World Epilepsy Awareness Day: Julia Almeida talks about what changed in her life after being diagnosed with the disease – Vogue

In 2008, while in the gym, Julia Almeida had her first epileptic seizure. Upon investigating the cause of the condition, the diagnosis came: epilepsy. “I did several tests and had epilepsy a Illness I mentioned because of my life history, as I had three meningitis as a child. The diagnosis came a little later, and my first reaction was rejection, she says. On International Epilepsy Awareness Day, March 26, also known as “Purple Day,” the actress spoke in an interview with Vogue magazine About what has changed in your life after discovering the condition and how you are working to demystify it.

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epilepsy case nervous It is characterized by the occurrence of epileptic seizures, which can occur at varying intervals according to each person. Júlia revealed that she had the support of family, friends and the medical team in understanding how to deal with the disease and accepting the diagnosis. “I never felt rejected because of her, on the contrary, I was welcomed very much. My rejection was that my body and mind didn’t follow my style and rhythm in life anymore. I underwent many drug tests until I got my cocktail.” Right and I had Many side effects. That’s when my neurologist emphasized the importance of a lifestyle change: improvement sleepingreduce Stress And take a slower pace. He gave me exercises, like keeping a journal to adjust how I felt before the crisis. I started talking to other people who had the disease as well and saw that I wasn’t alone.”

For the actress, getting as much information on the topic as possible and connecting with other people going through a similar situation was key in adapting to the new situation. lifestyle. “First, I was monitored and still monitored by doctors, and also used several online forums discussing the topic as a support network – a safe place to share experiences. I started there, researching the topic or medication I was using at the time and seeing what other patients were saying To share experiences. It opened my mind a lot. At the time, apart from the doctors, the information and contact method from the Epilepsy Association UK helped me a lot. I love accessing information in a helpful, serious and positive way, and I found it there.”

“Everything in my life has changed after the diagnosis. Today, for example, I do not spend my time on what does not feed me, in any area of ​​my life. My routine has completely changed. Good quality sleep is necessary for treatment, for example, and I drink a lot of water Which I’ve never done well before. I exercise as medicine, at least three times a week, and my yoga classes are sacred. I eat good food, I have a few good friends, a dog I consider my son and I work out with what I love. For me, the greatest Our fortune is time. Living 100% in the present is still a challenge, because I know I’m anxious, so I meditate. But I spend my energy on what’s good for me and I already know how to recognize when my body is going to fail,” she says.

In 2018, the Brazilian Society of Epilepsy (ABE) contacted the actress shortly after she spoke publicly about her diagnosis in an interview and called on her to help work to raise awareness about the condition. “I personally sat down with Maria Alice, the director of the association, who told me that until that time, there had been no report of anyone in the audience speaking openly about the disease in Brazil, and that there was significant prejudice about epilepsy. She called me to be part of the association. I was touched. And I was shocked. I said that what I must present is my history and my path, and from that, this union was born. But I cooperate in a meticulous manner with ABE.”

“I get many reports from people who are shy to speak up, after all, the seizure exposes you so much. But I am happy with the stories, because people feel safer to speak up because they know I have the disease too and because knowing I have an active life, that it is possible. Really sexy,” Julia continues. “Ignorance is still there, but it is getting better. It is an ant’s job. I think the most important thing is to give strength to those who are sick if they accept, in the first place, and talk about their condition. No one will accept you if you don’t accept and no one will know what is best for you.” Really if you don’t take care of your well-being. There are different levels of epilepsy, as well as other diseases. It’s a condition like any other.”

What does the actress want people to know about epilepsy? “It is a chronic disease like any other and can be completely controlled.”