Autism, meltdowns and mental health 1

 First of all what causes people with Autism to behave and react as we do? First of nothing makes us any special to other people and a lot of people tend to think we want to be the center of attention and the most important people in the world, no that is not the case. We are as human as you, what we are, and who we are as people just that having Autism causes us to react to life as we do but not everything about us is down to Autism as the people we are. However' then yes we are special but not in the way you may think of ourselves as only we matter. Special because Autism Spectrum is a Special needs condition. 

The main cause of how we react to life is sensitivity, this could mean a fair few things I said in some past posts, change, route, communicating with others, trying to make ourselves understood, what's surrounded around us, anything unexcepted to us, etc. 

 Those sorts of things can increase our anxiety, meltdown, even depression, but not necessarily all. Many people seem to think meltdown and anxiety are two different things but they can be one or the other both meaning the different meaning depending on what sort of situation is affecting the person. For example; upset because they want their teddy bear. Okay, Most children with Autism react that way but some children may move on through that stage of their lives sooner than others but there's nothing to say whether or not the child has Autism. So okay, what is my point, you must be thinking? 

The exestream of upset and the way the child express themselves. Mother told me for example I used to take the clock to bed from when I was 2 till I was at least 8, the streams were like hell to play if I was in bed without the clock. She said it was quite a struggle to encourage me to grow out of it but I got there, how embarrassing though. I think I only very briefly remember that part of my life to be honest. 

Most might see people with Autism as selfish and spoiled but really we seem to at all different stages of our lives at least when I speak for myself for any length of time getting to the same things then at some point getting out of it and into something else.

Autism and mental health

Before I said what makes us Anxious, let me say what been Anxious is, worry, panic, nervous, fear, etc but most of the time when something is done it's not as bad as what we thought it's just before it's done people who are affected by Anxiety their minds can't rest when given something important, etc to think about. People who face Anxiety without Autism face it just as high as those who but most with people with Autism it becomes extreme. As crazy it may sound but always the case depending on the situations people are facing etc but if Anxiety gets too much it can make most people unwell such as the risk of seizures, heart attack,  very bad stomach ache, and as if it is turning round as if you're on a fair ride, etc and many situations there's a risk of depression, etc kicking in. 

Most people who face Autism face high levels of mental health, mainly Anxiety, which makes it hard for us to cope with situations that in many ways we may or may not need support with. Such as sorting things out that need sorting out for a certain time, filling forms, benefit assessments, etc. This also could be something sudden changing mainly if not given much notice, even positive things people may achieve like exams, driving lessons, tests, etc. 

While being on this post I am going to add in meltdowns because we Autism and Anxiety etc, meltdowns in most cases can link. When most people think of meltdowns they think of people of all ages having what they call a temper paddie in the street or something, which is not always the case of a meltdown, only just someone most likely anxious, bothered by something, etc but that meltdown and Anxiety can be reacted in different ways. For people who face Anxiety with or without Autism in my mind, those of us who face even just Anxiety when things on the mind are meltdowns on their own however a people react to whatever situation.

 Having said that I used to have in childhood years what they called back when I was child temper paddies which happened at any time but when I came off medication for Epilepsy when I was 12 to 13, they started to get less. Often I was mistaken as naughty in a roundabout way I guess I was but not really aware but I also struggled with expressing myself to others, which happens to people of all ages when having disabilities etc, but it's, even more, a struggle to express how your feeling to things, etc more so when your child. 

This something I have found on google. Autistic people can find it difficult to express their wants and needs, from a non-verbal child struggling to express their need for a drink to a teenager finding it hard to express their emotions. This can result in overwhelming feelings, such as anger and frustration, leading to a meltdown.https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/meltdowns/all-audiences#:~:text=Autistic%20people%20can%20find%20it,frustration%2C%20leading%20to%20a%20meltdown.

Trying to understand Autism and sensory

 According to an American website, there are two types of sensory, which is which I am trying to find out.  hyper-sensitivities and hypo-sensitivities. Not sure if I am understanding this correctly but hypersensitivities are (over-responsiveness) and hypo - sensitivities are (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli. Which I am if any I am not sure. Not sure whether it depends on how high Anxiety levels are. Here are some examples. 

• Sights
• Sounds
• Smells
• Tastes
• Touch
• Balance
• Body awareness (proprioception)

More is on this website https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues

http://www.autismtoolbox.co.uk/sensory-differences

From my experience of having Autism, I am alarmed by busy towns, cities, noise, etc, even long queues of people, etc, and lack of sense of direction, which I can easily get lost. It can take me a long time to learn how to find places etc but once I know, I rarely forget on the whole unless I haven't been there for a long time depending on where, etc.  

It's understandable how it is hard for people without Autism to understand sensory issues. However' no one with Autism can the way they are either. In this post, I feel it's my job to advise people without Autism how to support people with. Sorry everyone with Autism may well face sensory in a different way, that's no one's fault but sadly the way it is but then a boring world if we were all the same. However, it may be that sensory has its positives as well as negatives, this is because sensory can vary to the person's likes and dislikes as strange as it may sound.  

