Stigma

[batman]

Thought I'd post this on here to help me remember it, and to share it with other people. By the way, I came up with this line while typing up a reply on another online epilepsy support group.

"Stigma will maintain its power when people focus their attention on it. But if you can ignore the stigma, then you'll be able to focus your attention on what's more important; yourself, and the ones you love." -Bruce

[Bernard]

It's true. An idea - any idea - only has as much power as you give it.

[Meetz1064]

BINGO!!

You hit it right on the head there, Bruce....

[Nakamova]

That's a great statement! I would add that stigma comes from ignorance, so spread information and education about epilepsy whenever possible...

[Loopy Lou]

Hmm... i was talking to a new colleague the other day about my epilepsy, and she said "It's funny, you don't look like someone who has epilepsy...."

I stared at her til she went red and shut up. After that she explained that she thought it was only people with learning disabilities and bumps on the head that had it.

Thats a good quote you have there. I try to educate people where i can, without trying to sound like a know-it-all, but some people seem to have a really clear (and wrong) idea about what they think epilepsy is.

[knothing]

I still can drive but when co-workers want to go out to lunch or do anything they will never let me drive them. Quite a few of them witnessed my first grand mal so I can't say I blame them. Still does not make it feel good when they say we can't let you drive. The In-Laws act the same way. Thankfully my parents and my wife treat it like it is not there (my mom had a brother with Epilepsy).