Working

I assume you are wondering if it is appropriate to hide the epilepsy.Years ago I attempted to get my first full time job after VNS therapy showed promise that I could handle this.  On the job applications got this, "Do you have a condition which might interfere with your ability to perform the necessary functions of the job?"  Even though I still had occasional generalized seizures I always responded, "No" to this question.  At home I do not let my seizures interfere with any activities.  I always had a warning before my generalized seizure.  So I honestly answered this question and I felt I did not need to disclose my epilepsy.At my first interview I did explore if I was able to perform the "necessary functions" that would be demanded of me.  I asked if all my work would be right there at the shop, or if I would be sent out to work elsewhere.  (Since I had a generalized seizure just a couple weeks previous I was breaking the law just to drive to work.  I didn't need a job that sent me away to work.)  The reply was no, although I think he was a little surprised at this unusual question.On the Monday of my second week I walked in and was approached with the news that they had a road trip scheduled for me that day.  It would be a 100 mile trip.  I declined and told them the reason why.  I think I was set up.  It seems the drive would have required a chauffeur's license and I should have had more training and time to be prepared even if my health left me qualified.  But I did not fuss when I lost this job as I knew there were plenty more shops to apply at.On my next applications I did admit to having seizures but I made sure they understood they did not pose a problem.  I never got those job interviews.  At one more company I kept it a secret again, but after I was hired some paperwork required that I disclose my epilepsy.  The next day the boss came to me on the floor and was very angry, "You lied to me... I will not write you up but am just giving you a verbal warning."  Our relationship never did go well and I lost that job a few weeks later.  I think for a job to be satisfying would require a person find an employer who will know about the epilepsy and yet not discriminate.  It's hard to keep secret even if you don't have seizures.Mike

Hi, Thank you for posting, it sounds like you're going through a lot. It is common for those living with epilepsy to experience feelings of depression. It’s important that you’re addressing those challenges with your healthcare team, as well as any changes in changes in seizure types, frequency, behaviors, sides effects & symptoms. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy  It is also important to recognize that epilepsy is more than just seizures, your overall well-being and emotional health is just as important:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-health   It is not always necessary to discuss epilepsy with a potential employer. Whether you do or not is up to you.Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers with more than 15 employees may not ask any health-related questions until after they have offered you the job. The important thing is whether you are able to do the job as described. Employers are also required to make reasonable accommodations for a disability, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/independent-living/employment/reasonable-accommodations If you decide to talk about your epilepsy, or if you have to because of a legal question from the employer (after a job has been offered), remember that the more confident, well-informed, and relaxed you can be, the more reassured the employer is likely to be. For advice on disclosing epilepsy to employers please visit:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/independent-living/employment/disclosing-epilepsyhttps://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/independent-living/employment-help-what-you-need-knowIf you feel you have been unfairly treated by a prospective employer and you want to challenge it, check with a lawyer. You can also get further information by reviewing the legal section of our website, here:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/legal-helpAdditionally, you may contact Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: contactus@efa.org, 1-800-332-1000, to speak to our legal team.

Wayne,That's a good question, I'm not sure who would be liable.  But as I think of it I bet the employer would still be liable and that is why they are so reluctant to hire us "risky" workers.  Fortunately in my rural area I have many self employed workers who recognize a good worker.  So after I lost that second job I kept cutting at the sawmill my parents have operated for close to fifty years.  Work was slow but I had to order logs from our logger.  After he found out about my job losses he offered my work.  I couldn't work in a shop where OSHA regulated strict safety standards but I was able to do the work I loved the most: cutting trees down for the logger.  As a teen I was told logging was the second most dangerous job in the country.  It was risky even though I had no seizures in the woods.  But like you said, it was that or go insane.  The pleasure I got from the work and having some purpose maybe even had therapeutic value and left me with fewer seizures.  Without work I would have been stressed and had more seizures.  Mike