Vision some people with Autism have a good eye for detail such as patterns and colors that others may not see.

When it comes to hearing most people with Autism find high pitch sounds painful for their ears. Even a low hums of electrical equipment that most non-Autism people may not be aware of letting alone may not hear.  Others may like music very loud and others may enjoy loud banging. 

People with Autism find it hard to cope with strong smells, for example, perfume and deodorant, public toilets, restaurants, etc. 

Most people with Autism don't like touch, this could be fabrics or labels in clothes or wearing heavy tight clothes. Likes could be the feel of certain textures etc of things, which could vary to like or dislike in different people. 

Balance 

Difficulties with these senses may cause people with autism to be clumsy or to do a lot of rocking, flapping, and jumping in order to be aware of where they are in space. 

 

Autism Specturm and covid lockdown

 As I have made you aware of the change and route in the last post, which can have an effect on everyone's lives as well as those facing Autism Spectrum even more so with the Covid lockdown. As far as Anxiety is concerned this applies those who face Anxiety whether they face Autism or not, which means the Covid lockdown can have a huge effect on their lives as much as people who suffer from Autism as well as Anxiety.

  Even those of us who face these problems understand the lockdown has been for the safe of everyones' health and safety and mainly ourselves. Even so, it's become a huge effect on our mental health and there might be a lot we are able to do compared to before lockdown started last March. However, there's nothing worse than struggling to understand things and yes they're most likely good reason why the government been changing the rules so often but if you face certain problems your so likely to struggle to understand than other people. Yet most, not all other people end up breaking the law but very rarely people with disabilities, mental health, and other problems because most of us if not do anything to avoid what we don't understand just in case that happens and we are unaware. Therefore' for example myself only time I have been through the door is to do food shopping etc. 

Naturally, I guess like many people support has been more limited than before. The first month of the lockdown my cleaner Aunt's friend wasn't able to work and my Aunt lives an hour from me months after she was lockdown. My Mother lives in American and hasn't been able to get over the UK, which can only support me with things online such as shopping cause most shops have been closed. Nails and hair have had to have been done by my Aunt's friend and my Aunt. 

Autism can link to different disabilities such as Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Epilepsy Anxiety, and Depression, which I face and possibly others too. 

Examples of behavour and change in Autsim

 In many ways, we Autism people may seem boring to those who are not because we struggle to change route at least most of us on the whole. No one knows why that is and really we don't know why ourselves. In many ways, we may feel furstraighed how we are and what makes us comfortable. This is a struggle to explain because on the whole when we are aware of what's going on around us the last thing we don't want to do is bor, anyone, hurt anyone, etc, we don't want to be negative to anyone but also we are not saying that everything boils down to us having Autism either. We are as human as you, we have good and bad points about us but also apart of Autism is unawareness, which know doesn't make it right either. Even in the Autism world, there are positive parts of us as well.   

Examples of the route are doing, eating, wearing the same clothes, etc every day but of course, do not take this example to heart. I am pretty certain that most people are not in that sort of route, that just examples on the top of my head. Seriously most of us do the same things could be a favorite hobby, film, etc. Not sure about anyone else with Autism I can only speak for myself. I may go day, months, maybe years doing the same thing but one day I do change it and that will last another length of time however long or short it's going to be, it very often takes me ages and it's no intention or planned, etc, just happens that way without thinking about it and not even sure why myself. 

Autism is probley the most misunderstood condition out but it is a lifetime condition. To be honest, I am not sure on this one, I only have not so much improved but changed in some ways. As a child and maybe still in my teens I used to rock a lot and to be honest I don't think I do that as much now. I may be wrong but I think my awareness has may have slightly improved if not changed or both in the case maybe. To be truthful I have lived mostly on my own for years not sure I haven't fully noticed myself fully whereas when I was with the family a lot, mainly my late Gran bless used to tell me to stop rocking a lot. 

Seriously like for everyone change can be good and bad depending on what sort of changes etc. In a strange way, even positive changes can be a shock to the system for everyone because they are new to everyone but good or bad, right or wrong route is a huge thing and new changes take people with Autism a bit more time to get used to than other people and top of that very high Anxiety levels are to be except most people who face Autism.

Autism Spectrum awareness interduction

First of all, as you have been aware I have been writing posts on Epilepsy and we all have different awareness days, weeks, months, etc for all disabilities, mental health other problems, which is great because so many people are living with them but they are living them every day of their lives. The reason me writing these posts on my blog is that I feel everyone who faces these disabilities etc has the right to the right support and equal lives as possible to those who don't face them. I have a group on Facebook to give members the chance they wish to.

Secondly, I am sorry if you have read on my blog or anywhere else in the past me writing about this topic before but I try to update it the best I can each year it is an awareness day, month year, etc of whatever it may be. However, I am also aware that there may be new readers too. I gladly welcome all readers.  

