Narcolepsy - A Journey Toward a Better Life

Narcolepsy is a condition where a person feels sleepy all the time and may suddenly fall asleep without warning. This can happen even in the middle of a conversation, while eating or while working. People with narcolepsy often find it hard to stay awake during the day and this can affect their job, studies, and relationships.

Once had a young client. who came to me after struggling for years with excessive sleepiness. His family thought he was just lazy and his teachers believed he was not interested in learning. He himself started believing something was wrong with him. He felt alone, embarrassed and hopeless. When he came for counselling, he looked tired and emotionally drained.

In the beginning, I just listened to him. It was important that he felt heard and accepted. Slowly we started talking about his daily routine, his thoughts, feelings, and how his sleep problem was affecting his life. I explained to him and his parents that this was not his fault. He was not lazy he had a condition that needed understanding and support.

Our counselling plan focused on helping them cope with the emotional and lifestyle challenges of the condition. Psychoeducation is important to help them and their families understand the disorder and manage it better. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can address related anxiety or depression and improve daily routines. We also worked on managing the stress he felt from being misunderstood. I taught him relaxation techniques and helped him find ways to express his emotions through journaling and simple breathing exercises.

Over time with regular sessions and strong family support, His life began to change. He started feeling more confident. His teachers were informed and allowed him short breaks during class. His parents,who once scolded him, began to understand his struggles and encouraged him. He even started making friends and participating in school activities again.

After a few months, He shared that he no longer felt ashamed of himself. Though his sleepiness didn’t fully disappear, he learned how to manage it better. He now had the strength to face life with hope instead of fear.

Narcolepsy can be a difficult condition but with care, support and counselling a person can still live a meaningful and joyful life. Understanding, not judgement, is the key. Counselling helps bring light into the lives of those who feel stuck in the darkness of sleep and sadness.

Published by MindLeo Counselling and Retreat Centre

Shamshi Mubarak Director - Consultant Psychologist