Purple is a very significant color that represents royalty. In Europe and other countries ruled by a monarch, there was a time when purple can only be worn by members of the royal family.
The color is magical and mysterious to many.
Purple, when combined with pink, is correlated with femininity.
Today, March 26, is International Purple Day celebrated to raise
awareness on epilepsy, a neurological disease.
The objective of this worldwide celebration is to protect those afflicted
against the stigma that lingers and to establish a general understanding
of the disease.
It is very disconcerting to learn that two who I personally know opted to
end their lives after a long tortuous journey with epilepsy. Although
years apart, we cannot imagine the anguish and struggle they — and
their family — had went through.
Common Manifestations
As of 2023, the World Health Organization statistics reveal that there
are at least 50 million people around the world diagnosed with epilepsy.
WHO's estimated proportion with active epilepsy within a given time
frame is somewhere between 4 to 10 for every 1,000 population.
Epilepsy is commonly manifested by uncontrollable seizures. When the
attack occurs, those in the know put a depressor or a spoon in the
mouth to prevent the affected from biting the tongue.
Stress is the leading trigger of seizures but affectations can range from
cigarette smoke, unpleasant smell, flashing lights, lack of sleep,
hormonal change, and dehydration, among many.
Epileptic attacks or seizures impact on the brain and the central
nervous system. These seizures can be very disquieting to those who
witness and are not aware of its symptoms. Attacks could range from
severe to extreme and can be pretty protracted.
Possessed Or Under A Spell
History books showed that symptoms of epilepsy were observed from
as far back as 1046 BC in Babylon. That time, people having seizures
were associated with "evil possession" or "witchcraft affliction."
But records also made reference to and speculations that Julius Caesar,
Napoleon Bonaparte and Vladimir Lenin were not "possessed" but
rather suffering from epilepsy.
There are also local personalities and celebrities (I prefer not to
mention) had also been identified as epileptic.
Epilepsy Does Not Define Us
In 2008 in Canada, 24-year old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, who had
been afflicted with epilepsy since she was three, boldly declared that
March 26 should be known worldwide as International Purple Day.
Traumatized by the stigma wrought by her chronic health experience
when attacks occurred, she "created" Purple Day. Cassidy hoped to
share with the world information and "to learn more about it." She
hoped to solicit assistance for further research.
"I wanted to have a day when people with epilepsy would know that
they weren't alone ... that they didn't have to be afraid"... people (who)
have epilepsy ... are the same as everyone else."
Cassidy strongly stated "our epilepsy does not define us."
Lavender, which symbolizes isolation and loneliness, is the global
flower of epilepsy. Its oils give relaxing effect to the mind and body and
believed to help reduce seizures.
Even if it is already past March 26, advocates can also wear purple
clothing or ribbon to show support all year round. In this way, wearers
can help educate others on epilepsy to end the stigma associated with
the disease.
(email opinyon.luchie@gmail.com or luchiearguelles@yahoo.com)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #StoptheStigma #InternationalPurpleDay #EpilepsyAwareness