Living with epilepsy can mean having limited energy, time, and bandwidth. You may find yourself needing to say "no" more often than you did before you developed a seizure disorder. Do you have a tough time being direct with others about how you feel? It's not unusual to feel awkward or self-centered when turning down a request or an invitation. You may feel at the mercy of the other person's need.

Using "I" statements can help put you back in the driver's seat of the situation. An "I" statement directly communicates your feelings and sets a clear boundary, allowing you to focus on avoiding seizure triggers and managing epilepsy-related symptoms like fatigue or nausea.
For instance:

I don't feel like going.
I'd rather do something else instead.
I can't do it this week.
Whenever I attend that event, it takes me days to recover.

At first, you may feel vulnerable about using direct "I" statements when saying no. Your true feelings are exposed, and you may be judged for using epilepsy as an excuse. "I" statements can also be freeing! You don't need to pretend or tell a white lie. It's ok to communicate directly about what you need.

Using an "I" statement is a way of taking responsibility for your feelings. You are not blaming or accusing the other person. You are being honest about your needs and making sure they are recognized.

Members of MyEpilepsyTeam shared some of their experiences with communicating directly:

"Today like every other day is about everyone else and me catering to their needs and wants."

"I have to pretend I'm fine."

"If you think something is wrong, speak up because no one will do it for you!"

Have you used "I" statements to set boundaries? How did it feel?
Share your stories about direct communication in the comments below or on MyEpilepsyTeam.