Getting to the point of this post in the UK 700.000 people face Autism Spectrum and at least one in ten of these people are children.  It's possible there may be more of us who may be facing it and not even been diagnosed such as myself at 51. You may ask what makes you think you are? Well, my mother and family have thought so for a lot of years to the way I guess I responded to life, the way I behaved probably more so as a child than a teenage and adult year, plus, I have very high anxiety levels, etc, mainly as far as social interaction is concerned. Very often I am unaware of the world around me. 

Before I go any further no more than 1 person with Autism is the same, they can face the condition in different ways, like other people they have different likes, dislikes, different strengths, weaknesses, etc.

In this study, I cannot but bring in the Covid lockdown, which we know has had a huge effect on peoples' lives but without making Autism out to be a center of attention, the Covid lockdown has had a huger effect even though it has been the sake of everyone's health and safety. This is because most peoples' support is likely to have been limited than it was ever but before plus an of people possibly feeling as if they have lost their independence such as either less likely not at all able to see family, friends, going work, college, etc even though it's for everyones' health and safety. Okay, most of us are lucky these days that we can keep in touch online but not everyone is. However' when having Autism you feel as if you have lost your route, confidence with communicating with others, getting around places, etc for the length of time the lockdown has been. On top of that, most people who face Autism face high Anxiety, depression even suicide thoughts level, which is very concerning but they try their best to control. Not saying is in everyone who faces Autism but it's not surprising that Autism is likely to make most of us highly sensitive. 

 

In other words in the paragraph before this, I have tried to explain it's not necessary everyone faces the condition but on the whole Mental health is high faced by Autism and that doesn't mean I am saying those without Autism don't face Mental health. As far as the lockdown is concerned and access things online, just because most people are online doesn't mean they know how to use everything online and as a whole people, myself for one are on there on their own most of the time. Online counseling may be hard for some people to access if they are on their own most of the time, which may have been a struggle for most people but saying that only going by my own experience but I doubt I am alone on that one. 

People with Autism have difficulty with verbal and non - verbal communication, gestures, tone of voice, etc.  Some people with Autism cannot speak or and have a limit of speech but others don't have bad language skills but struggle to under sarcasm, for eg; jokes and tone of voice, etc. They may take things literally, Struggle and need extra time to answer questions, they may repeat what others say. 

Most people with Autism find it hard to understand people in most ways or a lot of ways, which seem intended to a lot of people but most of the time as a whole the person with Autism is unaware of others, feelings, emotions, thoughts, etc. However' for most people with Autism that unawareness doesn't stop but you may find if you somehow get to know one another for years they may slightly improve compared to when you first met them but it doesn't go away completely, this may not be the case with everyone though.  This is what you call social interaction here are some examples of what to expect.

• appear to be insensitive
• seek out time alone when overloaded by other people
• not seek comfort from other people
• appear to behave 'strangely' or in a way thought to be socially inappropriate
• find it hard to form friendships

Awareness of Stress,worry, panic, Anixety, Epliespy , more and Depression

 Not everyones' case but in most peoples' cases, it is possible for stress, anxiety, worry, panic, epilepsy even depression, and more to link together if things they worry about, etc get' too much to a point they may fear things much to face where they cannot cope to go through with whatever to a point they may not want to be in this world.

It is possible for most of us to worry about something so much for a certain amount of time we may be facing Anxiety then just may cause us to have seizures but not in every one or any situation etc. 

There are many causes of Epilepsy, stress, panic, and even Anxiety for that matter but if it comes to a point where it all happens together, not always the case but in most cases may be serious risks of heart attacks, maybe seizures, etc. https://tidsskriftet.no/en/2018/10/klinisk-oversikt/epilepsy-and-anxiety

It's handy a surprise is possible for Epilepsy, Anxiety, and Depression can link together not necessary for everyone who faces, one, some, all of these disorders. This could make most people are sensitive and more to certain situations compared with most of the general population. Such as worrying about bills etc, things to be filled in for a certain time and need to get support, etc if they need it; emotional situations such as relationships, marriage breaks up, and people who they know. During funding it's not always possible unless they can afford to pay, they need more counseling if they go for it, compared to most other people may and at risk of feeling suicidal, etc possibly.https://www.mind.org.uk/

Life living with Epliespy working round Epliespy and treatment.

I can only go round how my life was when I was facing seizures but I will try to put on this links on how they advise you to live with Epilepsy these days but also some of the old ways maybe still going as well.

How your life could be is to how, mild, major, types, a dose of medication, treatment, etc, and those in your life who may be your employer, teacher, etc for your safety and by law will need to work around that.  

People will need to accept it when you need to see you check GP, have check-ups at the hospital, etc for the sake of your health.

  https://patient.info/brain-nerves/epilepsy-and-seizures/treatments-for-epilepsy

This also, may or may not depend if this is the first time have faced epilepsy, or you have always faced it or if you have been having certain amounts of times without seizures, whether it's days, weeks, months years, etc. 

