Don't Let Epilepsy Define You

In October of 2021, I was 14 years old and a freshman in high school eating lunch when my first tonic-clonic seizure occurred. I had my second tonic-clonic seizure in February of 2022, and this was when I was officially diagnosed with epilepsy. I had one more in July of 2022.

When I was initially diagnosed, it got to my head, and I felt like an outsider. I had no one my age who was going through something similar. I felt very alone. Since my diagnosis, though, I have learned that epilepsy is a part of who I am, and I cannot change that. I have become good at taking my medication. My motivation is that it helps me feel more normal and be a typical teenager. I feel less like an outsider while still accepting and remembering that I have epilepsy.

I am 16 years old now and have been seizure-free for one year and a month. I am living my life as a normal teenage girl: driving, going out with my friends, and resuming my life before my diagnosis. I am also happier than ever.

There needs to be more awareness of epilepsy and the physical and mental strain it can have on you. Many people know of the condition but don’t know how it can make the person feel, and that is important to understand and know.

To all the teenagers who are in a similar situation as me, don’t allow epilepsy to define you. You have to learn to accept that epilepsy is just one part of you. Keep living your life to the fullest and find motivation to continue your life as is despite epilepsy.