Setting Boundaries with Epilepsy – What You Need to Know

Living with a chronic illness means learning to get comfortable setting boundaries and saying “no”.

My epilepsy diagnosis required placing certain actions and activities on the back burner to avoid inducing a seizure. This was a hard adjustment for me because I hate the idea of upsetting anyone or letting anyone down.

I had to restructure my life in such a way, making my well-being top priority. This is the way it must always be I progressively learned. I can please people without being a people pleaser.

Yet I still slightly struggled with the feeling of guilt and worry of being left standing in the dust. I got down on myself and filled myself up with things that didn’t encourage me forward, only discouraged me backwards.

Here’s what you need to know in setting boundaries with epilepsy:

1. Swap out the negative self-talk with more positive and supportive language.

2. Recite empowering mantras.

3. Remove any toxic elements from your life.

4, Remember your “why”.

5. Own your own learning process.

6. Be proud of your progress. Even the tiniest of steps.

7. Reach out to family, friends, even online support groups for support.

Setting boundaries is the ultimate self-care and putting it into practice can make a major difference in your life. Remember your health is top priority. You are not committing a crime or projecting  cruelty by saying “no”. You are doing what’s best for you.

Have you had to set boundaries? How has this affected you?