I SURVIVED CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE… THEN EPILEPSY CHANGED MY LIFE | PTSD, Mental Health & Invisible Illness

⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, trauma, PTSD, mental health struggles and epilepsy. Please listen with care.

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When most people hear the word epilepsy, they think of seizures. But for Lisa, epilepsy is only a small part of a much bigger story.

In this incredibly honest conversation, Lisa shares how surviving childhood sexual abuse and early life trauma shaped her mental health, relationships and the way she viewed herself. At just 12 years old, she was diagnosed with epilepsy, beginning a journey that brought challenges far beyond the condition itself.

Together, we explore the realities of living with an invisible illness, the emotional impact of PTSD, anxiety and depression, the side effects of medication, and the importance of understanding the person behind the diagnosis. Lisa also discusses her experience of eczema and the way she believes periods of stress and trauma have affected her overall health.

At one of the darkest points in her life, Lisa speaks openly about experiencing a serious mental health crisis that resulted in her being sectioned, and how that became a turning point on her journey towards healing.

More importantly, this isn’t just a story about adversity—it’s a story about resilience. Lisa opens up about therapy, self-awareness, learning to trust herself again, and the people who stood by her when she needed them most.

This episode is a powerful reminder that everyone is fighting battles we can’t always see, and that healing is rarely a straight line.

Whether you’re living with epilepsy, supporting someone who is, navigating the effects of trauma, or simply want to better understand invisible illnesses, Lisa’s story is one that will stay with you.

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🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• Childhood sexual abuse and the lasting impact of trauma

• Being diagnosed with epilepsy at just 12 years old

• PTSD, anxiety, depression and invisible illness

• Medication side effects and their impact on mental health

• Lisa’s experience of being sectioned during a mental health crisis

• Family planning, pregnancy and living with epilepsy

• Eczema and Lisa’s personal experience of the connection between stress and her health

• Family relationships, healing and support

• Therapy, resilience and finding hope after trauma

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💛 Connect with Lisa

📱 Instagram: @ltbailey_

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🎙️ Follow Becoming Lucy

📱 Instagram: @becominglucy

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If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, subscribe, leave a review and share the episode. It helps us continue bringing Real People. Real Stories. Real Change.

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📚 Resources

• Epilepsy Society – https://epilepsysociety.org.uk

• Epilepsy Action – https://www.epilepsy.org.uk

• NHS – Sodium Valproate Information – https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sodium-valproate/

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