Epilepsy Awareness Month Australia: A Practical Guide for Australians

Epilepsy awareness month Australia: what month is epilepsy month?

The Australian campaign most people see is in March, and it builds on Purple Day.

• Make March Purple: a month-long campaign that aims to raise awareness of epilepsy across Australia (Epilepsy Foundation).
• Purple Day: the first Purple Day was held on 26 March 2008 by Cassidy Megan, who was nine years old at the time.
• Other months, such as November: check the Epilepsy Foundation and Epilepsy Action Australia for any other campaigns they run during the year.
• Past and future years: dates for fundraisers and events can change each year, so look at the organisers’ current event pages.

Put the dates for your local events in your phone calendar so you do not miss them.

Epilepsy awareness month Australia: why it matters

Epilepsy is common, and many people will meet someone with it at school, work or in their family.

• Around 1% of Australians: the Epilepsy Foundation states that about 1% of the population lives with epilepsy (Epilepsy Foundation).
• Around 10% of Australians: the same source says about 10% of the population will experience a seizure at some point in their lifetime.
• Around 50 million people worldwide: the Epilepsy Foundation also states that around 50 million people in the world live with epilepsy.
• Everyday settings: knowing a little about epilepsy helps friends, colleagues and teachers feel more confident about what to do.

Epilepsy ribbon, symbol and colour: what purple means

Purple is the colour linked with epilepsy awareness in Australia, and it is easy to use at any time of year.

If you are not sure which materials are official, check with the Epilepsy Foundation before you print or share them.

Epilepsy awareness day activities in Australia

You do not need a big budget, and simple activities can teach people something they can use.

1. 1Go purple for a day. Ask your workplace, school, sports club or support team to wear purple and explain why in a short message.
2. 2Learn from the organisers. Read the Epilepsy Action Australia website and share their information with your team.
3. 3Raise funds if you wish. The Make March Purple page explains how to take part in a fundraiser, and taking part is always optional.
4. 4Host a morning tea. Invite a guest speaker with lived experience, or share stories about living with epilepsy to start the conversation.
5. 5Update your own plans. Check that every seizure management plan is current, easy to find and shared with the people who support you.

Looking for support at home or in the community? Send us a referral and we will talk through what help would suit you or your family member.

Famous people with epilepsy and celebrities with epilepsy

Some well-known people have spoken publicly about epilepsy, but health is personal, so it is better to listen to people who choose to share their own story.

• Read first-hand accounts: our living with epilepsy stories and the Epilepsy Foundation share experiences in people’s own words.
• Look for people who speak publicly: some athletes, artists and advocates talk about epilepsy through their own channels and charities.
• Avoid guessing: never assume that someone has epilepsy because of a rumour, a video or a single event.
• Remember everyday people: most people with epilepsy are your neighbours, colleagues and friends, and they deserve the same respect.

Epilepsy support in everyday life

Awareness is useful when it leads to practical help at home, work and on the road.

• Know the person’s seizure management plan: ask where it is kept and follow it, and call 000 in an emergency.
• Ask about work and study: our guide on epilepsy and work covers workplace adjustments and conversations with employers.
• Check driving rules: state and territory authorities set the rules, so read about driving with epilepsy and talk to your doctor.
• Talk to your doctor about medicines: see our overview of epilepsy medication, and never start, stop or change a medicine without medical advice.
• Join a community: peer groups can help, and our page on epilepsy support groups lists where to start.

NDIS and higher-care support for epilepsy

If you meet the NDIS access requirements, funded supports may help with daily living needs related to epilepsy, such as safe routines at home and in the community.

• Trained support workers: workers can learn a participant’s seizure plan and follow it during personal care and outings.
• Complex needs: some people need extra training for their support team; see our guide to high intensity supports.
• Evidence for a plan: bring your neurologist’s letter and your seizure management plan to planning meetings.
• Family and carers: respite can give carers a break, and it is worth asking about it at your plan review.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

You do not need to wait for a crisis to ask for advice about seizures.

• You or someone close to you has had a first seizure, or an episode you cannot explain.
• Seizures change in pattern, frequency or type, or a seizure management plan no longer seems to fit.
• You are worried about medicine, side effects, pregnancy planning or interactions with other treatments.
• Seizures are affecting driving, work, study or confidence, and you want advice on safe adjustments.
• A carer is struggling; Lifeline is on 13 11 14 at any time.

Call 000 in an emergency, and follow the person’s own seizure management plan until help arrives.

Looking for support at home or in the community? Send us a referral and we will talk through what help would suit you or your family member.

Your next step

If epilepsy affects daily life for you or someone you care about, TQN Care can help with practical, person-centred support. Our high-care and complex support workers follow each participant’s seizure management plan and help with personal care, community access and respite across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). We offer day-to-day support, not treatment. Send us a referral and we will talk through what would help.