More than half of all Tasmanians living with epilepsy have experienced discrimination, according to a new report aimed at better addressing the needs of those with the condition.
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On Monday, Epilepsy Tasmania launched its report aimed at shedding light on the condition that affects 20,000 people across the state.
In recent years, cases of epilepsy, which affects nerve cell activity in the brain, in Tasmania have fallen for children, but have increased rapidly for those over 65 years old.
Epilepsy Tasmania chief executive Wendy Groot said some of the barriers facing those living with epilepsy today included being unable to complete their education, making finding a job difficult, and stigma in the workplace.
“People are embarrassed about how to talk about [epilepsy], so with the stigma attached, often people will isolate themselves because they don’t know how to talk about their epilepsy,” Ms Groot said.
She said the report found that those living with epilepsy most commonly felt discriminated against in the workplace.
“What we’re hoping to do is to be able to extend our advocacy, extend our services, and ensure that people over the age of 65 are also having their needs met,” Ms Groot said.
“We’re living longer, we have people now who are very isolated in parts of Tasmania and so they can’t access services, and we have people that have other illnesses as well.
“We’re hoping to be able to take our services into broader parts of Tasmania now."
Following the report, the organisation has committed to further raise awareness of the risk of epilepsy to older Tasmanians and the need for more treatment and research.
Epilepsy Tasmania’s new aspirations report outlines the organisation’s priorities for the future, which include creating an environment in which organisations can respond to the needs of those with epilepsy.
It will also prioritise speaking out about common myths surrounding epilepsy, further research, providing a good education to children with epilepsy, and growing the capacity of the organisation.
According to the new report, it is eight times more likely for someone to be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have other health conditions, and 55 per cent of people with epilepsy are on low incomes.