Derek had his first seizure at the age of 60 and was diagnosed with epilepsy shortly after. He's a man who loves the outdoors and competed in shooting and fly fishing. But since he started having seizures he has had to find enjoyment in the simple things. 
Derek says stress can bring on a seizure so he's simplified his life and has taken a "don't sweat the small stuff" approach to life. 
Most people don't like to talk about epilepsy, but about one in five of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly. Despite this, there is still a seemingly immoveable stigma surrounding the condition.
Epilepsy is far more than just seizures, and we hope these stories will give you an insight into this.
Epilepsy is a common brain condition that takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender.

<div>Derek had his first seizure at the age of 60 and was diagnosed with epilepsy shortly after. He's a man who loves the outdoors and competed in shooting and fly fishing. But since he started having seizures he has had to find enjoyment in the simple things. </div><div><br></div><div>Derek says stress can bring on a seizure so he's simplified his life and has taken a "don't sweat the small stuff" approach to life. </div><div><br></div><div>Most people don't like to talk about epilepsy, but about one in five of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly. Despite this, there is still a seemingly immoveable stigma surrounding the condition.</div><div><br></div><div>Epilepsy is far more than just seizures, and we hope these stories will give you an insight into this.</div><div><br></div><div>Epilepsy is a common brain condition that takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender.</div>

My Journey is a collection of honest, confronting and inspiring reflections on a condition that is often hidden.
Listen to twelve Tasmanians share their journey with epilepsy, in their own words, to raise awareness and understanding of a condition that affects 1 in 25 Australians.

Real stories of life interrupted by epilepsy

My Journey with Epilepsy Tasmania

Derek had his first seizure at the age of 60 and was diagnosed with epilepsy shortly after. He's a man who loves the outdoors and...

Derek

Social Distancing measures in the face of the COVID-19 threat forced us to cancel our public Purple Day events. Instead, we did a live version of My Journey, which we streamed on social media. Our guests included Epilepsy Tasmania CEO Wendy Groot, Neuroscientist Lila Landowski, Dr Tim Jackson from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Epilepsy Tasmania's social worker Shirley Poetschka and an extraordinary appearance from entertainer Colin Dean.
Most people don't like to talk about epilepsy, but about one in five of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly. Despite this, there is still a seemingly immoveable stigma surrounding the condition.
Epilepsy is far more than just seizures, and we hope these stories will give you an insight into this.
Epilepsy is a common brain condition that takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender.

<div>Social Distancing measures in the face of the COVID-19 threat forced us to cancel our public Purple Day events. Instead, we did a live version of My Journey, which we streamed on social media. Our guests included Epilepsy Tasmania CEO Wendy Groot, Neuroscientist Lila Landowski, Dr Tim Jackson from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Epilepsy Tasmania's social worker Shirley Poetschka and an extraordinary appearance from entertainer Colin Dean.</div><div><br></div><div>Most people don't like to talk about epilepsy, but about one in five of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly. Despite this, there is still a seemingly immoveable stigma surrounding the condition.</div><div><br></div><div>Epilepsy is far more than just seizures, and we hope these stories will give you an insight into this.</div><div><br></div><div>Epilepsy is a common brain condition that takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender.</div>

Social Distancing measures in the face of the COVID-19 threat forced us to cancel our public Purple Day events. Instead, we did a live...

Purple Day

Hannah is a second-year medical student who faces her own medical mystery. A few years ago, she started having uncontrollable and unexpected convulsions which, to most people with any experience of it, appeared to be epileptic seizures. But doctors say she doesn't fit the criteria to be someone affected by epilepsy.
With a definitive diagnosis, Hannah can't take medication, so her condition can't be controlled. The constant uncertainty that she could have another episode at any time is having a profound effect on her life.
This episode is the story of how Hannah and her mother Jenni (from episode 10) are determined to work out what is causing Hannah's condition and how the uncertainty is affecting their lives.Most people don't like to talk about epilepsy, but about one in five of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly. Despite this, there is still a seemingly immoveable stigma surrounding the condition.
Epilepsy is far more than just seizures, and we hope these stories will give you an insight into this.
Epilepsy is a common brain condition that takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender.

<div>Hannah is a second-year medical student who faces her own medical mystery. A few years ago, she started having uncontrollable and unexpected convulsions which, to most people with any experience of it, appeared to be epileptic seizures. But doctors say she doesn't fit the criteria to be someone affected by epilepsy.</div><div><br></div><div>With a definitive diagnosis, Hannah can't take medication, so her condition can't be controlled. The constant uncertainty that she could have another episode at any time is having a profound effect on her life.</div><div><br></div><div>This episode is the story of how Hannah and her mother Jenni (from episode 10) are determined to work out what is causing Hannah's condition and how the uncertainty is affecting their lives.</div><div>Most people don't like to talk about epilepsy, but about one in five of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly. Despite this, there is still a seemingly immoveable stigma surrounding the condition.</div><div><br></div><div>Epilepsy is far more than just seizures, and we hope these stories will give you an insight into this.</div><div><br></div><div>Epilepsy is a common brain condition that takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender.</div>

Hannah is a second-year medical student who faces her own medical mystery. A few years ago, she started having uncontrollable and...

Hannah

After noticing a student having a seizure during a lunch break, Jenni, a teachers assistant, has played a leading role in making sure all teachers were trained in epilepsy first aid. Her story and her experience with seizures are not just from her work.
A few year's ago, Jenni's daughter, Hannah, started having uncontrollable convulsions. Having had some experience of epilepsy, Jenni was sure Hannah was affected by the condition and sought the advice of doctors in the hope of finding a preventative medication. However, the experts said Hanna's convulsions don't match the criteria for epilepsy, and they're not sure what is causing her convulsions.
Most people don't like to talk about epilepsy, but about one in five of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly. Despite this, there is still a seemingly immoveable stigma surrounding the condition.
Epilepsy is far more than just seizures, and we hope these stories will give you an insight into this.
Epilepsy is a common brain condition that takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender.

<div>After noticing a student having a seizure during a lunch break, Jenni, a teachers assistant, has played a leading role in making sure all teachers were trained in epilepsy first aid. Her story and her experience with seizures are not just from her work.</div><div><br></div><div>A few year's ago, Jenni's daughter, Hannah, started having uncontrollable convulsions. Having had some experience of epilepsy, Jenni was sure Hannah was affected by the condition and sought the advice of doctors in the hope of finding a preventative medication. However, the experts said Hanna's convulsions don't match the criteria for epilepsy, and they're not sure what is causing her convulsions.</div><div><br></div><div>Most people don't like to talk about epilepsy, but about one in five of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly. Despite this, there is still a seemingly immoveable stigma surrounding the condition.</div><div><br></div><div>Epilepsy is far more than just seizures, and we hope these stories will give you an insight into this.</div><div><br></div><div>Epilepsy is a common brain condition that takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender.</div>

After noticing a student having a seizure during a lunch break, Jenni, a teachers assistant, has played a leading role in making sure...

Derek

My Journey with Epilepsy Tasmania

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