Growing Up Alongside a Sibling with Epilepsy

The impact of an epilepsy diagnosis is not confined to just the person living with epilepsy. The effects of epilepsy extend throughout the person’s family, and can have significant financial, social, and emotional impacts.  In particular, the siblings of those with epilepsy can find themselves dealing with anxieties, expectations, and responsibilities far beyond those experienced by their peers.

This week on Seizing Life, we speak with two CURE Epilepsy Education Enrichment Fund Scholars about their experiences growing up with a sibling who has epilepsy. Emma Cardwell and Nathan Bliss share their siblings’ diagnoses and how this affected their respective families and themselves in both challenging and inspirational ways. From becoming caregivers at a young age to navigating adolescent friendships and feelings of resentment, to the influence on their studies and future career aspirations, Emma and Nathan speak frankly about their experiences growing up alongside a sibling with epilepsy.

To learn some strategies to help improve the mental well-being and social development of siblings and resources that are available for families, see the webinar Siblings and Severe Childhood Epilepsy: The Impact of Seizures on the Family’s Mental Health.

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