Written Stories
Sharing your epilepsy story through writing can help raise awareness, combat misinformation, and inspire change. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family, a support group, or even the wider public, your story can be a source of education, comfort, and empowerment for others.
In the toolkit, and at the bottom of this page, you will find helpful tips for writing YOUR story.
Samples of Written Stories
Writing your story
Sharing your epilepsy story through writing can help raise awareness, combat misinformation, and inspire change. Whether you're sharing it with friends and family, a support group, or even the wider public, your story can be a source of education, comfort, and empowerment for others.
Begin with Your Why
Are you trying to raise awareness, seek support, or give a voice to those who may not be able to speak for themselves? Understanding your purpose will help you shape your narrative and make it more impactful.
Start with Your Diagnosis or Early Experiences
Share when you first learned about your epilepsy. How were you diagnosed? Describe the impact it had on your life at that moment.
Describe the Impact on Your Daily Life
Talk about how it has influenced your day-to-day life, including school, work, social interactions, or hobbies. Be specific and let your readers see what it’s like to live with epilepsy.
Include Moments of Struggle and Strength
Be open about the difficult moments while also highlighting moments of resiliency and strength.
Share the Emotional Journey
Share the difficult feelings that can often accompany an epilepsy diagnosis - fear, anxiety, embarrassment, or loneliness.
Talk About Support Systems
Sharing how a support network has made a difference in your journey can show others the importance of community and encouragement in managing epilepsy.
Discuss Treatments and Management
Share your personal experience with various treatments - medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, surgery - including what’s worked for you and what hasn’t.
Educate the Reader
Many people may not understand what epilepsy is, so providing information on its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help raise awareness.
End with Hope or a Call to Action
Conclude your story on a positive or hopeful note. Share the ways you’ve found strength, used your story to empower others, or important lessons you’ve learned.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY
What's YOUR story? We'd love for you to share it with us! You can submit your story using the form below or email us at [email protected]
Thank you to Catalyst for providing funding to create these tools.
All stories submitted, and all content on the Epilepsy Alliance America website, are reviewed by Epilepsy Alliance America staff and volunteers. It is never reviewed and/or approved by sponsors.