See the Person – Looking beyond the label
Each year, Epilepsy New Zealand runs a video campaign called See the Person.
In these videos, people share their experiences – not those diagnosed with epilepsy, but the people around them.
Whether it be a family member, friend, colleague, caregiver, or someone who has witnessed a seizure, their perspective is important and their story matters.
Our goal is simple but powerful:
- To build greater understanding and empathy for people living with epilepsy.
- To break down stigma and help more people feel confident responding to seizures.
Below are videos that have been submitted to us.
Anna – Anybody at Any Age
Bridget – Admiration
Celine – Knowledge and Understanding
Kim – 42 Seizure Types
Shahana – Dravet Syndrome
2025 Campaign
Lone M – It’s important to control seizures as much as possible.
James G – Epilepsy can be an unseen condition.
Lis G – If someone has a seizure – stay calm and keep them safe.
Melanie W – There are many different types of seizure.
Puri H – Knowing about epilepsy can make people feel safer.
Rachel K – Epilepsy has a broader impact than just seizures.
Lynda G – Epilepsy is not an intellectual disability.
Helen P – The best way you can help is to talk to the person about what they need before hand.
Ruth M – There is still stigma and misunderstanding around epilepsy.
Fiona M – Epilepsy impacts people’s lives in many different ways.
Anna B – It’s important for schools to know about epilepsy and be open about epilepsy.
Amy T – People with epilepsy are normal human beings.
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* ‘Grand Mal’ seizures are now called Tonic-clonic seizures.
For more information on seizure types:
* Never put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure.
For more information on seizure first aid:
Submissions for 2025 have now closed, but we’ll be running this campaign again in 2026.
A big thank you to everyone who shared their perspective – you’re helping others understand epilepsy, respond with confidence, and truly See the Person.
Want to get involved in next year’s campaign?
Email: marketing@epilepsy.org.nz
Your voice could really help others better understand epilepsy and how to respond with empathy and confidence.
Thank you for supporting Epilepsy NZ.