My supermarket seizure made me a reluctant local celebrity

As I made my way through the cereal aisle, a wave of dizziness washed over me. The room started spinning, and I reached out to grab onto one of the stock shelves for support. I had a basket full of groceries, and I was determined to push through and finish my shopping.

“Only a few more items,” I whispered to myself. “You got this.”

But, in reality, I didn’t. The next thing I knew, I was on the floor, surrounded by concerned onlookers. I had just experienced a seizure in the middle of my local supermarket. The whole situation was overwhelming and unexpected, to say the least.

Having epilepsy has been a part of my life for over a decade now. I was first diagnosed in my 20s after experiencing my initial seizure during a layover at the airport. Since then, I’ve had a few more seizures, all of which have occurred in public places. The unpredictability of when and where they will happen is always looming in the back of my mind.

Managing epilepsy comes with its challenges. I try to avoid triggers like stress, lack of sleep, and alcohol, but sometimes the seizures still occur. Each episode leaves me feeling confused, achy, and nauseous in the aftermath.

After my seizure at the supermarket, I was hesitant to return. The fear of another episode in a public place was daunting. However, a week later, I mustered up the courage to go back. To my surprise, the staff greeted me with open arms.

The kindness and support I received from the supermarket staff made a world of difference. From the clerk who gave me a blanket to the pharmacist who offered a warm smile, their compassionate gestures made navigating life with epilepsy a little easier.

Living with a hidden disability like epilepsy can be isolating and filled with uncertainty. But, the small acts of kindness from strangers served as a reminder of the goodness in the world. It showed me that even in challenging situations, there are people who are willing to offer a helping hand and a comforting smile.

As I reflect on my experience, I am grateful for the compassion and understanding shown to me by the supermarket staff. Their gestures may have seemed small, but they had a profound impact on me during a vulnerable moment. It serves as a reminder that a little kindness goes a long way, especially for those navigating the world with health issues or hidden disabilities.

If you have a personal story that can bring understanding or help others, we want to hear from you. Share your story with us at ottawafirstperson@cbc.ca.