This may also depend if you are facing other problems as well or not such as disabilities, mental health, and other problem, which can happen any time before birth, during, and after birth. There may be a difference in how others need to support you etc, which could depend on what is facing and when. If it's something that keeps on coming and going, unknown it's going to or come back or not, your rights, support, etc shouldn't change just because something may come and gone, etc because if it's unknown it's beyond your control, and everyone's control as long as you make them aware of it, even though they may not change it but to know your safety and rights, etc are still in consideration and also may depend on how well or not well people who you may be working for, who may be teaching you, etc knows you. They have a responsibility to work around your safety, needs, etc so you can enjoy whatever you enjoy doing as much as possible. This also may depend on what you are doing which therefore you most likely won't have to stop necessary but some changes may or may not need to be made. Even if you do have to stop something may be similar if not the same but safer possibilities may be put in place if not where are but maybe elsewhere.  https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/living-epilepsy/wellbeing/safety-and-risk/risks-epilepsy

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/epilepsy-first-aid-and-safety

https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe

https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe/safety-work

Living with Epliespy 2

 

How medications have been known to affect lives. 

As I said in my last post I was on one medication through my childhood and have been on a very few in different times in my life where the medication affected my life learning, getting around, etc. I and my family thought it was just me and my disabilities until a few years after I came off these medications, which were Pheobarotone and maybe even tegrtrol. I have heard that Pheobartone has been taken off the market but it is listed in an old Epliespy book of mine.

Getting to the point of this post, I have no idea whether or not other people have faced the same or similar situations as me. Whichever no one deserves to have their lives affected by anything, it's enough having them affected by disabilities, mental health, and other problems, that no one can do anything about other than treatment or and support, etc depending on what it may be and the person, their whereabouts, etc.

 Medications it should be possible for professionals to look into because a human being has the right to be to enjoy learning, get about see their friends as independent as possible from say the age of 10 with less support from an adult as possible and know their whereabouts safety, etc. I understand not everything is possible for everyone and I will say things have come quite a way compare to when I was in school and when I left. I will be honest I am out of track with what's there for younger people but I guess could say as many positives for them as possible, please, even those who are special needs, etc cause no one should have to miss out on their career and future. 

It wasn't a huge problem in one way learning what I missed in school during young adulthood but it made it hard for me to be able to get a proper job, now I don't think I will get it because now 51 but  1 never knows, never say. Compared to if I could have achieved a few qualifications in the school, not that would have necessarily made a huge difference but maybe. Despite that, I think I am a successful Visiting Lecture, the voice of disability, mental health, and other problem,  Advocacy skills, and hopefully one day a nonprofessional in Counseling and Mentoring, despite there's very little of it mainly at the moment because of lockdown. That's enough about me, what about you or and those you may support, care for, etc with Epilepsy? 

Everyone knows that Epilepsy can happen to different people at different times. I may be wrong but at least from my experience as understandably everyone who faces Epliespy and seizures hates it. Naturally, I am not alone on the one if I am, just my luck facing what I have faced and that is to my knowledge it is not a straightforward condition probley in some case if or when it keeps coming and going. I understand it is hard for the system to keep up with people's need, support, etc but personally think when the system here's of people facing this it's earlier to keep things the same because it is unknown and no fault of people are facing Epilepsy if their seizures stop and start again and no fault of anyone else. 

Never ban, sack, or turn someone away, etc because they have Epilepsy, learn how to support them to have a good life as possible and keep them safe without also wrapping them in cotton wool and taking them away from enjoying life. Such as a safe enjoyable home, career, social life, etc. https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/work-employment-and-epilepsy

https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/working-ability/epilepsy

https://support.fitforwork.org/app/answers/detail/a_id/286/~/epilepsy-and-work

Safety advise in the home from the NHS. 

At home

Some tips to help you stay safe at home to include:

• use guards on heaters and radiators to stop you from falling directly on to them
• install smoke detectors to let you know that food is burning if you sometimes forget what you're doing or have seizures that cause you to lose awareness
• cover any furniture edges or corners that are sharp or stick out
• have a shower instead of a bath
• do not lock the bathroom door
• place saucepans on the back burners and with the handles turned away from the edge of the cooker

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/safety

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/sports-leisure

• GOV.UK: epilepsy and driving
• Epilepsy Action: driving
• Epilepsy Society: driving regulations for epilepsy
• 
  

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/epilepsy-pregnant/#risks-from-epilepsy-medicines

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/epilepsy-pregnant/

Using contraception

If you do not want to get pregnant, it's important to use a reliable form of contraception.

Ask your doctor about the best type of contraception to use, as some AEDs can affect how certain contraceptives work, including the combined contraceptive pill.

Methods of contraception that are not affected by AEDs include the:

• intrauterine device (IUD)
• intrauterine system (IUS)
• progestogen-only injection

It's also a good idea to use a condom as well.

Speak to a GP, a pharmacist, or a family planning clinic if you need emergency contraception. You may need to have an IUD fitted.

Further information

• Epilepsy Action: contraception and epilepsy
• Epilepsy Society: contraception and epilepsy

More is on the NHS page. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/living-with/

Living with Epliepy 1

 When facing Epliespy or and having faced Epilepsy, situations, needs, etc should be considered the same at least in my opinion not sure whether or not others agree, maybe some of you will and others won't. This is because if seizures stop after so many years no one knows if they going to come back and how or short they come back for if they do. These peoples' rights, safety and etc need to be considered whether the epilepsy is ongoing in people's lives, on and off once people in their lives know these people are facing seizures or have done in the past cause the unknown is unknown. 

