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The Stigma Epidemic

In her emotionally inspiring testimony about her fight with epilepsy, Sitawa Wafula shares her encounter with the stigma associated with her condition.  Unable to finish college and fired from her job, Sitawa learned to adapt.  She now advocates for those who share her battle in order to raise awareness and reduce the prejudice against those with unpredictable seizures.  Sitawa admits to her doubts about continuing to live and how debilitating her epilepsy can be even days after a seizure.  Increased stress and anxiety are triggers for a seizure and she admits that she would experience two to three seizures daily.  In its most severe form, epilepsy prevents independent living and requires constant supervision.  Nonetheless, Sitawa fights against the debilitating effects of her epilepsy and strives to increase the understanding of those who struggle with this disease.

Something that I have learned is how often we as a population prejudge what is a disability and what is not.  Those whose physical disadvantage is obvious are labeled as disabled and dependent, but I have seen that a wheelchair is only as disabling as the user it lets it be.  While the physical disadvantage of something like a wheelchair might be obvious, I have found that it can sometimes be even more difficult for those with disabilities that are somewhat unseen.  Traumatic brain injuries and epileptic seizures are a few examples of these "invisible" disorders.  Even though you might be able to carry on a full conversation with a person who has experienced a TBI, they may not even remember who they themselves are.  But, because that person is walking, talking, and otherwise fully functional, it is expected of them to be able to function in society.  Hopefully, an epileptic seizure is not a constant struggle, but it is always at the forefront of the mind: a constant aversion to possible triggers.

Fairly recently a friend of mine experienced an epileptic seizure while on the treadmill at the gym.  Her seizure lasted two minutes, and she hit her chin on the equipment which required stitches.  Thankfully, she is now fully recovered and back to work, but she does admit that it is difficult to live the average life of a single female in her mid-twenties.  There always exists the fear that a possible seizure is awaiting just around the corner.  Regardless, my friend doesn't let her fight with epilepsy keep her from working and socializing.  I have to admit my own ignorance towards her condition.  Often I forget that she has seizures because by all accounts she looks "normal."  I don't want to say that people with epilepsy are abnormal, but they do have a condition that might require their lives to be slightly different than the average person's.  However, I think no matter the condition, whether it be blatant or hidden, there needs to exist an understanding and acceptance towards others.  Having a condition does not mean that you cannot function in society, but perhaps adjustments must be made.  I am amazed and inspired by Sitawa's ability to turn her condition into an advocacy for others like herself.  I believe it is crucial that in a country built on the foundation of equality for all that acceptance be at the forefront of its citizens.  True equality cannot exist when stigma is present, and that is why Sitawa's advocacy is crucial not only for the epileptic population but for the American society in general.


Wafula, S. (2017, February). Sitawa Wafula: Why I speak up about living with epilepsy. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/sitawa_wafula_why_i_speak_up_about_living_with_epilepsy

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