In 2025, the theme “Stand Up to Seizures” calls for collective action to spread knowledge, encourage early diagnosis, and improve support for those living with epilepsy. Whether you or someone you know has epilepsy, understanding this condition is the first step toward breaking barriers and standing up for better care.

Understanding Epilepsy: Facts & Figures

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes unprovoked, recurring seizures due to sudden surges of electrical activity in the brain. It can affect anyone, at any age, and has different causes.

Key Facts About Epilepsy

📌 Over 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological conditions (WHO, 2024).
📌 Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries, where proper treatment is often inaccessible.
📌 70% of epilepsy cases can be controlled with medication, yet millions still go untreated due to misinformation and lack of resources.
📌 Epilepsy is NOT contagious and is NOT a mental illness, but social stigma often leads to discrimination.
📌 1 in 3 people with epilepsy experience anxiety and depression due to the psychological effects of living with the condition.

Purple Day reminds us that epilepsy awareness is crucial—not just for those diagnosed but for society as a whole.

Common Triggers & First Aid for Seizures

While epilepsy affects people differently, certain triggers can increase the likelihood of seizures. Knowing these can help prevent episodes and manage the condition better.

Common Epilepsy Triggers:

• Lack of sleep
• Stress & anxiety
• Flashing lights or flickering screens
• Skipping medication
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Hormonal changes (such as during menstruation)

Seizure First Aid: What to Do & What NOT to Do

If you witness someone having a seizure, stay calm and follow these steps:

✅ DO:
✔ Keep them safe by removing nearby objects.
✔ Cushion their head if they fall to prevent injury.
✔ Turn them onto their side to help with breathing.
✔ Time the seizure—if it lasts more than 5 minutes, call for emergency help.
✔ Stay with them until they fully recover.

❌ DON’T:
🚫 Don’t try to restrain their movements.
🚫 Don’t put anything in their mouth (they won’t swallow their tongue).
🚫 Don’t panic—most seizures last 1–2 minutes and stop on their own.

Your knowledge can save lives!

Breaking Myths: The Truth About Epilepsy

Despite medical advancements, epilepsy remains misunderstood, leading to harmful myths that cause discrimination and fear. Let’s bust some of the most common ones:

❌ Myth: Epilepsy is caused by supernatural forces.
✅ Fact: Epilepsy is a medical condition due to abnormal brain activity—NOT a curse or possession.

❌ Myth: You must always force something into a person’s mouth during a seizure.
✅ Fact: NEVER do this! It can cause choking or injury.

❌ Myth: People with epilepsy can’t live normal lives.
✅ Fact: With proper treatment and support, most people with epilepsy lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

❌ Myth: Epilepsy only affects children.
✅ Fact: Epilepsy can start at any age, and adults can develop it due to stroke, head injury, or other brain conditions.

The more we educate ourselves, the more we can create an inclusive world for people with epilepsy.

How You Can Support Purple Day & Epilepsy Awareness

Conclusion: Let’s Stand Together for Epilepsy Awareness!

Epilepsy should never be a reason for fear, stigma, or discrimination. With the right knowledge, care, and awareness, we can create a world where epilepsy is understood, treated, and supported.

On Purple Day 2025, let’s come together to break the myths, educate our communities, and stand up for those affected by epilepsy. Because when we stand together, we create a future where no one faces epilepsy alone.

💜 Join the movement, wear purple, and be the change!