Most people have said to me over the years but I guess others may see it the opposite, once facing seizures even if they have stopped you are still considered as having Epilepsy whether they come back or not. I have been seizure-free for just under 10 years now when I was 43 2013 to 2014 and I am now 51. According to my internet research to my understanding, no one knows what seizures can come and go for years, if and when they return, etc, which is sounding as if we living in the unknown. 

For this post, I have been researching careers and epilepsy, I have as face jobs are concerned here are some suggestions the internet has come up with Animal trainers, mental health counselors, fine artists, library work,  conservation scientists, or personal financial advisers. https://study.com/articles/careers_for_people_with_epilepsy.html

These are jobs for those who want to support and care etc for people with Epilepsy, even disability, mental health, etc.  https://uk.indeed.com/People-With-Epilepsy-jobs

Study and work.

For me and many others my sort of age, slightly older or younger society wasn't very educated on understanding disabilities, mental health, epilepsy, or other problems that could affect people's lives. Therefore you either got by or you didn't, support, etc was very little or not at all if you couldn't understand the world around you straight away. 

As a small child, I was on pheabarotone tablets where people in my life didn't know that was responsible for affecting my life such as learning and knowing my way about, etc.

 Even when I was in my last childhood years and the early teens I still needed to be supported by someone, I couldn't out alone without being at risk of been knocked over by a car, getting lost, etc and I was in my own little world. Therefore I learned nothing in school. My seizures stopped at 12 and I was taken off the medication at 13. 

After a number of years I was waking up to the world, starting to learn but when I left school at 16 I had nothing to show for myself and had no idea what to do. 

I started off in Wales a living riding stables looking after ponies and another animal started to catch up with my studies, which were only, math, English, and stable management. Archived my first certificate grade 1 in stable management which I was over the moon about and did a number more in the next 5 yrs, then I left in 1991 at 21. 

I was on YTS from when I was 19, then it changes to YT when I was 21, I helped out in old people's homes till I was 23, then went back to my birth home Wolverhampton, did a number of English qualifications, work experience Compton hospice, Beacon For The Blind, The Maltans, the library, etc which was helping out in a charity shop, basic office working, filing and folding leaflets, making restants hot drinks. 

By the time I was in my mid to late 30s, I started work for Mencap as a learning disability and mental health awareness trainer plus Advocacy worker, which most of that carried on at One Voice and the Univesity Of Wolverhampton. 

Living With Epliespy

 Even if someone like myself was born with Epilepsy it happened any time in one's lifetime, some people may find themselves like have, having and not had seizures for years. Just because they have stopped having seizures no one knows whether they will face another one or not, therefore for that reason, it shouldn't mean their need, support, etc should change but if the seizure does come back things will only need to come back again, which cost not necessary the people who face them but the system, may families, carers, etc time and money. 

When most people, services, etc found out I have been facing my condition being on and off, it has caused a lot of confusement, which I guess is understandable but also furstraighting. This is a hard one to explain but as much as no one wants seizures and epilepsy but if they stop, don't get me wrong is good news but unknown whether they going to come back or not, in many cases in the eyes of society it tends to change your need and rights depending on if your facing seizures or not. For eg; when I had been having seizures I could have done with a flat with no stairs, which is okay now as I am not facing them no now but unknown if things will stay that way. 

Those of you living with Epilepsy and facing seizures I haven't forgotten what it's like. Those of who are parents, carers, families, etc, anyone who faces Epliespy will say it's not the same in everyone who faces it and it's something that can happen to anyone at any time, unknown whether you are going to get it or not or whether not going to all your life. It's like it has a mind of its own without telling us, I am going to hit you one or no I am not going to hit you, etc. I hate to say it but just being honest it's like it sees it that way, I like you but I don't like you. In some people like me, it's as if it's playing with our minds. I am going to get you now, no I am not now but not telling if I am going to get you again. 

Anyone who faces Epliespy will also know it is a lot about health and safety but not all. With the right treatments and even support depending on the needs etc of those who face it, we can lead equal lives to what we do. Have to be honest in some people's case there may be limits which may be depending on if they face disabilities, mental health, other problems, etc as well. 

Epilepsy is not a health and safety danger or hazard but a health and safety concerned. That doesn't mean people facing the condition need to be isolated or and be behind closed doors away from society. It just means people are in different walks of life need to be trained and qualified to understand the condition, support, even train, qualify, if they work and teach them things,  keep them safe, and know how to look after these people if they face seizures. However' treatment of people with Epilepsy face should decrease the amount seizures they face. For eg' most employers, teachers, etc may find the fact these people will have to face hospital, GP appointments, etc a drawback but need to learn that is better than them not getting checkups, etc, which could be a risk of an increase of seizures. Most of us understand that may be affected on effect money on businesses etc if and when the person with epilepsy has to take time off for treatment, check-ups, etc but even more of risk if those seizures increase. This no fault of the people who are facing the condition, it just happens they don't make this happen. 

