Like many subjects that are really not understood by the masses (i.e. Alzheimer's or Bipolar Disorder or Autism Spectrum), there are some who will view you as if you have the plague or an alien race. However, the majority of people in the modern age who I have told that I have had epilepsy as described by Angelaboccagni. It is important to remind people exactly what my former coworkers who were former RNs were taught: 1. If I have a seizure, then try to help me from hurting myself with a fall or some other manner while my conscious mind is not in control. 2. DO NOT put anything into my mouth--this suggestion has been removed as procedure by doctors 3. I do not need to go to the ER unless I injure myself while having a seizure or have a very long Grand Mal seizure. 4. Please make a note of how long my seizure lasts and anything you witness as details of the seizure. (This is important for me to have when I go visit my neurologist)

NOTE: Any other type of seizure that lasts very long can simply be handled by visiting my neurologist. Most other types of seizures that last for more than a few minutes are not a real danger (according to my neurologist). However, it is important to keep track of whether I am having them often because this means we need to make some adjustments in treatment to handle it. I am very lucky that, for the most part, the combination of my medicatons with the aid of my TOOLS will keep me essentially seizure free. I have been at a much higher stress level over the last 2 years, thus my TOOLS have often not been helpful to the medications in controling the seizures. Otherwise, I can go a year or two of being seizure free. This doesn't count the occaisional aura (Simple Partial Seizure) because those are just annoying to me, and not even visible to others (all in my head)--except if I happen to be having an EEG at the time I have one.

Most of the time people ask what they should do if I have a seizure. Should I call 911? Hold your tongue? That's when I tell them exactly what to do. Plane and simple, don't let me hit my head and then get management or someone who knows me to take over. I'll come out of it. You have to protect yourself first. If you don't tell anyone then they really freak when it's a surprise

I've told anyone who has asked me why I walk or act the way I do at times and tell them I had a brain infection and have epilepsy. There are a few people that when it's time for me to go back to work are not liking the limitation I will have but it's to protect me and those around me. I want people to know why I am the way I am and if they have a problem then it's on them not me

I rarely speak to anyone about epilepsy unless they are persons that need to be aware of my epilepsy. When I began looking for work the state department person I met, had a wonderful Zoom video conversation. I was quite honest answering her questions and when a particular question came about asking of why I wanted to work from home I stated because I could not drive, did not think I would be obtaining my license anytime in the near future and it was due to a health factor. She asked me to explain then I responded I have epilepsy.

She said okay no problem and smiled she stated we have many persons we work with and help locate positions that have health disabilities so rest assured I will assist and be here for you. It gave me peace of mind knowing someone would be helpful and has been helpful for my needs the past six months.

Reading these replies, I'm completely different from how you all go about telling people about your condition. For my own safety and welfare even peace of mind, I tell everyone who I associate with and for those interested I elaborate even more as I have no barriers with my seizures. It's better to let people around you know what might happen rather than scare the living daylights out of them should you have a seizure