Taking an active role in managing your epilepsy
Self‑management means taking an active role in understanding and looking after your health and wellbeing – including your epilepsy.
- It starts with learning about your type of epilepsy, your treatment, your triggers, and any side effects you might experience. The more you know, the easier it is to ask relevant questions, make informed decisions, and feel confident talking with your doctor.
- Self‑management also includes learning what you can do to improve your wellbeing – things like sleep, stress, routines, mental health, and lifestyle choices that can help with seizure control.
But self‑management doesn’t mean doing it alone or treating yourself. It’s a team approach involving you, your health professionals, your family, and anyone who supports you. Everyone works together.
This approach puts you at the centre of your care. No one is there to tell you what to do – instead, your team helps you understand your options and recommends the best path forward. Being involved in your own health decisions can give you more control, which many people find empowering.
What influences self management?
- How much you know about your epilepsy
- Your confidence in your abilities
- How happy you are with your treatment – tailoring treatment to suit you
- Your communication with doctors and health care providers
- How much support you have from family and friends
- Your emotional well-being or mood
- Stigma – other people’s reactions to your epilepsy
- If you feel in control or not
