“WHAT HAPPENED FOR YOU TO BE LIKE THIS?” is the major one, but that may be very hard to ascertain.• What are You thinking about mostly?• What’s bothering You?• Do You have any angry or violent thoughts?• Do You want to tell Me anything on Your mind?• How do You feel? Are You hurt anywhere?• How have You slept/eaten/taken meds? When?• What do You want Me to do for You?• Show Me what You’ve been doing• Are You hungry?• Tired?• Angry?• Sad?• Who have You been with?

If YOU REALLY CARE, When I’m unwell questions to ask…

Well, in case You were not aware, I have been diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. These days, it’s well under control and I’m even reducing My medication under My Neuropsychiatrist’s guidance. But it is a very disabling dis-ease when not treated, and considered a Mental Illness.So, I will tell You a few, brief things about this bizarre disease. While I was an inpatient and in recovery as an outpatient, I went to lessons at a Private Hospital which helped Me learn a lot of aspects of Mental Illness. Some of these notes include that information. I have also studied Psychology at Adelaide Uni.

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

I may be grumpy or off with the fairies because of lack of sleep, medication or fuel. I may need to shower with Someone sitting outside, or sit down to talk without nervousness. Give Me a nice drink and a cookie. I need to be told and believe it’s true that help is here or will soon be at hand, I’ll be safe, it’s not going to get any worse.

Tips

It is necessary to relax… and do the things You enjoy. You may find Yourself enjoying Your time less. It is therefore important to focus on what You really want to do, as long as it not harmful to Yourself or Others. When You’re not feeling well, postpone major Life changes. Major Life Changes like relationships, finances, dependents, family care – if possible should be put off. Say “NO” to helping Others.

Things You Must Do, Part 1.

Control the amount You work!Avoid long hours and additional responsibilities, allow time for rest, relaxation, food, exercise and medication reactions. Don’t allow Yourself to be overwhelmed with new commitments.Exercise regularly 🦸‍♂️ Sunshine, fresh air and exercise is optimum. But if not, inside is okay, too. Walking, swimming, yoga, dancing, golfing, wiifit and going to the gym can ease the tension in Your muscles and relax Your mind. It also helps with brain to body movement skills, training neural pathways after any damage from TLE or any accident that caused it. Sunshine gives Vit D.

Things You Must Do, Part 3

which I will now list…• Bone softening (get a regular check up)• Anaemia (take Iron supplements – see My excellent articles on Iron!)• Gums swelling• Double vision or shutter vision• Hair loss or hair gain• Headaches• Nausea• Decreased Libido• Impotence• Depression• Psychosis• Aggression• Anxiety• During Ladies’ Periods or OvulationsIf You do experience these side effects, seek a Doctor’s advice, but there are many things that can help.

Please be warned against side effects from meds and existence...

WHERE THERE IS LOVE, THERE IS NO ROOM FOR ANGER… 💗💗💗 Although it is not easy to discuss problems, Your Loved Ones need to know about Your condition sooner rather than later. They can offer an important role in recovery, support, understanding and finding a solution. They can be a source of support by: • Being more caring and less critical • Relieving You of some of Your responsibilities • Helping to identify stressful situations • Solving practical and emotional problems • Being aware of changes in Your symptoms • Asking questions without being a bother

What can Your Family or Close Friends do?

Resolve Personal Conflicts… because it causes stress and anxiety. Talk to a counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist or friend about it. It is likely that if You talk to Your Friends about too many problems, They’ll get tired of it, so if You are like Me, choose Your Friends wisely. Or write a Diary. Be aware clever hackers have access to Your online Diary.

Things You Must Do, Part 2

• Invade Personal Space• Finding new idiotic Friends• Don’t introduce Me to Anyone when I’m unwell, it’s embarrassing• Assuming the problem will go away• Not listening if it concerns You, as a caring Person• Being a “Just Behave” “Just Calm Down” “Just take prn” type of Person 🤢Check out the full article for tips on "helpful dos"

Don't Do This To PATIENTS!

🤷‍♀️ Life may be lonely at the top but it is hella lonelier at the bottom#amanda _johnston_quotesAlways in it for THE WORD...

Thinking About Reality

An introduction to A Patient's version of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. 

Well, in case You were not aware, I have been diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. These days, it's well under control and I'm even reducing My medication under My Neuropsychiatrist's guidance. But it is a very disabling dis-ease when not treated, and considered by the DSM-5 a Mental Illness. I wrote two books on this…