When I am having more seizure activity than usual, I can have mood swings I can’t control. I can go from crying to laughing and vice versa very quickly. When I cry, everyone rushes to ask me what is wrong. When I was younger, I would try to come up with plausible, yet untrue reasons why just so I could give an answer. It usually ended in me being more upset or people thinking I didn’t understand feelings. They would teach and reteach emotions when it was a medical problem I was having.

I have recently thought about what would be best for me if I am experiencing this. Since my self advocacy has been getting better, I think it would be more helpful to ask me “what is going on” instead of what is wrong. When I am asked what is wrong and I don’t have a reason, it can be hard for me to say that because of my past experiences. I need time to process the frustration I have from not feeling in control of my body.