Celebrating Winter Olympic Athletes & those of us living with Epilepsy

Disclosure: As a reminder I don't go back and correct any mental errors while writing because that is true to how my brain works with living with epilepsy. In order to understand this by someone just joining, one example at times I might speak a sentences out oforder, or repeat them, spelling.

How watching the Olympic athletes, has made me feel with MyGlitch

Living with MyGlitch is very personal. Just as every Winter Olympic athlete has a their own path to their goals, every person with epilepsy faces their own challenges and victories. The very different seizure types, treatments, and mental health impacts means no two journeys are the same. Comparing these two worlds reveals important lessons about resilience, judgment, and the power of saying no to protect yourself over others first.

Every Glitch journey or Olympic journey is different

Winter Olympic athletes train for years, often facing injuries, setbacks, and intense pressure from everywhere. The athlete's journey is not just physical but mental. They must learn when to push forward and when to step back. Just like living MyGlitch is crazy path for me and my family. What works for MyGlitch may not work for another person living with epilepsy.

Comparing one's epilepsy to another’s is NOT helpful. Just as an athlete’s performance is shaped by their strengths and challenges, each epilepsy warrior’s life is their own. Some may have frequent seizures controlled by meds, while others may have rare seizures managed through lifestyle changes or even surgery. While others are not controlled by any of those options. This doesn't mean it is easier or harder; its just different.

Mental Health is important to ALL

Mental health is a critical factor for both Winter Olympic athletes and those of us living with epilepsy. Athletes have been critisized during this Olympics for discussing mental health struggles, but i have seen it as a strength. The same stigma happens for myself when I soeak up on MyGlitch. A lot of us are judged by the type of epilepsy we have or how we look physically. For example, someone who looks "healthy" might be told their condition is “not that bad,” which can be isolating and actually make more sieures happen.

Managing mental health means recognizing when to say no. Athletes might step away from competition to recover mentally and physically, returning stronger on their own terms.(we have seen this first hand, just last night for the ice skater winning the Gold after being gone for 2 years) I have to say no to certain things and just be home. This might be due to MyGlitch the day of or day before or just avoid having one due to a diffrent upconing event i want to try and be my best. These Olympic athlketes have helped me see this as a strength, not failure. IGNORE THE JUDGEMTN OF OTHERS TO HELP YOURSELF!

Lessons from Athletes for Epilepsy Warriors

• Set personal goals based on your own needs, not others’ expectations.

• Listen to your body and mind to know when rest & not PUSH through.

• Communicate openly with your family and friends and even stangers, this way they can understand better.

• Celebrate small WINS and progress, even if they look different vs others

• Seek professional help for mental health when needed, just as athletes do.

Lessons from Epilepsy Warriors for Athletes

• Understand the invisible challenges exist and empathy is crucial.

• Know mental health struggles does not make you weak or less talented

• Value YOURSELF rest and self-care are part of your training.

• Speak openly to reduce stigma.

  Thank you to ALL the Winter Olympic Athletes

  who have shared their own mental health journeys.

  It has helped me realize that MyGlitch is not that much differrent then that of an Olympic Athlete(ok maybe a little different)

  It has showed me that evrey person has a different journey & it doesn;t matter how you face your own, but make it work for YOU & not for others!