Table 1.

Topics Addressed During SMART-U Sessions

Sessions	Activities/Topic
Session 1	Orientation and introductions; Emphasise ground rules; Establishment of a therapeutic relationship; Facts and myths about epilepsy, and general epilepsy management principles
Session 2	Relationship of epilepsy and stress; Stigma and “double stigma”; Strategies to cope with stigma; Introduction to personal goal setting
Session 3	Treatments for epilepsy; Complications of epilepsy; Minimising epilepsy complications; The importance of daily routine and good sleep habits
Session 4	Problem–solving skills and the IDEA approach (Identify the problem, define possible solutions, Evaluate the solutions, Act on the best solution); Talk with your healthcare providers; Role play of communication with care providers.
Session 5	Nutrition for the best physical and emotional health; Substance abuse and its effects on epilepsy; Specific stress–management approaches
Session 6	Effects of exercise and being outdoors on physical and emotional health; Medication routines; Prioritising medication side effects and discussing it with your clinician
Session 7	Social support and using your available supports; Advocacy groups for epilepsy; A personal care plan to take care of the mind and the body
Session 8	Normalising your life in spite of having a chronic but unpredictable condition; Self-management as a lifestyle; Acknowledgment of group process; Setting the stage for ongoing illness management and recovery.