Has Being Spiritual Helped You Cope? Posted: 12-10-03 09:41am
Hi everyone, my boyfriend is epileptic and
we have had much debate on spirituality.
I am currently doing some research on
people with epilepsy, for my msc in which
aspects spirituality or religion has
helped them through their illness (or if
it has at all) i.E to cope better etc. I
am interested in any views or opinions on
this subject matter in particualr which
aspects has being spiritual or religious
helped and in which aspects it hasn't. I
would be very greatful for any comments.
Thank you
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JC
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 3 Location: Australia
Spiritual Is As Individual As the Person Posted: 12-11-03 03:24am
Well thats what I think anyway. I've had
epilepsy for over 25 years now. The only
way to cope with epilepsy is to have hope
and will, isn't being spiritual about
that? Hope for goodness and and will to
maintain that belief? Whether it be in a
god or in yourself?
I'm not a religion person, in fact I don't
believe in religion to me its another way
to categorize peoples beliefs.
But I do believe in a god a being far
greater than us, and I believe in myself
and my family. Thats what keeps me
going.
And fyi i'm trying out eastern medicine
(herbs and roots), thats hope and will for
you! (tastes terrible) its only been 2
days. I'll let you know how I go.
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Mimbles
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 4
Positively Posted: 06-14-04 00:56am
I'm from vancouver, canada, and I find
spirituality has helped me immensly;
probably more so than my meds. Just by
changing my thought patterns from negative
to positive, and being aware of my inner
self, I feel that my seizures have been
somewhat reduced because of it. I read
some books that had to do with self-help
and healing, and instead of seeing
epilepsy as a burden, I see it as a
blessing (to an extent). I have learned
so much about coping and patience and
self-love because of my seizures, not that
they don't inconvenience me, becuase I do
have grand mals and have had for over 11
years. I read something mother theresa
said when she was asked to walk in a march
against the war in vietnam: she said no,
but if they were to have a march for
peace, they could count on her support.
Maybe this comparison is a little extreme,
but if you think about it, visualizing a
healthy existense instead of fearing an
unhealthy one (i.E., having seizures)
seems like a much better use of energy,
and I find it does make a difference.
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Kathyalison
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Posts: 64
I Completely Agree! Posted: 06-14-04 11:22am
Hi,
i totally believe that a positive frame of
mind can make a huge difference. For the
longest time I was in denial about having
epilepsy. I saw it as a horrible "brand"
on myself and therefore wanted nothing to
do with talking about it or dealing with
the negativity I felt. Then a couple of
years ago I suffered from post partum
depression which caused a seizure. I saw
a psycologist and talking with her made me
realize how many issues I had surrounding
having epilepsy. Since then i've made a
point about being open about it with
friends and collegues, figuring that if
there's anyone in my life who can't handle
me having this condition, then I don't
need them in my life anyway. I've learned
to love myself and see that I have
positive things to contribute to the
world, and as I said earlier, having a
positive outlook on things has made a big
difference for me. I no longer live in
fear but live for each moment. Now,
that's not to say there aren't still
challenging times and emotions to deal
with, but trying to see things in the same
manner as what was quoted above from
mother theresa, is powerful. Finally I
am open to help and recently there have
been times in church that i've just burst
into tears. I don't consider myself to
be super religious by any means but really
like the support I feel when I do attend
church.
In short (after rambling on, sorry) seeing
silver linings rather than clouds
definately makes a difference.
Kathy
