Epilepsy Doesn't Have to Define You

While epilepsy can be a life-changing diagnosis, it doesn’t have to define you. Epilepsy is something you have, but it is not something that has you.

When diagnosed with epilepsy at age 14, my life underwent many significant changes, from the way I attended school, and participated in sports, and even changes in the friends who were around me. What I found while dealing with a diagnosis like epilepsy was that some did not want to stay beside me through the journey, but I lost nothing that I have not regained in so many other ways.

Many stigmas surround those with epilepsy: Inability to have employment, faking seizures for attention, inability to be married, inability to lead full lives, and so much more but what we want to do is to break the stigmas surrounding this disease. Some of our greatest entertainers and leaders in art have made a successful life while dealing with a diagnosis of epilepsy. Lil Wayne, Danny Glover, Vincent Van Gogh, Prince, and others have shaped our nation's art and music.

As a female with epilepsy, I have experienced what it is to be the subject of such stigmas, and yet in my life, I can lead it with fullness and happiness with family, true friends, and so much more! I have a lot left to do in bringing my seizures under full control with the help of my doctor, but I hope to encourage others who feel there is no hope. 

Together, we can make strides in helping those everywhere who fight epilepsy overcome stigmas, and preconceived ideas, and bring education to our society as a whole as we seek to cure this awful disease.