Can You Live a Normal Life with Epilepsy? Living with epilepsy and seizures can be a major life reset — at any age.
I hesitated writing article on Famous People With Epilepsy because I feel like that conversation dances around what's important. My theory is that most people looking up celebrities that have seizures are really asking a deeper question:
Am I going to be okay?
Is it reasonable for me to have dreams?
I was diagnosed at a pretty young age, but the older you are at the time of diagnosis, the more palpable the reversal: the revoked driver’s license, cancelled milestones, loss of career, evaluating family planning. Life is turned upside down.
Yes.
What Does It Mean to Live a Normal Life with Epilepsy?
What does it mean to be 'normal'?
The key here is to first accept that no one is 'normal'. Everyone has a silent struggle that a peer may not understand. The grass always appears greener on the other side of the fence. That said, it's important to validate the truth that seizure disorders are life-changing.
Epilepsy Treatment: Finding the Right Care for You
The first and foremost job you have is to make sure you are getting adequate treatment. Your general practitioner is almost certainly not an epilepsy expert. Your neurologist may not be either. An epilepsy specialist is called an Epileptologist, and they’re more likely to be up to date on current treatments and testing than a standard Neurologist.
Look for a Level 4 Epilepsy Center
Seek out a Level Four Epilepsy Center (here). These are hospitals and clinics with the most advanced capabilities for diagnosing and treating epilepsy — including access to epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs), up to date treatments and surgical options if relevant to your case.
Listen to your body
Treatment can be frustrating. Side effects can hit hard. Progress can feel slow. And epilepsy itself can be unpredictable.
Remember that you are the expert on your body. If the treatment suggested feels too rapid or too intense, it’s acceptable and necessary — to advocate for yourself. Bring someone you trust to your appointments, take notes, and don’t hesitate to ask for a second opinion. If your doctor doesn't respect your boundaries, find a new one.
You are not being difficult. You are being careful.
I love these resources from The Cameron Boyce Foundation on navigating your diagnosis.
The Cameron Boyce Foundation's 'Now What' page.
Working with Epilepsy: Career Changes and Accommodations
Be honest
If your job involves risk — like driving, operating heavy machinery, or caring for others — you’ll likely need to disclose your condition to your employer. That can be terrifying. But honesty doesn’t always equal limitation.
You may be surprised to find that many employers are willing to make accommodations. Some roles can be modified. Others can be shifted entirely.
Be adaptable
If your previous line of work becomes impossible or unsafe due to epilepsy, it does not mean your working life is over. Many people find a new sense of meaning and success in careers they never considered before their diagnosis.
Your journey and story, no matter how hard, has the power to be uplifting to someone else. Finding the courage to share makes things feel a little more worth while.
It's okay to change course.
Relationships and Epilepsy: Vulnerability and Support
Living with epilepsy can make socializing feel more vulnerable. You may fear being seen mid-seizure. Or feel the pressure to explain something that even doctors don’t always understand.
But the people who are worth your time will show up for you. That might hurt. But it’s also clarifying.
Do your best to arm friends and family with what they need to feel confident. This could be a seizure action plan, rescue medication or just the figures and facts to take out any misconceptions around your condition. Epilepsy isn't rare! It can be understood.
Learn about Seizure Action Plans HERE.
You deserve love. Real love. The kind that sees you as a full person, not a liability.
You may have to educate partners, friends, or family members. But you shouldn’t have to beg for their compassion.
Building Your Identity After Diagnosis
Epilepsy fundamentally means unpredictability. It means things change without notice. That said, you are what you think about all day, and celebrating small wins is very important.
How to make epilepsy a footnote in your story? When you have a good day or even a good hour, invest in yourself. Explore something you're curious about. Make a small step toward something you want to be. It could mean reading an article or picking up a hobby. Under the Lights was that thing for me.
When I made the 'UTL' short film, I just wanted to see someone like me (and my peers) on screen. I wanted people to no longer fear us. The film spread worldwide and did exactly that. I had to do it a little differently that the average filmmaker, but it changed everything about how I saw myself.
Today the film is a full length film with major stars destined for streaming services and worldwide attention. You can learn more here! Here is the short film that started it all:
You can also watch my TED talk on Under the Lights and living with purpose HERE.
TL;DR: Can You Live a Normal Life with Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can feel like it swallows up your sense of self. It’s not just a medical diagnosis — it’s a disruption to your rhythm, your confidence, your independence.
But you are not just your seizures.
The story of your life includes epilepsy, but it is not defined by it.
You are still allowed to dream. To build. To hope. You may have to work harder than some to get there. But you are not broken. You are not alone.
And yes — it is absolutely possible to live a full, rich, meaningful, and even normal life with epilepsy.
Whatever “normal” even means.
Be kind to yourself. Do your best.
Stay Connected
If you're navigating epilepsy or supporting someone who is, I share stories, resources, and film updates through this blog.
👉 Subscribe below for epilepsy awareness stories and film release updates. This is how you’ll know when the full length Under the Lights movie comes out!
Have a community or organization that could use the short film? I’d love to hear from you.
Don't hesitate to reach out if the short can be useful to you or your organization.
