Adam has lived with epilepsy since his teens, facing challenges in education, work, and daily life. Through setbacks and change, Adam’s love of nature and creativity helped him find balance. Now, he’s sharing his journey to help others see that life with epilepsy can be full of hope and new beginnings.
A diagnosis on a French mountain
Adam’s journey with epilepsy began at 15, in an unexpected place.
My first seizure was up a French mountain at 5am, just as we were about to come home from a ski holiday. It was a shock for everyone. My dad stayed with me, my mum took my younger brother home. It was tough.
Adam was diagnosed in France and returned to the UK for treatment.
I came home with a recommended diagnosis of epilepsy, but needed to find the right place back home to be looked at and treated.
The long road through treatment
Adam’s treatment journey has been full of change.
I’ve been through all the pharmaceutical options. There’s only really been one constant for me, and that’s been epilim. It’s the go-to for a lot of people, but it’s a difficult drug.
Two years ago, Adam had a VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulator) fitted.
You get used to some elements of it, but some you never do. Your voice changes, your throat contracts, and you carry a magnet around. It’s just part of my life now.
Education, setbacks, and new directions
Adam did well in his GCSEs and A levels, focusing on science and maths.
I went to university in Bath for physics, but changed to pharmacology because it felt more relevant. My health got worse, so I left and started again in Bristol, studying photography. That was a big change, but I really enjoyed it.
Epilepsy was always there in the background.
I averaged about three or four seizures a month, sometimes more, sometimes less. Stress and fatigue made things worse.
Finding peace in nature
After university, Adam followed his passion for nature.
I did a horticultural apprenticeship at RHS Wesley during COVID-19. Studying the world around us helped me find some calm and peace. Nature has always been my constant.
He went on to do a master’s in systemic sustainability, combining his love of nature and learning.
I completed my master’s in 2024. Epilepsy was always running in the background, but I kept going.
Work, setbacks, and new beginnings
Adam tried working full-time in environmental consultancy, but it was too much.
I worked for three weeks, had 20 seizures, and realised it wasn’t going to work out. Since then, I’ve worked on a voluntary basis for charities and helped my mum set up her business.
He’s also written two books about living with long-term illness and self-discovery.
Writing felt more natural than talking face to face. It helped me get my story out there.
Support networks and acceptance
Adam lives with his parents in a small village.
Living alone wasn’t recommended by my GP. You find things and decide to do things. I haven’t let epilepsy hold me back.
Support networks have been vital.
Family and friends, charities like Young Epilepsy and Epilepsy Action – they’re there for you. It’s a confusing time, but those people will be there for you. That’s really key.
Adam says acceptance is a journey.
Epilepsy is sort of a five-step process, like grief. You come to acceptance at the end, but I don’t think you ever fully do. There’s always times where you wish things were different. Better to move forwards with what you can do.
Moving forward with hope
Adam’s message is clear:
Find yourself a couple of goals to focus on, and a couple of things that can push you forwards. Support networks make all the difference. You don’t have to go through it alone.
