Epilepsy SA shows it’s time to stamp out the epilepsy stigma
National Epilepsy Week seeks to educate communities about the misconceptions and myths around epilepsy.
As National Epilepsy Week approaches, the Geduld Epilepsy Centre has joined hands with other Gauteng branches to raise awareness about epilepsy and its effect on individuals, families and communities.
From February 12 to 18, Epilepsy SA will focus on the stigma people with epilepsy face globally.
The week will be marked by events and activities such as educational seminars and public awareness campaigns for communities.
According to Aileen Langley, the director of Geduld Epilepsy, epilepsy affects almost every aspect of a person’s life.
“For many people with epilepsy, the stigma attached to the condition is more difficult to deal with than the condition itself,” said Langley.
‘Stamping out the stigma’, the theme of the campaign, is a way to drive out the many false beliefs.
“Misconceptions and myths contribute to the stigma surrounding epilepsy. For example, many people assume epilepsy is a mental illness, that it limits activities, or even that it is contagious,” said Langley.
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On the first day of the national week, epilepsy branches in Geduld and Daggafontein will walk the streets of Westcliff, Johannesburg, with other social workers.
A workshop for the social workers is expected to update them on the current societal issues that the organisations face.
“We’re looking forward to our workshop because it will be helpful and educational to us.”
A mobilising workshop will be held on February 14 in Kwa-Thema further educate the community, with an emphasis on epilepsy.
Although epilepsy is prevalent and has low public awareness, the Geduld Epilepsy Centre will host a workshop in Kwa-Thema to educate the community about the reality of epilepsy.
“The reality is that epilepsy can affect anyone, and learning about the condition might equip them with the knowledge and insights of our supporting campaigns,” said Langley.
The centre is yet to confirm the details of the workshop in Kwa-Thema.
