Let’s ‘talk about it!’
Epilepsy New Zealand proudly celebrates Let’s Talk About It! each November.
Talk About It! encourages people across Aotearoa New Zealand to start open conversations about epilepsy, share their experiences, and help break down stigma and misconceptions. Every conversation helps build greater understanding and support for people living with epilepsy and their whānau.
Learn more about the international campaign at talkaboutit.org.
We’re Looking for Your Story
Our vision is a New Zealand free from discrimination and stigma, where the impact of epilepsy on individuals, whānau, and communities is minimised.
By sharing your experience, you can help others understand what it’s like to live with epilepsy and show that no one faces this journey alone. Let’s Talk About It! helps to raise awareness, promote understanding, and support inclusion across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Let’s Talk About It! stories are shared on ENZ Facebook Page and Instagram.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has already shared their journey with us.
Let’s Talk About It!
Here is a story received in celebration of Let’s Talk About It!
“My goal was to be a nurse up at Starship to help other kids like myself. I was nearly finished my second year studying to be a nurse when my seizures were so frequent that I was putting patients at risk. That goal got put on the back burner, but I set a new goal. A different way to help children was to become a teacher, which I am. I teach health, PE and mathematics.
Sports wise, my goal was to get as far as I could playing football. I didn’t get very far as I was having seizures every time I played. The next goal was to become a football referee instead. This has probably been one of my biggest achievements… I’m now a National League referee; every weekend for the next 9 weeks, I’m on a plane to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Dunedin to referee women’s National League Football. AND I have not had a seizure since I swapped from playing football to refereeing football!!”
We’d love to share your epilepsy story – please complete the form below:
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT! MY STORY SUBMISSION FORM
*By filling out this form, you’re giving us permission to share your story on our website and social media pages.
Support Our Work
Donations help fund our nationwide team of Epilepsy Educators, providing vital information and support to individuals, whānau, and communities affected by epilepsy.
Donate today to help us continue this essential work.
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Epilepsy New Zealand on youtube
Epilepsy New Zealand shares personal stories and lived experiences from our epilepsy community on our YouTube channel, helping raise awareness and understanding across Aotearoa.
Here is a video from Matt.
