I don't look epileptic ... you don't look stupid


Before I get into the nitty gritty of this blog let me start by saying that the saddest part of writing this blog is the fact that I have written blogs addressing this issue many times before and this experience is not the only one I have ever had relating to my disability. How incredibly sad is that.

OK on to the nitty gritty.

Once again, I find myself in a position where I must defend myself and my disability. (for anyone who is not sure yes epilepsy IS a disability). Not only have I found myself having to defend the fact that epilepsy is a disability, but I have also had to defend myself for having it (for the second time!). Please let me just make one thing perfectly clear before I move on … NOBODY and I mean NOBODY would ever choose to live with epilepsy. Ever. It is embarrassing, painful, exhausting and life changing. Having the condition is not my choice it is just a card I was dealt.

Over the past seven years I have realised that shouting and arguing does not help reduce the amount of ignorance surrounding hidden disabilities. If anything, it makes the situation worse and more volatile. While I find it hard to believe that in 2018 we still have so much prejudice, judgement and discrimination against those with hidden disabilities, the truth of the matter is we do. The world is so full of ignorance, full of people who continue to take the term disability at face value, who believe that a disability must be a physical and therefore visible thing, that can be seen, judged and approved of. People who believe that hidden disabilities don’t exist or that they are faked or exaggerated somehow. It is this ignorance that makes my life and the lives of many others with hidden disabilities so difficult.

What this world needs is an education. Just because you cannot see my disability does not mean it is not there. Just because all of my seizures are not visible does not mean they are not happening. Just because your neighbour’s sisters dog had epilepsy does not mean you understand mine. There is nothing wrong with not understanding something, epilepsy, like many hidden disabilities, is difficult to understand, but it is NOT OK to make judgements, nasty comments and assumptions based upon your non-existent knowledge. I am an open book when it comes to my epilepsy .. I mean, hello, I write a blog about it!. I am more than happy to talk to anyone about epilepsy. I will explain my seizures to anyone willing to listen. Ignorance comes from a lack of knowledge and if you are willing to learn then I guess your ignorance can almost be excused.

If, however, you’re not that interested in educating yourself may I suggest you zip your lips because the harsh reality is that people like YOU are the reason those with hidden disabilities spend their days defending themselves, YOU are the reason those with hidden disabilities face discrimination and judgment every day. As we all know, I am not one to name and shame …however, if you feel that the metaphorical shoe this blog is producing might fit you… feel free to lace that bad boy up and wear it!



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