My name is Michelle Morris and I'm an eighteen year old writer, living in the United Kingdom. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy
after a series of events started to impact on my life. On discovering these events were actually seizures and having been
told that I had Epilepsy, I made the decision to raise as much awareness as I could about the condition. I also wanted to
set out to offer support and encouragement to anyone else who has been affected by Epilepsy. This site is just one attempt
of many to help raise the profile of Epilepsy.
Before my diagnosis, I was both studying and working. I was doing a Hotel Management Course in a local Hotel, while working
hard to what I had always hoped would be a career in writing. I worked 8 hours a day at the Hotel, came home and worked several
more hours on writing. I am an ambitious person and had the drive to want to go as far as I possibly could.
I have always enjoyed a healthy and active social life, seeing friends and going out as often as I could - to bars, beaches,
cinemas and well, just about anywhere. I loved every aspect of my life - and despite having Epilepsy now, I still do! (Life
with Epilepsy really doesnt have to be that bad!)
Living with Epilepsy hasn't been easy and I have had to come to accept that there will always be things I can't do. I
had to give up my Hotel Course, but through that I gained more spare time - Which encouraged me to write further.. I am now
about to release a novel. Epilepsy has not ruled out everything I enjoy doing, but has added limitations to the things I love,
for my own safety. I have often gotten frustrated because I have Epilepsy, but it helps to think sometimes, that there is
always someone, somewhere else, with something far worse. Epilepsy can be controlled with the right medication and if any
of you have been prescribed medication that you feel isn't helping you - Go badger your doctor! That's what they are
there for. There will be a drug, or combination of drugs, that will help ensure you get as well as you can.
Unfortunately though, I have also realised the stigma surrounding Epilepsy and the reactions I have seen in regards to
Epilepsy, have truly shocked me.
I have heard the most stupid myths I have ever come across.. Epilepsy is contagious, Epilepsy is a mental condition,
Epilepsy can only be existant in those with learning disabilities - are just a few examples, of many.
I have also seen how people will back off from someone when they know that someone has Epilepsy. Sad? Yes, most definately.
People are "afraid" of Epilepsy for one reason only - They just do not know enough about it. I have set up this website
in hopes it will not just support those in need of it, but educate those who need to learn more about it.
Chelle
