Approaches to managing health have changed. People are now more actively involved in their health care management and decisions.

Self-management is not just about knowing about your epilepsy, but also learning to identify triggers, symptoms and work through any connected problems. It is about adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce or prevent seizures, and avoid seizure triggers.

Most people find that learning to manage epilepsy, is much more than just taking medications. When you take an active role in managing your health, your general health and psychosocial wellbeing can improve as well and this is likely to lead to more positive outcomes.

At the individual level, self-management aims to increase your skills and confidence in knowing and monitoring your symptoms, problem-solving, decision-making, goal-setting, communicating, and adopting healthy behaviours to improve your health and quality of life.

Some benefits of active self-management include:

• More confidence and sense of control in managing your condition
• Less stress, anxiety and low mood
• Increased support and understanding from family and friends
• Less seizures
• Fewer unscheduled visits to health professionals.

Active self-management involves a number of things including:

• Developing a good understanding of epilepsy. Learn about the diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial impact of epilepsy and about strategies for coping with it
• Taking your medication as prescribed and reporting any effects or side effects to your doctor
• Keeping a seizure diary – describe and document your seizures and the circumstances around them
• Understand and avoid your personal seizure triggers
• Changes to lifestyle – diet, exercise, sleep, stress management and safety awareness
• Maintaining a working relationship with healthcare professionals and developing good support networks
• Managing symptoms of anxiety and low mood, and seeking help if severe and prolonged
• Be your own self advocate.

Watch the above video from WA Health Department. Speak to your doctor about chronic disease plans in your state.