Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesBenefitsFinding a GroupOther ResourcesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Benefits
Finding a Group
Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Joining a support group can help a person withepilepsymeet others who understand their experiences, provide a place to share resources, and foster a sense of community.
Epilepsy, sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a condition in which a person has two or more unprovoked seizures. A seizure occurs when there is a brief change in electrical activity in the brain.
Seizures can present in different ways depending on the type of seizure. Some seizures are barely noticeable while others are severe. A person having a seizure may stare, fall, shake, have jerking motions, lose awareness, or have other symptoms. Seizures are oftencontrolled with medication.
There are several types of epilepsy withmany different causes.All types can impact a person’s life in significant ways, making support essential for coping.
This article will discuss what epilepsy support groups can offer and how to find them.
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Types of Epilepsy Support Groups
Support groups can sometimes center around a specific activity, such as art therapy.
Benefits of Joining a Support Group
Becauseepilepsycan cause fear and stigma, it can be an isolating illness. Support groups can make a person with epilepsy feel less alone, but they are also valuable resources in other ways.
Finding an Epilepsy Support Group
Epilepsy support groups can be local or far-reaching. Where to find one depends on the type of support you are looking for.
In Person
The Epilepsy Foundation is an international organization that branches off into local chapters. Contacting the chapter in your area is the best way to access in-person support that is close to home.
The Epilepsy Foundation offers a search tool to help you locate your nearest branch. Each chapter has unique programs, group sessions, and resources. For example, the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York provides art therapy, a women’s group, and a men’s group.
On its website, the foundation lists groups throughout the United States, such as the ones inNorthern CaliforniaandGreater Chicago.
You can also look for local epilepsy groups that may or may not be affiliated with larger organizations, likeEmpowering Epilepsyin Cleveland, Ohio.
Online
Check your local Epilepsy Foundation chapter for online groups, such as the one affiliated withEpilepsy Foundation New England, which listsavailable virtual groups.
You can also check in with epilepsy centers outside your region. For example, Penn Epilepsy Center offersa virtual support groupthat does not require you to be enrolled locally to participate.
Epilepsy Foundation’s 24/7 Helpline
This service is provided in English and Spanish.
Call thetoll-free helpline at800-332-1000(en Español866-748-8008).
You can also visit the Epilepsy Foundation’s 24/7 Helpline page.
How to Find Other Resources and Support for Epilepsy
Many resources in addition to support groups are available for people with epilepsy and their loved ones.
Mental Health Tools
Some people with epilepsy experience mental health difficulties. The CDC recommends the following resources for support and information on mental health with epilepsy:
You can also ask a healthcare provider for a referral to a mental health professional.
If You Are in Crisis, Help Is Available
Financial Support
Many drug companies offer patient-assistance programs if you can’t afford your medication (or your child’s) or need other accommodations. These programs may arrange for:
NeedyMedsis an organization that helps provide information on:
Other resources include:
Summary
Living with epilepsy can be isolating, but support groups can be a way to connect with others who understand your experiences. They also are a place to share resources and information.
Support groups are available in a number of formats including in person and online. Organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation are helpful for finding support groups in your area.
If you are living with epilepsy, or caring for someone with epilepsy, check with your local epilepsy organizations, ask your healthcare provider, or use a search tool to find a support group that works for you.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers epilepsy a disability. People with epilepsy can qualify for disability benefits if they meet the criteria listed in the SSA’s Blue Book of disabling conditions.Learn MoreSocial Security Insurance and Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers epilepsy a disability. People with epilepsy can qualify for disability benefits if they meet the criteria listed in the SSA’s Blue Book of disabling conditions.
Learn MoreSocial Security Insurance and Disability
Learn MoreCoping With Epilepsy
For some people, epilepsy is a lifelong condition that requires long-term treatment. For others, their epilepsy can go into remission, sometimes permanently, over time.Learn MoreCan Epilepsy Be Cured?
For some people, epilepsy is a lifelong condition that requires long-term treatment. For others, their epilepsy can go into remission, sometimes permanently, over time.
Learn MoreCan Epilepsy Be Cured?
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.Frequently asked questions about epilepsy.Children’s National Hospital.Epilepsy family education support group.Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California.Support groups.Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania.About our support groups.Epilepsy Alliance America.Support groups.Josh Provides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation.Support groups.Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.Counseling & support programs.Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.Find support.Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.People seeking help.Epilepsy Foundation.Patient assistance.Disability Benefits Help.Is epilepsy a disability and does It qualify for disability?
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.Frequently asked questions about epilepsy.Children’s National Hospital.Epilepsy family education support group.Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California.Support groups.Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania.About our support groups.Epilepsy Alliance America.Support groups.Josh Provides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation.Support groups.Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.Counseling & support programs.Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.Find support.Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.People seeking help.Epilepsy Foundation.Patient assistance.Disability Benefits Help.Is epilepsy a disability and does It qualify for disability?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.Frequently asked questions about epilepsy.Children’s National Hospital.Epilepsy family education support group.Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California.Support groups.Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania.About our support groups.Epilepsy Alliance America.Support groups.Josh Provides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation.Support groups.Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.Counseling & support programs.Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.Find support.Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.People seeking help.Epilepsy Foundation.Patient assistance.Disability Benefits Help.Is epilepsy a disability and does It qualify for disability?
Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.Frequently asked questions about epilepsy.
Children’s National Hospital.Epilepsy family education support group.
Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California.Support groups.
Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania.About our support groups.
Epilepsy Alliance America.Support groups.
Josh Provides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation.Support groups.
Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.Counseling & support programs.
Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.Find support.
Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.People seeking help.
Epilepsy Foundation.Patient assistance.
Disability Benefits Help.Is epilepsy a disability and does It qualify for disability?
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