EpilepsyBlogger: I'm Being Bullied

Hey, friends! So you're being bullied because of your Epilepsy, huh? I know it isn't very cool, and you may feel helpless and wonder what I know about being bullied for Epilepsy. After all, I am "EpilepsyBlogger". You know, "the gal who doesn't let Epilepsy stop her"!

Well... I wasn't always EpilepsyBlogger. Better yet, I should say I didn't always "know" I was EpilepsyBlogger. I didn't know that I had it inside of me, because I was torn down and bullied daily for my condition. I had to drop my dance class, and I had nowhere to sit during lunch for fear of being beat up. I sat alone in the art room with a rumbling tummy for months just to hide from the bullies. It wasn't until the day I spoke out and took action that I found my inner gift of being EpilepsyBlogger. (And even EpilepsyBlogger has hard times today, just like you.)

Taking Action

Taking action is important because it is your right as a human being. Bullies tend to make us feel like we have no voice by making threats that if we tell, we get beat up or an embarrassing secret gets spread throughout the entire school. But, did you know that if you tell the right person, none of this will happen?

Some bullying can be stopped by simply ignoring the bully. Sometimes all bullies want is a crowd and attention, and if you take that away... Well, they basically get bored and move on. If you see your bully move on to someone else, you may feel relieved... But remember to tell an adult if you see someone getting bullied, because it hurts others just as badly as it hurt you.

However, bullies can get violent OR change behavior if they see they aren't bothering you anymore. So be sure to read the rest of this page, watch the videos, and check out the links to ensure you make the right choices on handling the situation! If you find you have questions, always feel free to e-mail me (I'm you're friend, too!) at MandyKrzywonski@EpilepsyBlogger.org OR MandyKrzywonski@Yahoo.com. You can also Tweet me @EpilepsyBlogger #EndEpilepsyBullying!

CLICK HERE to help you find the right ways to take action and decide who to speak to.

REMEMBER: If there is a risk of immediate harm, or a crime has taken place, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you are feeling hopeless, helpless, or thinking of hurting yourself or another call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is safe, confidential, and they will help you get the help that you need.

If there are risks or threats of sharing an embarrassing secret, or being beat up, tell your parents first and have your parents then speak with your school counselor to work together and get rid of the problem entirely. Be honest, open, and don't leave out important details. Your parents will thank you for telling the truth, and in the end you will be glad you did.

What is "Cyberbullying"?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

What if I am being cyberbullied (or text bullied)?

The first thing you may want to do is reply with an angry comeback, or at least ask the person to stop, but surprisingly, this isn't the answer. Cyberbullying is very tricky, so pay close attention!

1. Do. Not. Reply.

2. Do. Not. Delete. The. Message(s).

2. Take a screenshot. If you don't know how, ask your parents. This will help capture the message in case it accidentally gets deleted.

3. Tell an adult that you trust. This can be an older sibling, your parents, a neighbor, teacher, school counselor, etc. Do NOT tell another person your age, because the problem may get worse if wrong actions are taken.

If you aren't quite sure what to do because the problem is out of the ordinary, or you feel like no one cares or that no one will listen, call 1-800-RUNAWAY or 1-800-786-2929. This is an organization that prevents bullying, and it is safe and confidential! Here, you can talk to people who will listen and do care. There is always someone to talk to, you just have to look around!

Click here to visit 1-800-RUNAWAY's website!

Talk About It!

Vincent Martella, star of "Everybody Hates Chris" and the voice of Phineas on Disney's "Phineas and Ferb" talks about bullying and Epilepsy!

Talking about not only your bullying, but your Epilepsy is important. Some people just don't understand Epilepsy and what it really is. It's unfortunate, but some kids might think that your seizures are just you acting weird. Maybe you can ask your teacher to help you inform the class on what Epilepsy is, and how it makes you feel struggling with it each day. People might think twice before teasing you if they understand more about what it's like to be in your shoes every day.

Check out the following videos, and visit TalkAboutIt.org, a place created by Greg Grunberg helping teens proudly speak out about Epilepsy without feeling afraid! Hosted by stars like Jack Black, Vincent Martella, Zachary Quinto, Kristen Bell, Dr. Drew Pinsky, and many more!

Greg Grunberg Supporting Troy and Talking About Bullying!

"Bullies are Not Cool and are Not Tough!"

Jack Black, Caught in a Candid Moment!

So friends, hold on and don't give up. Believe in yourself, because God made you different for a reason... because you are YOU! You are unique! Bullying won't last forever, and in the end, the bully is the one who will end up all alone. You have people everywhere who love you, you just have to reach out! Never let your epilepsy or your bullies define you!

Love,