Epliespy learning and training.

Although Epilepsy awareness was only one day but then it's not. Does anyone know why?

 Okay, for the past 12 months and we probley will for quite a while even things are picking up a bit slowly with the lockdown. People with Epilepsy even in the lockdown and even more so have to live whether their Epliespy whether there's a lockdown or not. 

Although lucky for myself not having had a seizure five years and other I have still experienced the condition and know no one wants to be wrapped up in cotton wool and those facing the condition like their independences and always need to know others are for them if anything serious happens. 

No one should be ban, sacked, etc from anywhere just because they have Epilepsy. Everyone with Epliespy knows don't me wrong that not everyone is going to know what to do and may need others to help. It is also important as many people as possible know about Epliespy because it can happen to anyone anytime whether they are on treatment or not. Meaning if they are not on treatment, it may be because they may not have been facing seizures very long and only just trying to get checked or like myself had a lot of years with seizures, had their first seizure all of a sudden in however long, in some cases they go and come back for years but yet not everyone faces it that way but most do. Even if you know a small amount of knowledge, it is a start till someone who knows more can step in.  https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/training

Here are some basic tips I admit on the internet because I know very little myself so I have created a little but whoops that is just to help those with basics who don't know, mainly those who work, etc until they can get on courses, etc. I must say I wouldn't mind learning myself with the right support. These tips are useful wherever you come across people facing seizures. 

Do I call for emergency help?

Seizures do not usually require emergency medical attention. Only call 911or whatever the emergency number by you, may be if one or more of these is true. 

If you don't know the emergency number by where are, if there are people around you ask them and even ask for help.

 If there's no one around you if there's anyone you know who near where is call. Sometimes there are no right or wrong options and there are times for whatever reason you may do what is not correct thing due to maybe no one around for eg. 

This not mean this but possibilities of either driving the person to the nearest hospital or going in a taxi etc, if the person comes round at some point.

I will admit and be honest, I may not be correct on everything, which gives you every reason to try get yourself Epliespy training and learning as soon as possible. 

 Here's a link to a list of courses but they are rather pricey so I will try and get a link on some free courses too.   https://www.skillsplatform.org/health/epilepsy-training-courses?gclid=CjwKCAjwr_uCBhAFEiwAX8YJgYby8qrjR6E5370LHba0SEtEl63-nL8Lou1Kie-LKdUXT0LSzwWA3hoCeycQAvD_BwE

https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/epilepsy-training

• The person has never had a seizure before.
• The person has difficulty breathing or waking after the seizure.
• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• The person has another seizure soon after the first one.
• The person is hurt during the seizure.
• The seizure happens in water.
• The person has a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or is pregnant.

Basic first aid for any type of seizure.

 There are many types of seizures. Most seizures end in a few minutes.

These are general steps to help someone who is having any type of seizure:

• Stay with the person until the seizure ends and he or she is fully awake. After it ends, help the person sit in a safe place. Once they are alert and able to communicate, tell them what happened in very simple terms.
• Comfort the person and speak calmly.
• Check to see if the person is wearing a medical bracelet or other emergency information.
• Keep yourself and other people calm.
• Offer to call a taxi or another person to make sure the person gets home safely.

Basic first aid for major seizures.

When most people think of a seizure, they think of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.

Here are things you can do to help someone who is having this type of seizure:

• Ease the person to the floor.
• Turn the person gently onto one side. This will help the person breathe.
• Clear the area around the person of anything hard or sharp. This can prevent injury.
• Put something soft and flat, like a folded jacket, under his or her head.
• Remove eyeglasses.
• Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make it hard to breathe.
• Time the seizure. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.

Stop! Do NOT

Knowing what NOT to do is important for keeping a person safe during or after a seizure.

Never do any of the following things

• Do not hold the person down or try to stop his or her movements.
• Do not put anything in the person’s mouth. This can injure teeth or the jaw. A person having a seizure cannot swallow his or her tongue.
• Do not try to give mouth-to-mouth breaths (like CPR). People usually start breathing again on their own after a seizure.
• Do not offer the person water or food until he or she is fully alert.

First Aid training links. 

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/tailoring-first-aid-plans

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-course/find-a-course/

More to know about Epilepsy.

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/types-of-seizures.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/managing-epilepsy/index.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/fast-facts.htm

Training for professionals

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/groups/professionals.htm#school

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/groups/professionals.htm#responders

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/groups/professionals.htm#caregivers

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/groups/professionals.htm#childcare

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/groups/professionals.htm

Epliepsy advice about check ups.

 From my experience, I am only aware of ECGs. We all know Epliespy happen all time yet there people who don't face it all ever in their lives. If you have concerns that you or someone or people you know may be facing seizures. I would advise you to get checked or and advise others to so. However, I understand with Covid the NHS is very limited which is very concerning mainly with Epliespy so it may be advisable if it's or and advise those who may be facing seizure to make a health professional aware, even though appointments may be limited, etc.

