You Are Stronger Than You Know

My first seizure was unexpected. I was 20, and it was my junior year of college. After numerous doctors and tests, I was diagnosed with generalized epilepsy, experiencing mostly tonic-clonic seizures. It completely turned my world upside down. After many trial runs, I was able to find the right seizure medications for me. Today, I am working full-time in the education field after graduating with a degree in social work. I continue to stay seizure-free. 

The most challenging thing about my diagnosis was that it happened during college. Not being able to do “normal” college things was frustrating and upsetting. Driving has also been an up-and-down battle. Hospital stays and countless EEGs and sleep studies, but at the end of the day, I think about how lucky I am to be able to have these procedures and have the opportunity to access health care.

I was also able to graduate college on time in 2022, which I am thrilled about, and it makes the little things seem so silly. Mental health is so important with epilepsy. Anxiety is a big part of it for me, and therapy has been a huge help. I am also lucky to have such a strong support system because that makes a huge difference during challenging periods. Taking care of yourself needs to be your number one priority. 

I am sharing my story because I want people to know that epilepsy does not have to define you. Every day, you get the chance to decide how you are going to live that day, and epilepsy doesn’t have to be the controlling factor. Although our lives may look slightly different than others at times, you are not the illness, even on the hard days. Don’t give up! Be thankful for each day of good health, and don’t take it for granted. You are stronger than you know!