There are many rude things that people say, without even realizing it. If there is an epileptic in your life or if you should happen to meet one, there is a good possibility that you may not know what is appropriate to say and what may be taken offensively. Here is a list of different things that you should avoid saying to any epileptic.
“Are you mentally retarded?”
It is just plain rude to ask anyone with any type of condition if they are mentally retarded. A person with epilepsy does not have Down Syndrome, the condition which is often associated with the term “mentally retarded.” Unfortunately, many people think very negatively of this condition and they do not realize that it is possible for epileptics to lead normal lives. If you choose to ask someone who lives with epilepsy if they are mentally retarded, realize ahead of time they you will offend them.
“It must suck not being able to drive!”
It is a common misconception that all epileptics cannot drive. Most states have laws that prevent epileptics who have had a seizure within the past year from driving. However, what most people do not realize is that it’s possible for people with epilepsy to go for years at a time without having a single seizure. When you make this statement, you are making the assumption that the person cannot drive and it may be taken offensively.
“Well, that can be controlled with medicine.”
Medicine can control epilepsy. It is important to remember, however, that everyone reacts differently to all sorts of medications. What may work for one person may not work for another. Depending on the specific epileptic, medication may or may not held keep their condition under control. Some epileptics make the decision to not even use medication at all, but instead try to combat the factors that contribute to their seizures. It is best to avoid making the assumption that medication works with every epileptic. If they want you to know that medicine controls their condition, they will tell you them self.
“People look so weird when they have seizures.” OR “A seizure looks like rabies!”
Although a person with epilepsy cannot see them self having a seizure, most realize that it does look a little bit strange to others. People with epilepsy may feel uncomfortable discussing what a seizure looks like or feels like, as it makes them feel different from others. There is definitely no need to tell someone with this condition that having a seizure makes them look rabid. It is best to avoid talking about an epileptic’s seizures at all, or at least not until they bring it up first.
These are just a few of the many, many things that can be taken offensively by epileptics. If you should ever meet someone with epilepsy, it is in your best interest to avoid saying all of the things which were mentioned above. More importantly, give a lot of thought to the things that you do say. Although a general question may seem very harmless to you, there is a possibility that it may offend someone with epilepsy.
