Living with epilepsy is a battle few understand, but one brave teenager is turning her struggle into a mission to inspire change.
Elina Patel’s journey with epilepsy began a decade ago, and it’s been anything but easy. At just 18, she’s already faced challenges that most of us can’t imagine. Diagnosed at the age of eight with absence seizures—a type of epilepsy that makes it seem like she’s daydreaming—Elina’s life took an unexpected turn. But here’s where it gets inspiring: instead of letting her condition define her, she’s now a Youth Voice Network member at Young Epilepsy, a charity leading the fight for awareness and support.
But here’s where it gets controversial… While epilepsy itself isn’t a mental health condition, Lara Carr, head of research at Young Epilepsy, points out that young people with epilepsy are four times more likely to face mental health struggles than their peers. Elina’s story is a stark reminder of this. By age 13, she felt overwhelmed, battling anxiety, loss of appetite, and acne—side effects of her medications. She even admits there were moments when she felt like giving up. Is enough being done to address the mental health impact of epilepsy on young people?
Elina’s experience highlights a critical gap in support. Despite having a loving family, she often felt isolated and misunderstood. Her schoolwork suffered, and she struggled to keep up with her peers. And this is the part most people miss: epilepsy isn’t just about seizures—it’s about the invisible battles, the side effects of medication, and the emotional toll it takes on young lives.
Young Epilepsy, based in Lingfield, Surrey, is working tirelessly to change this. They’re not just researching treatments; they’re advocating for holistic support that addresses every aspect of a child’s life with epilepsy. But is it enough? Lara Carr believes more needs to be done, and Elina agrees. As a Youth Voice Network member, she’s seen firsthand how the charity offers a lifeline to young people who feel alone. Imagine being a nine-year-old with epilepsy and having nowhere to turn—that was Elina’s reality. Now, she’s determined to ensure no one else feels that way.
Key facts to keep in mind: Epilepsy affects approximately 625,800 people in the UK, including 103,600 children and young people under 24. While many children outgrow the condition by their teenage years, those who don’t often rely on anti-seizure medications to manage it. But as Elina’s story shows, managing epilepsy is about more than just controlling seizures—it’s about supporting the whole person.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should mental health support be an integral part of epilepsy treatment plans for young people? Let’s start the conversation. If you or someone you know has been affected by epilepsy, remember, you’re not alone. Resources and support are available, and stories like Elina’s remind us that even in the darkest moments, there’s hope for a brighter future.