 No one can force anyone to do what they don't want but not always the case, Epilepsy can be a huge life risk if not checked or even treated if there's anything to be concerned about but you never know there you or and whoever may be in the clear. 

I know this makes no sense but there have been cases, it has happened to me where I have had ECGs and nothing has shown yet I have been facing seizures but if not checked it could be a huge concern. 

Here are some links for treatment whether or people, someone knows is facing Epilesy already or you think you, others could. Naturally when it's yet checked one won't be having treatment but this could be what could be what's faced with it is etc. Those who are facing it are naturally likely to know so if needs they may be able to tell you what to expect, someone else or others.  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/treatment/

Causes of Epliespy

 Well without having to think about the cause of my Epliespy was lack of oxygen to the brain at birth but I cannot speak for anyone else's. However' I can bring up possible causes of traumatic brain injury,  serious illnesses. fever, stroke, stress, a huge amount of alcohol and or drugs. 

Sadly no one can avoid stress no matter what we try, whether we face Epliespy or other problems or not. There isn't a lot of difference to any of us only how we cope with them and how it affects us. Such as bills, filling forms, and even doing things to a time limit, etc people Epliespy or and other problems may struggle to come along and find them harder to cope with alone than people who don't face them. This is just an example of anything something someone has to do that could be very important to do. Other types of stresses could be a job, business losses, relationship break up, etc, which we can all face but seem like big bigger deals to those of us who face disabilities, mental health other problems. 

Stress awareness. 

Due to the fact I face Anxiety and okay I haven't faced a seizure since I was 43 and I am 51 not but if I get really stressed there's a fair chance I faced a seizure or seizures again. Sorry to sound negative there, although I don't others who face the face I know I am not alone.  This is not to seek attention but to raise awareness of those who face it. On this website, I am going to find a link I wrote about a year or two on a member of an old pop group back in the 70s and 80s. Sadly the least singer died very young, not sure whether it was down to his Epilepsy and Depression or something else Ian Curtis was his name. He was from a band called Joy Division, sang a great song called Love With Teair us apart. https://sararevealed.blogspot.com/2019/12/awarness-of-epliespy-and-mental-health.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuuObGsB0No

More if not all about Epliespy.

 Eliespy is a health condition, which is a sudden rush of electricity to the brain, which causes people who face Epliespy different types of seizures.  Epilepsy is a strange condition and no one knows why. Everyone faces it differently. If you have faced it all your life, on and off in your life, or most of your life, you will know it has a mind of its own but someone else who faces it most likely faces it the same as you. 

Those who have faced it similar to myself if not the same I guess wouldn't be surprised to know the type of seizures you face can change but not necessarily in everyone's case. When they came back in my adult years from when I was 31 to 43. They became simple Patical seizures. Like I said in my last post on this website if not treated in most cases if not all cases of Epilepsy can be a life risk but there never has and really still isn't a great deal of treatment only medication, medicines, etc. However' I have heard in the last 10 to 15 years or so there is an operation but how successful or unsuccessful it is I have no idea. 

• alterations to a sense of taste, smell, sight, hearing, or touch
• dizziness
• tingling and twitching of limbs

 From what my family told me about when I was a baby and young child, I either had them in the night and woke up with a wet bed or pretty much have what was back in then in the 70s as Petty Mal. 

Seizures into two different types Generalized seizures which harm all the brain.  Focal and Partial that harm one part of the brain. 

It is hard to notice in those who face mild seizures, which may only last a few seconds, which was known as Petty Mal years ago, absence seizures I think maybe the word for them these days, which is the sort I had pretty much most of my childhood. This is where you go black and unresponsive,  performing repetitive movements. Back then they called them petty mal. You lose consciousness and awareness of what is going on around you.   

Generalized seizures are more major where people can lose consciousness and awareness. They include different types of seizures where I guess people can lose control of their muscles etc and even suddenly full. 

Generalized seizures involve the whole brain. There are six types:

Absence seizures, which used to be called “petit mal seizures,” cause a blank stare. This type of seizure may also cause repetitive movements like lip smacking or blinking. There’s also usually a short loss of awareness, which is about the mildest form of Epilepsy.

Tonic seizures cause muscle stiffness.

Atonic seizures lead to loss of muscle control and can make you fall down suddenly.

Clonic seizures are characterized by repeated, jerky muscle movements of the face, neck, and arms.

Myoclonic seizures cause spontaneous quick twitching of the arms and legs.

Tonic-clonic seizures used to be called “grand mal seizures.” Symptoms include:

• stiffening of the body
• shaking
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• biting of the tongue
• loss of consciousness

Following a seizure, you may not remember having one, or you might feel slightly ill for a few hours. https://www.healthline.com/health/living-with-epilepsy

Epliespy awareness

 

Tomorrow Epilepsy awareness day. I had seizures from birth to 12 years, started again when I was 31 till I was 43. Everyone who faces Epilespy faces it differently as there are different types of seizures and different types of medications that treat different types of seizures. When not treated it can be a life risk but still, vary even when treated.

