Instagram story viewer> @claire.durham> Posts

Claire Durham

@claire.durham

2.4K

followers

1489

following

Dallas | TCU Alum

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Hi everyone! November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. I was diagnosed with epilepsy seven years ago, and since then I’ve realized how misunderstood it is. Many people reduce epilepsy to “just seizures,” unintentionally diminishing all the things encompassing the disorder. I know not to take this personally because it’s easy to overlook my struggles when people see me achieving, laughing, and living my life. Empathy requires awareness, and I hope sharing my story helps shed light on life with an invisible illness.

I no longer experience grand mal (full-body) seizures as frequently, but I have partial seizures daily. During these episodes, it feels like my left arm isn’t there, my mind goes blank, and I often stare / experience slight facial twitching. These moments can be frustrating, embarrassing, and scary – though most people barely notice them. On the outside, I might seem fine, but inside, it often feels like my brain is working against me.

Beyond the seizures, medication is both a lifeline and a challenge. It causes brain fog, memory issues, and extreme fatigue, making school and social life difficult. Medication makes me feel less of a human, but I need it.

Despite all of this, I do my best to see beyond my brain’s limitations. Yes, I’m different, but I’m no less worthy of love. I know I’m forgetful, but I try my hardest to compensate for these cognitive deficits. My body might not function perfectly, but I have shoulders to cry on and arms to comfort others. I feel isolation, but I know I am cared for by the same God who created everyone else.

This summer, I started a blog to share my journey and advocate for epilepsy. The link is in my bio if you’d like to check it out. Whether you do or not, I hope this post inspires you to learn more. Educating yourself can go a long way, because like I said, empathy requires awareness.

Epilepsy has changed my heart and the way I see the world. It’s made me more compassionate, understanding, and appreciative. It’s shown me that every day is a gift that’s never promised. That’s why I choose to SEIZE THE DAY!!!!!! 💜💜 @epilepsyfdn #epilepsyawarenessmonth by @claire.durham

949

111

2 years ago

23!!!!! Happy birthday to my person. I’m the luckiest to be loved by you @jacksonphilbrook 💗🤸🏽🥳 by @claire.durham

443

26

2 months ago

THANK YOU JESUS!!!! For every person You have intentionally placed in my life. Even in my toughest season, I never have to walk alone 💜 taken in Fort Worth, Texas by @claire.durham

399

45

5 months ago

Feeling lucky!! by @claire.durham

393

32

7 months ago

Wouldn’t trade this life for nothin’ or another by @claire.durham

539

60

a year ago

We finally got a brother!!!! Congrats to the Grays🤍 by @claire.durham

583

51

a year ago

my love letter to ireland💌🤗 taken in Ireland by @claire.durham

402

25

a year ago

by @claire.durham

1

0

a year ago

I’m so glad I applied to the school I had never heard of four years ago. I got to do college with the best people in the best place on earth!!! taken in Texas Christian University by @claire.durham

674

85

a year ago

by @claire.durham

6

0

a year ago

living the dream! by @claire.durham

530

44

a year ago

what happens in Vegas!!!! taken in Las Vegas, Nevada by @claire.durham

641

67

2 years ago