Epilepsy day or purple day is celebrated on 26 March every year. This day is marked as an awareness day of neurological disorders. Purple day is celebrated to reduce the stigma that surrounds epilepsy. This year’s purple day 2021 is a little different because of the pandemic. However, people still can raise awareness and make a difference. Now, let’s talk about the real thing here, epilepsy.
What is epilepsy?
People, who are not aware of epilepsy must know what it is? It is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. There is no specific age to get affected by epilepsy. People of all ages commonly have epilepsy. From teenagers to adults, anyone could go through these seizures. There are several different kinds of seizures. The one you might be thinking of must be the seizures you see in the movies. People in the movies fall on the ground, start shaking and forget things around them when they get seizures. That’s just one kind of seizure. Many people usually don’t know if they are suffering from seizures. Some might act unusual, stare into space, wander, and don’t talk much. They are uncertain about their situations. However, it’s essential to learn about it and be aware of these mental disorders.
Why celebrate Purple Day?
Firstly, the reason why it is called purple day is that the color lavender symbolizes solitude. The goal of this day is to increase general public awareness. This day also empowers individuals that are coping with epilepsy. It helps them to know that they are not alone in their struggle. Purple day was founded in 2008 by Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada. She was struggling with epilepsy, so she took a stand for other people to help them. Also, you can celebrate this day by being with a person who’s dealing with seizures. Be around those people, help and support them. You might not know your presence can make that person feel motivated.
What should bystanders do if a person has a seizure?
Dealing with a person who’s having a seizure might be hard but it can be easy if you do it calmly. The first rule is that, do not hold the person, just try to ease the person to the floor. You can turn the person on the other side so that he can breathe. Moreover, putting something flat and soft under their head is good. Loose the ties and anything around the neck so that it would not be hard for him to breathe. Also, do not give anything to eat or drink to that person until he’s fully alert. Time the seizure and call 911 if the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Purple day 2021 might not be the same, but you can support and help people coping with epilepsy. You can be the good egg by raising funds and doing good. Being around those people and supporting them will make their day.
