Diaries
It can be helpful to note down what is happening when so we have created diaries you can use to track sleep, seizure episodes or what you are doing day to day. You can download them here.
Living with NEAD can feel confusing, frustrating or even a bit scary at times — and that’s completely understandable. NEAD (non‑epileptic attack disorder) is a real condition, and it’s something many young people experience. It’s not your fault, and you’re not alone. This part of the website is designed especially for you: a place where you can understand what NEAD is, why it happens, and what can help you feel more in control day‑to‑day.
You’ll find practical tools here that many young people tell us make a real difference. The sleep diary, wellbeing journal, and event diary can help you spot patterns, understand your triggers, and notice what helps you feel steadier. You don’t need to fill them in perfectly — they’re simply tools to help you understand yourself better, and to make conversations with family, school or clinicians easier if you want to share them.
There’s also advice about wellbeing, stress, grounding, and looking after your body and mind. These aren’t “quick fixes”, but small, steady habits that support your brain and nervous system over time. You can dip in and out, try things at your own pace, and choose what feels right for you. And if you like hearing from other young people or want regular ideas and encouragement, you can check out the weekly blog posts — short, honest pieces about coping, confidence, school, friendships, and everything in between.
A Guide For You: Understanding NEAD in School or College
How to feel more in control when your body has big reactions
1. First things first: NEAD is real and it’s not your fault
NEAD (Non‑Epileptic Attack Disorder) is something that happens when your brain gets overwhelmed.
Your brain isn’t broken. You’re not doing anything wrong.
Your body is reacting to stress in a way that feels big and scary, but it’s not dangerous.
Lots of young people experience this. You’re not alone.
2. What’s actually happening in your brain?
When things get too much, your brain switches into survival mode.
The “thinking” part of your brain goes quiet
The “protecting” part takes over
You might not be able to talk, move normally, or explain what’s happening
This is why adults don’t ask you lots of questions during an episode, your brain literally can’t answer them yet.
3. What school or college adults will do to help you
School or college staff are there to help you feel:
Safe
They won’t tell you off or make a big deal in front of other people.
Seen
They’ll notice when you’re struggling and check in gently.
Soothed
They’ll use calm voices, low lights, and grounding skills to help your body settle.
Secure
They’ll follow the same plan every time so you know what to expect.
4. Skills that help your body calm down
(These are simple things you can do with a trusted adult or on your own)
Breathing skills
In for 4, out for 6
Box breathing (in 4, hold 4, out 4, hold 4)
Grounding skills
Name 5 things you can see
Feel your feet on the floor
Hold something and notice its texture
Listen for one sound in the room
Sensory skills
Cool water on your hands
Weighted cushion
Fidget tool
Wall push (push your hands into the wall)
Emotion skills
“I’m feeling ______ right now.”
Rate it 0–10
These skills help your brain switch out of survival mode.
5. What happens if you have an episode at school or college
Adults will:
Stay calm
Move people away quietly
Keep you safe
Let you sit or lie down
Use grounding or breathing skills with you
Wait until your brain comes back online
They won’t:
Ask lots of questions
Tell you off
Crowd you
Panic
Treat it like you’re doing something wrong
You deserve calm, kind support — and that’s what they’ll give.
6. When school or college calls an ambulance (and when they don’t)
This part is important and might help you feel safer.
If you already have a diagnosis of NEAD
and your episode looks like your usual episodes:
School or college does NOT need to call an ambulance.
You’re safe, and they’ll follow your plan.
School or college WILL call 999 if:
Something looks different from usual
They’re not sure if it’s NEAD or something else
It lasts longer than 5 minutes
You’re injured
You’re struggling to breathe
It’s your first ever episode
This is just to keep you safe, not because you’ve done anything wrong.
7. Early signs you might notice in yourself
Everyone’s different, but some common signs are:
Feeling “far away”
Tight chest
Shaky or wobbly
Fuzzy head
Feeling overwhelmed
Numbness
Breathing changes
If you spot these early, you can use your skills sooner, which often helps.
8. What helps you stay well in school or college
Predictable routines
Quiet exits when things feel too much
A safe space
Regular movement breaks
Adults who understand NEAD
Using your grounding or sensory skills
Having a simple plan that everyone follows
You don’t have to manage this alone.
9. What you can say to adults if you need help
You don’t need long explanations.
Short phrases work really well:
“I need a break.”
“I’m getting early signs.”
“Can we do grounding?”
“I need quiet.”
Or you can use a card, signal, or gesture if talking is hard.
10. The most important thing to remember
NEAD doesn’t define you.
It’s something your brain does when it’s overwhelmed and you can learn skills to help it settle.
With the right support, most young people get better, feel more in control, and have fewer episodes over time.
You’re strong. You’re not alone. And you can absolutely do this.