c it is a violation of the law not to hire someone b/c they have a disability.
So, we have come a long way! Overall, my largest adjustment has been in my home relationships, because they are who see me all the time, so they deal with the memory loss, tired/fatigue, seizures (which mune have been controlled for 6 years now- YEAH:-) But they ahve had to deal with the change in my demeanor- BUT, the more information we have gotten, the better it is to accept- yes, I may look normal, but there is something going on with me- so I need you to be patient while I work through this everyday.
Anyway, it is a long journey- but WE WILL make it!
Andrea
Re: Finally Telling People
Submitted by Sincereply on Sat, 2008-02-23 - 05:02
The range of reactions is very wide. I agree that it should be as "need to know" basis. Pick out one person who you feel could handle an incident and really consider this.
It is commendable to come forward however, consider the ramifications for your immediate success in school.
It has been my experience that even the most intelligent, compassionate and informed folks have old stigmatizing responses. Professors, clergy, etc.
AIDS is better understood. Again, I also commend you however, be objective about the class project and give yourself time to consider.
Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans could be a way to approach the topic without alienating yourself or end up having to rely on ADA ultimately.
Just words of advice from someone who also took this risk recently, it wasn't pretty and impacted career paths.
Sincereply
The range of reactions is very wide. I agree that it should be as "need to know" basis. Pick out one person who you feel could handle an incident and really consider this.
It is commendable to come forward however, consider the ramifications for your immediate success in school.
It has been my experience that even the most intelligent, compassionate and informed folks have old stigmatizing responses. Professors, clergy, etc.
AIDS is better understood. Again, I also commend you however, be objective about the class project and give yourself time to consider.
Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans could be a way to approach the topic without alienating yourself or end up having to rely on ADA ultimately.
Just words of advice from someone who also took this risk recently, it wasn't pretty and impacted career paths.
Sincereply
Re: hi...i want to commend you
Submitted by queeniw on Fri, 2008-02-01 - 13:54
I think it is discrimination but by law there really isn't anything you can do. That is why I think it is so great that someone wants to get out there and voice their opinion - the real truth- about epiliepsy!! Some day things will get normal! I'm just glad that it didn't happen to me when I first started teaching, I don't know how well I would have handled it then. Mar