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A Mother's Story: Supporting My Child Through Epilepsy
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A Mother's Story: Supporting My Child Through Epilepsy

Maria Andreou·12 September 2024·4 min read

When my daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy at age seven, I felt completely lost. Here is what I learned about navigating the medical system, talking to her school, and keeping our family strong.

When my daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy at age seven, I felt completely lost. The neurologist had just explained that the seizures she had been having were absence seizures, and that she would need daily medication for the foreseeable future.

The first few months were a steep learning curve. We had to educate her teachers, adjust our daily routines, and watch carefully for side effects from the medication.

What I found — and what I want to share — is that you are not alone. There is an incredible community of parents, medical professionals, and support organisations that understand exactly what you are going through.

Talking to the School

One of the earliest challenges was speaking to my daughter's school. We created a simple seizure action plan with her neurologist and gave copies to her teacher and the school nurse. The school was far more supportive than I had expected.

Finding Community

Joining the Helping Hand Foundation was a turning point for our family. Meeting other parents at support group meetings — people who truly understood the anxiety — was invaluable. My daughter is now twelve, seizure-free for two years, and thriving.

If you are just beginning this journey, please know: it does get easier. The right support, the right medical team, and the right community make all the difference.