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Today, many people around the world wear purple clothing and accessories to mark Epilepsy Awareness Day, also known as Purple Day. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders globally, affecting approximately 65 million individuals. It is a chronic, non-communicable disease of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, temporary disturbances in brain activity. Although many underlying mechanisms can lead to epilepsy, the cause remains unknown in about 50% of cases worldwide. Purple Day is a global movement observed annually on March 26th to increase awareness and support for those living with epilepsy.
In many parts of the world, individuals with epilepsy and their families face stigma and discrimination. These factors significantly contribute to stress and create limitations for those living with the condition. Many people with epilepsy believe that society misunderstands their condition, which can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, and being labelled as "crazy." Such feelings increase anxiety and worsen the mental health challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy. Furthermore, many people with epilepsy often restrict their social activities to avoid seizures or ensure their safety, which leads to increased social isolation and loneliness.
Purple Day seeks to change this negative narrative surrounding epilepsy by raising awareness about the condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Another objective of celebrating Purple Day is to promote a better understanding of epilepsy to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions associated with it. Additionally, Purple Day strives to support individuals with epilepsy by encouraging inclusivity, acceptance, and community support for those living with the condition.
Purple Day was founded in 2008 by Cassidy Megan, a 9-year-old Canadian girl who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 7. Motivated by her struggles, Cassidy aimed to raise awareness about epilepsy to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. She chose the colour purple to represent the day. The Epilepsy Association of The Maritimes collaborated in 2008 to help develop Cassidy’s idea, now known as Purple Day. In 2009, Cassidy Megan and the Epilepsy Association of The Maritimes joined forces with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation to launch Purple Day internationally. Last year, people from more than 85 countries on all continents participated in Purple Day.
How to Participate
On March 26, anyone anywhere in the world can participate in the following activities to mark Purple Day:
Epilepsy affects persons of all ages. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population. However, up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. Purple Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, understanding, and support for people battling epilepsy.
REFERENCE
Information from https://purpleday.org/ , https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505020309094https:// and www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy was used in this story
