Self Management and The Wellness Toolbox

While there is no one solution that will make dissociative seizures go away completely, the potential for recovery is there.

Getting better will look different for different people. Some people will stop having dissociative seizures, some will have them less frequently and others will find ways to live well despite having ongoing episodes.

It’s important to remember that while people do not cause dissociative seizures to happen, they can take an active role in managing their episodes. Using the Stress Bucket Model can help to understand what the triggers and causes might be.

This App can help people self-manage the condition. We have provided information on strategies and tools that we know are helpful to people who have dissociative seizures. They can be used when you feel a dissociative seizure start, during an episode or for general stress management. Strategies work differently for everyone so it is helpful to practice a number of different strategies and then choose what works best.

For many people, using these strategies can be enough to see a positive change in their dissociative seizures.

There are a range of self management tools within this section to support your mental health and wellbeing.

What to do during a dissociative seizure?

It is important for you, your family and friends to know what to do in the event of a dissociative seizure.

Remain calm
Place a cushion under their head
Remove harmful objects away from the person
Offer reassurance
Stand back and wait for the episode to pass
After a dissociative seizure, encourage the person to take some deep slow breaths and try using some distraction techniques
Encourage the person to sit up after an attack as soon as they are ready.
Encourage them to resume normal activity afterwards.

DO NOT

Intervene unless there is danger they might hurt themselves
Restrain or hold down the person
Administer medicine
Seek medical attention or call emergency services unless:
- A new type of seizure has been seen
- A significant injury or fall has occurred
- There is concern about breathing
- There is concern regarding blood pressure

Dissociative seizures are not in themselves dangerous to the brain. They do not cause damage to the brain. Even though a dissociative seizure may appear very violent, and may go on for a long time, significant injury as a result of dissociative seizures is unlikely and extremely rare.

Hierarchy of Care Interventions for Dissociative Seizures

animation illustrating a pathway for support as described in the text below

This graphic outlines a clear path, emphasising the importance of tailored care for those with dissociative seizures, with a focus on early diagnosis, holistic health, and personalised support.

Diagnostic Conversation: Often, a simple diagnostic conversation is enough to recognise the condition leading to a better understanding of dissociative seizures and improved outcomes.
Healthy Routines: Prioritise sleep, diet, exercise, wellness, and stress management. Building a foundation for a healthier life can help reduce the frequency of episodes.
Focused Self Help Tools: Utilise resources like this app and the wellness toolbox (below) it provides. These tools can significantly impact the outcomes for individuals experiencing dissociative seizures.
Clinical Services: When needed, seek specialised care from clinical professionals. They can address underlying causes and tailor treatment to the individual's unique condition. Remember, each person's journey is unique; treatments will vary.

Wellness Toolbox

Healthy habits and routines of healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, stress management and wellness can be hugely beneficial. Building a foundation for a healthier life can help reduce the frequency of episodes.

Below is the Wellness toolbox, a collection of NHS and third part resources selected to help you build helpful routines.