What is Purple Day and Why Should You Care?

Purple Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness and support for people living with epilepsy, a neurological disorder that affects over 65 million people worldwide.

Epilepsy is a condition that causes recurrent seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can affect movement, sensation, behavior, and consciousness

Seizures can vary in type, frequency, and severity, and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, health, and well-being

People with epilepsy often face stigma, discrimination, and isolation due to the lack of understanding and awareness of their condition.

Purple Day was created to change that. It was founded in 2008 by Cassidy Megan, a nine-year-old girl from Canada who had epilepsy and wanted to share her story and help others like her.

With the help of the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia and the Anita Kaufmann Foundation, Purple Day became an international movement that reaches millions of people in over 85 countries every year.

On March 26th, people around the world are invited to wear purple, the color that symbolizes epilepsy, and to participate in various events and activities to show their solidarity and support for the epilepsy community.

Purple Day is not only a day to raise awareness, but also a day to celebrate the courage, resilience, and achievements of people with epilepsy. It is a day to empower them to take action in their own lives and communities, and to inspire others to do the same.

What Can You Do to Support Purple Day?

There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference on Purple Day. Here are some ideas:

• Wear something purple on March 26th and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. You can also accessorize with purple ribbons, pins, bracelets, or other items.
• Share your story or show your support on social media using the hashtags #PurpleDay, #EpilepsyAwareness, and #IamEpilepsy. You can also follow and like the official Purple Day accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Educate yourself and others about epilepsy and its impact. You can find reliable and up-to-date information and resources on the websites of Purple Day, the International Bureau for Epilepsy, the International League Against Epilepsy, and the World Health Organization.
• Donate to or fundraise for a local or global epilepsy organization of your choice. You can find a list of some of the organizations that support Purple Day on the Purple Day website.
• Host or join an event in your area or online to celebrate Purple Day and connect with others who care about epilepsy. You can find some examples of events and activities on the [Purple Day website] and the Purple Day Facebook page.

FAQs About Purple Day and Epilepsy

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Purple Day and epilepsy, along with their answers.

Q: What causes epilepsy?

A: Epilepsy can have many different causes, depending on the type and the individual. Some of the common causes include genetic factors, brain injury, infection, stroke, tumor, or other neurological disorders. However, in about half of the cases, the cause is unknown.

Q: How is epilepsy diagnosed and treated?

A: Epilepsy is diagnosed by a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system. The diagnosis is based on the medical history, physical examination, and tests such as electroencephalogram (EEG), which records the brain’s electrical activity.

Epilepsy is treated with anti-seizure medications, which can reduce or prevent seizures in most cases. However, some people may not respond well to medications, or may experience side effects. In these cases, other treatments such as surgery, diet, or devices may be considered.

Q: How can I help someone who is having a seizure?

A: The first thing to do is to stay calm and check the person’s safety. Make sure they are away from any potential hazards, such as traffic, water, or sharp objects. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.

The next thing to do is to time the seizure and observe the type and features of the seizure. This can help the person and their doctor to manage their condition better.

The last thing to do is to stay with the person until they recover and offer them reassurance and support. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if the person has multiple seizures, or if they are injured, call for emergency help.

Q: How can I support someone who has epilepsy?

A: The best way to support someone who has epilepsy is to treat them with respect, kindness, and understanding. Do not judge them or make assumptions about their abilities or limitations. Listen to them and learn from them about their condition and their needs.

You can also help them by being aware of their triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, or flashing lights, and by helping them avoid or cope with them. You can also help them by reminding them to take their medications, or by accompanying them to their appointments, if they need or want your assistance.

Most importantly, you can support them by being their friend, their ally, and their advocate. You can help them feel included, valued, and empowered. You can also help them raise awareness and fight stigma by joining them on Purple Day and beyond.

Conclusion

Purple Day is more than just a day. It is a movement, a mission, and a message. It is a movement that brings together people from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries to support a common cause. It is a mission that aims to improve the lives of people with epilepsy and their families. It is a message that says: You are not alone. You are not defined by your condition. You are amazing.

So, what are you waiting for? Join the Purple Day movement today and make a difference for yourself and others. Together, we can create a world where everyone with epilepsy can live with dignity, respect, and hope.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know 💜