Bartłomiej Chmielowiec: It is necessary to fight the stigmatization of people with epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disease that is being talked about more and more. What problems do patients with epilepsy see in the Patient Ombudsman?

The most important problem is the issue of education and knowledge of the public, and with it to counteract any kind of stigma. We must realize, all of us as citizens, the nature of this disease or its symptoms. It's important not to stigmatize, not to exclude people with epilepsy, and moreover, to know how to behave in the event of an attack, and so that together we can also support these people during treatment.

Our first instinct when we hear about the date February 14 is the day of lovers Saint Valentine's Day. Saint Valentine is also the patron saint of people with epilepsy. What words would you say to people struggling with epilepsy today?

I would like to wish them to be surrounded by good people, to be surrounded by kind people, to be surrounded by people who know that this is one of the diseases in which we must support them in their struggle. That they are not stigmatized, that they feel the understanding of us citizens, that they feel the understanding of those in power, that they can always count on support. This is what I would like to wish them on this special day.