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1. Don't put up with workplace discrimination.

   If you are dealing with workplace conflicts, remember: It's against the law for an employer to fire or refuse to hire you because of your condition, except in extraordinary cases where seizures would make it impossible for you to do your job and no reasonable accommodation can be found. When Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, epilepsy was one of many disabilities specifically included. Even fear of a person's disability can form the basis for discrimination, according to the U.S. Supreme Court.

2. Combat myths and misconceptions about epilepsy with facts

   Don't worry about what other people may think about epilepsy. Educate them about your condition with the facts. Not only will sharing information help combat the many myths and misconceptions about epilepsy, you'll also bolster your self-confidence by discussing the disorder, rather than trying to conceal it. Use information available from reliable sources, such as the Epilepsy Foundation and, of course, your own personal success stories.

3. Know the symptoms of depression, a common companion of epilepsy

   An estimated 30 to 50 percent of people with epilepsy suffer from clinical depression—a serious, but treatable mental illness. Depression can be triggered by the stress caused by living with a chronic condition like epilepsy. Some antiepileptic medications can increase depression. A few common signs of depression are excessive crying, inability to concentrate, sleeping more or less than normal, loss of pleasure in things that used to bring enjoyment, eating more or less than normal, and a depressed mood on most days for most of the day. These symptoms must occur for two weeks or longer to qualify as depression symptoms. If you become depressed, seek help. There are antidepressant medications that can work with antiepileptic drugs. Don't withdraw. Stay active to fight depression.

4. Put your health first: Create and follow a healthy lifestyle plan

   It's not always easy to make yourself and your health your top priority. But, making a plan can get you started and keep you focused. Begin with the basics: Eat a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat food choices; take a multivitamin with calcium; and exercise regularly—your goal should be to pick a time and do some form of physical activity consistently, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Build stress-busting exercise and mental relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Gentle stretches and deep breathing exercises for 20 minutes or more each day will help you relax and refocus. Above all, take your antiepileptic medications as directed by your health care professional. Tell him or her about any other medications, including herbal products, you're taking. Some may interfere with your medication or make your seizures worse.

5. Know your seizure triggers and avoid them, if you can

   Seizures can be triggered by a variety of things. Not taking medications as prescribed is the most common seizure trigger. Alcohol, stress and lack of sleep can also be triggers. Highly stimulating environments that involve rapid eye movements or that cause dizziness, such as amusement park rides or crowded shopping malls with flashing holiday lights, might trigger seizures. Keeping a seizure diary can help you track the types and patterns of your seizures. This record may help you identify—and avoid—seizure triggers and will help your health care professional team treat your disorder.

6. If you don't have epilepsy, take steps to prevent it.

   Although genetics plays a role in who develops epilepsy, the disorder can also be caused by other, mostly preventable causes. Take the following safety precautions to help prevent epilepsy from developing:

   • Always use seatbelts, put youngsters in car seats and insist that children wear helmets when bicycling and skateboarding to avoid head injury and trauma.

   • Avoid illegal drugs and toxic substances, which can cause seizures.

   • During pregnancy, get regular checkups to diagnose, monitor and treat high blood pressure, if it develops, to prevent neurological damage to unborn babies.