Dating and relationships are a normal part of growing up, but navigating them with a complex neurological condition like epilepsy can be uncomfortable. Having epilepsy doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling, healthy relationship – it just means there are some extra considerations for you to think about.
Telling your partner about your epilepsy
It might be nerve-wracking at first to open up to a potential partner and let them know you have epilepsy. While it’s up to you when you disclose this information to someone, if there’s a high likelihood you could experience a seizure in their company it is best from a safety point of view to let them know about your seizures and discuss first aid.
If you’re nervous about how they’ll react, whether they’ll judge you or think differently about you after you tell them you have epilepsy, remember this: if they don’t accept you for who you are, they aren’t the right person for you.
Managing epilepsy as a couple
The more you grow in your relationship as a couple, the more your partner will need to understand the other ways that epilepsy can impact you in addition to your seizures. Many people with epilepsy experience fatigue, memory issues, mental health problems or other symptoms which may affect their daily life.
Take the time to discuss these with your partner and how they can best support you through those challenges. It’s normal for your partner to have questions and concerns, especially since epilepsy affects everyone differently and what might be true for one person with the condition may not be the same for you. Give them the space and time to ask questions, to learn more about epilepsy and how it impacts you. Whether you are discussing epilepsy or not, tough conversations are a key component of any new relationship and will help you learn more about each other.
The big “I” word – intimacy
Epilepsy can have an impact on people’s sex lives, but it doesn’t mean you should be scared to be intimate with a partner.
It is common for men with epilepsy to experience erectile dysfunction. In women with epilepsy, libido and arousal can be impacted. These issues can sometimes be linked to certain medications so if you have any concerns, you should speak with your doctor.
Love yourself before someone else
Putting yourself out there while dating can be a vulnerable experience and may affect your self-esteem. It’s important to check-in with yourself and your mental wellbeing, practice self-care and remind yourself of your strengths and what makes you unique.