In all honesty, have to say I think really and many could disagree causes really unknown but there are a number of possibilities in my views such as stroke, brain injury, brain tumor, lack of oxygen, a lot of drugs, alcohol, brain infection and maybe even stress and worrying a lot. Why? I am no professional just going by what I have faced myself, epilepsy, stress, panic, and anxiety when it comes to things playing on the mind longer than what they would to those who don't face Epilepsy, Anxiety, etc. 

It tells you on this link what type of seizures there are and what to do if you face people having them. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/symptoms/

https://www.aid-training.co.uk/training-courses/first-aid-courses/epilepsy-awareness-training

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/training

https://greymatterlearning.co.uk/social-care-courses/epilepsy-awareness/

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Futurelearn.com%2Finfo%2Fcourses%2Fepilepsy-and-its-neuropsychology%2F0%2Fsteps%2F60736%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1_wOJHAbERZ3xBtxP4qoXxa7OJ0onVPyYTboYOUWh4HrixxsXTfaVKqHE&h=AT1VnJ_-rNlCB9Ex558cASvD-FwlVWffIWJyP1zGDvefWlgASyPy6wGPusjdCLnbA4DSFoMMsIOC_m0ktnKQx4cw1R3k1Ce6OaM8H1ob-iRpsIScbU-3OVgDtFL9kcwBog&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT0s1Dvg1mMtMWYebhv6YGN0CJmFVU6UN-fyhxi6RHeuBVHSer12ALy5Enqhv0f2t9zOOjrl2a2f5RZBPlayFq3SBCDaLhQ8WhdA5zlFDXr8m21dVhXSsQ9f_K9U4GHJK3ew7_iD9SUSfIM6DJbaKPfS8312Vrl6ODE

Hear your voice, our voice, my Voice, no one is alone

 Again sorry I must raise concerns of disabilities, mental health, and other problems, mainly this Covid lockdown. No one is forced to talk or not to talk but all the same if you do, you just may help professionals understand you and others who may face similar. As I myself face disabilities, mental health, and other problems too, I hope to understand others who face the same and similar to me as much as possible.

 I face Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Anxiety, Depression, and Epilepsy. Despite that, I have been doing involvement on and off for nearly 15 years in disability, mental health awareness, and Advocacy public and private. Naturally, during  Covid, there has been no involvement as such maybe a little online but that doesn't mean I stop raising awareness, listening to others, etc. In fact, covid disability, mental health, and other problems raise a huge awareness because how we may get supported for different things, etc are even more limited than before because a lot of services are shut, etc and people who may normally support us, etc have been and most could be lockdown too, therefore most support maybe less, etc. 

Naturally mostly likely which is very understandable most people may not want to tell things to complete strangers but at the same time no one wants to think of anyone struggling alone either. Mental health etc is a huge concern anyway but even more of huge concerns people are struggling even more so during in lockdown. I know is easy for me to say but I do face mental health myself and I am aware of what struggles can be.  Everyone has their own rights and choices, I guess most of you are aware that there are counseling services online if need be. 

I know it's been a while I haven't forgotten where I have been through stages in life myself where I have found it hard to talk about things but then done something about them in my own time. I know this not easy and the longer it goes on, it gets harder but not all of us get through these things whatever they may be. https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans/research-policy/understanding-our-callers-during-covid-19-pandemic/what-do-we-know-about-coronavirus-and-suicide-risk/

Helpline but plus bear they may be hard to contact due to the lockdown or just a bit slow.

http://www.stophateuk.org/ 0800 138 1625

WWW.crimestoppers-uk.org 0800 555 111

Learning Disability Hate Crime Stop Crime Helpline 0800 802 1155

http://www.mind.org.uk/ 0300 123 3393 email info@mind.org.uk

Samaritans WWW.sameritans.org 08457 90 90 90

Elder Abuse WWW. ageuk.org.uk 0808 808 81141

Victim Support WWW,victimsupport.org.uk 08045 3030 900

NHS medial help non - emergency 111 WWW.nhs.uk

NSPCC Helpline WWW.nspcc.org.uk 0808 800 5000

Citizens Advice 0844 111 444 from landline 0300 330 06550 from mobile and WWW.adviceguide.org.uk

Community legal advice 0845 345 4345 WWW.justice.org.uk

Emergency 999

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/mental-health-services

http://inspiritedminds.org.uk/

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/mental-health-emergency-if-youre-crisis-or-despair

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnxietyandDepressionThebigtalk/

https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/treatment-and-support/crisis-teams

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwi4m--M58bvAhVc6u0KHc-GA64YABADGgJkZw&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESQOD278-GFUVbzve06o1ZbGUl-gu4t5rOq5MHzBtEg4ii_JcWjAruDjN1skBBywF_w3ocNLUpYhF-54mUPiFrJFo&sig=AOD64_38PU_wlqks-8Jei4Nvn5yu69QiMg&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwiir-eM58bvAhXST8AKHVXzAnMQ0Qx6BAgFEAE

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/learning-disability-support/