To help raise awareness for National Epilepsy Week 2026, Serena has reflected on her journey with epilepsy – something which has come to the forefront of her life in recent years – and how her wider network has helped to support her on her journey with the condition…
For many years I was an army wife - strong, adaptable, and used to holding it all together. I am also a mum to four children, so life in our house was busy, loud, and full. Looking back now, I realise epilepsy had probably always been part of my story. I suspect I had night seizures most of my life, but I never truly knew.
However, two years ago, everything changed.
I was diagnosed with epilepsy after I began having seizures during the day, and overnight it felt like my world tilted. Suddenly, something that I now suspect had quietly lived in the background stepped into the light and took centre stage. The seizures became frequent, unpredictable, and I was really unwell – and I had no choice but to give up work. For me, that was one of the hardest parts of managing my epilepsy – losing a piece of my identity, my independence, and the routine I had always relied on.
My diagnosis of epilepsy came with other challenges too, such as finding the right medication as well as the appropriate dose – which was not a simple task. There were side effects to the medication so adjusting to the treatment was tough, and the emotional toll was heavy. There were days I felt frustrated, scared, and exhausted. Epilepsy doesn’t just affect your body - it affects your confidence, your plans, and the way you see yourself.
About a year and a half after my initial diagnosis, things began to settle down and my seizures became more controlled. Slowly, I started to feel like myself again and I returned to work in a new job. I was welcomed back to the workplace with kindness, patience, and understanding. My new colleagues have shown such compassion and flexibility, supporting me without hesitation or judgement. That support has meant more to me than I can ever properly explain. It returned my sense of purpose and belief in myself.
However, more recently, things have been a little harder again. My seizures have changed and presented in new ways, reminding me that epilepsy is not something I can completely predict or control. I’ve had to slow down once more and listen to my body and accept that sometimes rest is not weakness — it’s necessary.
Through it all, my family have been my strength. Each one of them has played their part in helping me to live with my epilepsy.
In some ways, my children have had to grow up very quickly. They had to learn the importance of TIME, SAFE, STAY from an early age and they are the most incredible little warriors. They learned how to help me; how to stay calm; and how to be brave. I wish they didn’t have to understand how to respond to seizures the way they do, but I am endlessly proud of the compassion and resilience they have shown.
My husband is a constant presence, watching over me and looking out for the signs I sometimes miss. He is always there to pick me up, physically and emotionally. His quiet strength, patience, and unwavering support carry me through the hardest days. I owe him so much.
I would truly be lost without my mum and dad, sisters and brothers, and my in-laws as they are such an incredible support. My mum and dad carry their own struggles, and yet they never stop being there for me. My dad lives with multiple sclerosis and is very unwell himself, but he is always making sure I’m okay, always checking in, and always being my dad. My mum always making sure I stop, rest, and taking over when I have bad days. I would really be lost without her. Their love and strength mean more than I can put into words.
I’m very grateful that my support network goes beyond my immediate family. My extended family and friends are there to step in without asking questions - helping with the children, offering practical support, listening when I need to talk, and reminding me that I am never facing this alone.
Epilepsy is part of my story, but it is not all of it. I am still a mum, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a colleague, and a woman with strength I didn’t know I had. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shown me just how powerful love, resilience, and family truly are.
And we keep going - together.
Thank you Serena for sharing your story and for highlighting how important a wider support network is for people with epilepsy on their journey with the condition.
If you are a person living with epilepsy or supporting a loved one living with the condition, we are here to provide information and support to you. Contact your local Community Resource Officer today – you can find their details on the ‘Our Local Service’ page of our website.