Men’s Issues

Men’s health
Historically, men's health has been given low priority because men have not been very good advocates for their own cause.

Changes because of epilepsy
How epilepsy affects someone is very individual and dependent upon their current life situation.

Coping strategies
Ways to cope with some of these changes.

For some general information on men’s health, go to:
myDr Mens Health Centre
Netdoctor.co.uk
MedlinePlus - Mens Health Issues

Men’s Health

Historically, men's health has been given low priority because men have not been very good advocates for their own cause.

Men don't seek medical help as often as women - only when they're feeling very sick or are unable to work. They tend to smoke and drink more, partake in more risky and dangerous behaviours than women, and generally lead less healthy lifestyles.

Male poor health, both physically and mentally, can affect families, relationships, communities and the workplace.

Some men may feel having a chronic health condition is threat to their masculinity and fear being seen as a failure, and not fulfilling their role.

Being diagnosed with epilepsy can mean minor or major modifications to lifestyle, depending on your current situation.

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Changes because of epilepsy

How epilepsy affects someone is very individual and dependent upon their current life situation. There are a number of lifestyle changes that can be made to help maintain a healthy lifestyle - and in the case of epilepsy - help gain seizure control.

Some life changes that may occur include:

1. Change in role - family, friends and workplace
   If the role changes are significant, particularly gender role conflicts, men often have low self-esteem, anxiety problems with intimacy, marital and relationship problems, and higher degrees of personal stress.(1)
   This may cause difficulties in planning a future.
    
2. Change in employment - many men define themselves by their jobs. Their primary focus is on their jobs because that's where their identity is. (1)
   The employment problems of people with epilepsy cannot be reduced to one factor (i.e., seizures) but they are more so the result of a number of related factors. These factors can include a lack of education, neuropsychologic deficits, lack of information, social isolation and resulting social skill deficits, and negative attitudes on the part of family or employers. Also epilepsy related restrictions or limitations.
   Unemployment - Unemployment appears to be at least two to three times that of the general population
   Underemployment - because of safety concerns or undue concerns about seizures, people are often employed in a position lower than what they are capable of performing - providing less income and less self assurance.
   Change in income - Economic factors can have profound relevance for men’s health (1)
   Loss in or reduction of income can lead to issues such as stress - relationship, financial, work, poor nutrition and lifestyle, and people become less able to practice better health behaviours. While a diagnosis of epilepsy can lead to increased costs of transport, medical tests, doctors visits and medications.
3. Loss of drivers licence - impacts on role, employment, social activities and most aspects of lifestyle. It can also cause isolation.
4. Social life
   Drinking habits and late nights are preferably modified - which can impact on 'boys' activities and peer acceptance.
   This may cause feelings of anger, resentment, denial and social isolation - which can also lead to non-compliance with a healthy lifestyle and taking medications as prescribed
5. Relationships
   Sex drive - Many people with epilepsy face some change in sexual desire, behaviour, or activity as a result of their seizures. The most common change is a general lessening of sexual interest and activity, sometimes called hyposexuality.
   Impotence - some medications may cause erectile dysfunction in men. This can be discussed with the specialist and medications can be altered.
   Self esteem - all of the above factors can impact on self worth and self esteem and cause:
   - Loss of confidence
   - Depression and anxiety
   - Withdrawal from society
6. Taking medication - Men, especially young men may want to stop medication when seizures are under control. They may forget or not want to take their medication, which can have severe consequences. Stopping medication suddenly can result in an increase in seizure frequency and type. Any change in medication should be done in conjunction with your doctor. Always consult your neurologist for advice before changing or ceasing medications.

The impact these changes have can vary from person to person.

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Coping strategies

1. Gain Knowledge

Learning about epilepsy is the first step to taking control, moving on, improving and managing your condition effectively. A good place to start is Understanding Epilepsy. The more you know the easier it will be to put the fears and misconceptions of having epilepsy into perspective.

Make a list of questions and keep records of your seizures. These will help you learn more about your epilepsy and what triggers your seizures. It also aids the neurologist in deciding appropriate management.

2. Identify Seizure Triggers

Identify if you have any triggers that bring on a seizure. Common triggers are stress, over-tiredness, certain drugs or medications, alcohol, sickness, or indeed you may have your own particular triggers. The most common reason for having a breakthrough seizure (a seizure that occurs when you are controlled on medication) is missing medication.

3. Grieve

It's normal to go through a grieving process. Grieving for what you had and what you think you may miss out on as a result of this diagnosis. A range of emotions, mood swings, turmoil and confusion are a part of accepting the condition. You may find that you are more irritable. Find someone to talk to, share it with your partner or close friends or find a professional. You can also call on us for advice and guidance. Yes men do have tears and it's okay to cry, in fact it's very healthy to do so.

4. Be Active

Keep busy and continue your normal activities (unless your doctor suggests it's unsafe, such as deep sea diving) or find other activities that you can enjoy. Keeping busy takes the focus off worrying about your seizures.

5. Keep Healthy

Eat well and get enough sleep. When you first start taking medication it may make you feel tired. This is common and you should adjust to this, but try not to keep too many late nights and avoid too much alcohol. Speak to your neurologist about how much alcohol you can drink.

6. Be Safe

Especially if seizures are not under control - Have a shower rather than bath, and turn the cold water tap on first to prevent burns, in case you have a seizure. Check if your house water has a temperature control and adjust it to a lower temperature. Leave the bathroom door unlocked. If possible cook using a microwave. Check your house and workplace to see if there are changes that can be made to make it safer. See our Seizure Smart Safety Fact Sheet for more information.

7. Find Available Assistance and Support Services

If you are studying find out if the school or university offers extra assistance, you may be surprised at how accommodating such places can be.

Find out what resources are available and use them. Speak with someone else who has seizures, speak with a professional from Epilepsy Action who understands your issues, visit a support group, and find a neurologist with whom you can communicate.

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For some general information on men’s health go to:
myDr Mens Health Centre
Netdoctor.co.uk
MedlinePlus - Mens Health Issues