For International Epilepsy Day 2026, Aoise has shared her experiences of living with epilepsy – as well as how she has found a creative outlet to help manage her condition…
I was first diagnosed with epilepsy at birth – so epilepsy has been a part of my entire life.
Life with epilepsy is certainly not easy. I have drug resistant focal seizures – the type of seizures that aren’t as well known and often confused by the public. I’ve been on many different meds and have had a Vagus Nerve Stimulator fitted but I still experience daily focal seizures.
It was in my teenage years that I first became fully aware of my epilepsy, because I began to see my peers doing things that I couldn’t at that time due to my condition. I have learned that life with epilepsy is not always a fun rollercoaster, but I have also learned not to let epilepsy control me and I still enjoy all the fun things that any other 22-year-old does such as meeting with my friends for coffee, dinner or a walk and a chat.
I think it is so important for people to know how to respond to a seizure – so everyone should learn about TIME, SAFE, STAY. Also, one of my key messages to the public given my type of epilepsy is that not all seizures look the same.
I also wanted to share how I have found a creative outlet which has helped me in helping manage my epilepsy. Living in Kerry, I have always been influenced by nature – so in 2020 I began painting and decorating rocks that I found in Ballyseedy Woods, writing positive quotes on them. My ideas for the quotes come from many different places – including my journey with epilepsy - but I particularly like creating quotes about nature and music as they are two of my real passions. I’ve also collected positive quote books over the years to help to inspire me. I’d leave the decorated rocks behind in the woods for people to see.
However, what I noticed after a while is that people were taking them. We all know what was happening in 2020, so I think during many lockdowns, people were looking for something to be positive about! I decided to start an Instagram account to create a definitive collection where people could see my work - and that is how Positive Rocks was born! Now, I have more than 200 posts up and each one of them tells a story that will hopefully inspire others.
For me, the creation of positive rocks has been a crucial part in managing my epilepsy because it has given me a creative outlet where I can direct my energy and reflect.
I know how everyone’s epilepsy is different, but I wanted to share a bit about my experience and how I found this has helped me – and maybe it will help another person out there living with the condition.
Thank you for reading and if you’re ever in Ballyseedy Woods, keep an eye out for my positive rocks – or follow me on Instagram to see if they help you with bringing some positivity to your journey!
Thank you Aoise for sharing your story and how you have found a creative outlet so vital in helping to manage your condition.
To follow Positive Rocks on Instagram, visit the Instagram website.
To follow Aoise’s advice and learn more about epilepsy visit the ‘Epilepsy Information’ page on our website.
Further Information
- If you have been inspired by Aoise to share your story for International Epilepsy Day 2026, please contact our Advocacy & Communications Manager, Paddy McGeoghegan by emailing pmcgeoghegan@epilepsy.ie
- To see how you can get involved in International Epilepsy Day 2026 by hosting an engagement stand in your local community, visit the 'Raising awareness for International Epilepsy Day 2026' page on our website.
- To learn more about seizure first aid and the key words of TIME, SAFE, STAY, visit the 'Seizure First Aid' page on our website.
- Should you need any information or support about your or your loved one's epilepsy, please do not hesitate to contact your local Community Resource Officer. You can find their details by visiting the ‘Our Local Service’ page on our website.