Abbie was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 19 years old. Here she shares the challenges she has faced and how Epilepsy Scotland’s check-in service has helped her.

How did you feel when you were first diagnosed with epilepsy?

I felt like my full world had flipped upside down, my auntie passed from epilepsy due to a seizure when she was younger and I feared my life had permanently changed.

I felt I’d lost myself, lost my confidence, and isolated myself from everyone.

What type of seizures do you have? How does it affect you?

I have tonic-clonic and absence seizures.

What challenges have you faced since being diagnosed with epilepsy?

I have faced challenges with my mental health being affected by my medication and understanding my diagnosis and what that means for me individually.

How has Epilepsy Scotland’s check-in service helped you? What positive changes have you noticed?

I have had an amazing experience with Epilepsy Scotland’s check-in service with Stuart.

He helped me understand that it’s important to celebrate all achievements big or small and encouraged me to get back to doing the things I love, in particular the gym which I’m slowly getting back to regularly.

Stuart also helped me with my college course in children’s mental health and as of last week, I have completed and passed the course.

In what way did the 1:1 support help you with your diagnosis of epilepsy?

I feel with the 1:1 support through Epilepsy Scotland I have gained confidence in my diagnosis. I have a clearer understanding of what epilepsy means for me and that I am not alone.

Where do you think you would be without Epilepsy Scotland’s check-in service?

I believe I would be in a really bad place mentally, I have found Epilepsy Scotland’s check-in service more effective than any other support I have previously had.

You are not alone! The support you will receive is not only about epilepsy it’s about you, your personal circumstances, and concerns.

I don’t think I would be where I am today without Stuart and his support.

What would you say to others who have been recently diagnosed with epilepsy?

Take time to process your diagnosis. Everyone is different. Please reach out to family and friends the worst thing you will do is isolate yourself from reality.

Celebrate small or big achievements. You truly aren’t alone. You’ll have good days, bad days, overwhelming days, I can’t go on days! You are here today, tomorrow’s a new day. Don’t give up.

If you would like to join Epilepsy Scotland’s check-in service, please call us on 0808 800 2200 or email contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk