Meds Aren’t a Competition

Seriously, in Facebook groups I witness competitions between those with epilepsy for how much medication they take.

Sometimes it’s about the number of different drugs, sometimes it’s how many times a day they take them, and it can even be for how long a person has been on the drug.

Most often though it’s about how many pills they take, which is just silly because at least go by the dosage…

It does remind me of primary school children saying, “I have a bigger car than you” (Matchbox), or, well indeed, supposed grown-ups indirectly saying, “I have a bigger truck (or something…) than you”.

Many of us will be sensitive regarding a topic that influences us so greatly. Whether that be for ourselves or on behalf of someone we love. In addition, many of us seek understanding, friendship and solace in communities of others who should be able to empathise.

Anti-Epileptic Drugs can do amazing things such as reduce our seizure frequency or severity. Some can even help raise mood at the same time! But they are pharmaceuticals, foreign bodies; from which we very often have some negative side-effects. They aren’t a joke.

So, boasting regarding dosage or any for the aforementioned variances (I’m laughing whilst writing this sentence) is ridiculous.

All of us humans are competitive to a degree – whether we are conscious of it or not. It’s natural! But please, let’s perhaps be competitive regarding something fun, e.g. sport, music, or anything that doesn’t involve drugs.

In addition, please don’t have social media take up all of your spare time. It isn’t healthy.

What do you think? Do let me know your thoughts!