Helping Employers Understand PNES
One of the most difficult parts of living with PNES is trying to explain it to people who have never heard of it — especially in the workplace.
Because PNES is often misunderstood, individuals living with the condition may face skepticism, stigma, embarrassment, or fear about how employers and coworkers will respond. Many people worry they will not be believed, will be viewed differently, or may even lose their job because others do not understand what PNES is.
PNES is a real, recognized condition involving seizure-like episodes that are not caused by epilepsy, but by dysfunction in how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, trauma, emotions, or overwhelming nervous system overload. The symptoms are real, involuntary, and often physically and emotionally exhausting.
For employers, understanding PNES begins with compassion and education.
An individual living with PNES may experience:
sudden seizure episodes,
or periods where symptoms become more severe.
changing functional abilities,
medical appointments,
anxiety surrounding episodes,
memory or concentration difficulties,
fatigue,
Many individuals desperately want to continue working and maintaining independence, even while navigating these challenges.
At the same time, caregivers
and spouses may also face
workplace strain. They may need to:
leave work unexpectedly,
attend appointments,
provide transportation,
respond during emergencies,
or balance emotional
exhaustion while still
maintaining employment responsibilities.
Supportive workplaces can make a tremendous difference for both the
individual and the caregiver.
Simple things can help reduce fear and create a more supportive environment for everyone involved:
patience
flexibility
understanding
open
communication
reasonable
accommodations
and a willingness
to listen and learn
PNES may be invisible to many people,
but the impact on daily life is very real.
Compassion, understanding, and education can help replace stigma with support, and remind individuals and families that they do not have to face these challenges alone.
Knowledge creates understanding.
Understanding creates support. Support creates hope.
