Title: 300 Job Rejections and Counting: My Struggle with Epilepsy

Since receiving her epilepsy diagnosis at the age of 13, 28-year-old Sophie Morgan has relentlessly pursued a "normal" existence, undergoing invasive brain surgeries and adhering to various medication regimes. However, for the Newport resident, securing employment has proven to be her most significant hurdle. Despite holding both an undergraduate and a master’s degree, Sophie reports that she has submitted 300 job applications over the last year, resulting in merely one interview and zero offers.

"I have to accept it. It's wrong, but I'm learning to adjust to it," Sophie said, expressing her resignation to the situation. She noted that employers frequently claim they "cannot facilitate" her needs, while recruiters often fall silent upon learning of her condition. "Trying to find a job with epilepsy is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It's 10 times harder for us and a constant battle."

Government statistics highlight the scale of the issue: only 44% of individuals with epilepsy are currently employed in the UK. Sophie believes her qualifications are being overlooked due to misconceptions about her health. "I'm qualified, I'm experienced, I would like to say I'm a nice person... I don't think I'm an issue for a workplace, but they always seem to think I'm an issue," she explained. "It has become more difficult... I have all the tools I need, I've just not been able to use them."

Sophie holds a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on additional learning needs and inclusion, as well as a master’s in developmental and therapeutic play. Yet, despite these credentials, she has spent the past year responding to rejection emails. Epilepsy, a neurological condition characterized by seizures or "fits," has no cure, though treatment can help manage symptoms.

In 2024, Sophie underwent two brain surgeries in Cardiff aimed at identifying the cause of her epilepsy. The procedures ultimately revealed that removing the affected brain tissue was too risky. The outcome left Sophie devastated, as she had pinned her hopes on the surgery providing greater freedom and stability. "The fact that both of my surgeries failed... it almost felt like I did it all for nothing," she recalled.

Following the operations, Sophie required 24-hour care for several weeks and had to discontinue her medication for six months so doctors could monitor her seizures. The logistical challenges, combined with the location of her treatment, forced her to resign from her position in children’s education and surrender her rented apartment in Swansea—a decision she found deeply painful.

"When I got the keys to that flat it felt like I'd reached the top of Mount Everest," she said. "Giving that flat up absolutely broke my heart." She had felt immense pride in securing the home, viewing it as a major milestone since her diagnosis.

To stabilize her situation, Sophie moved in with her cousin in Newport. What was intended as a temporary stay of six months has extended into two years. "Because I can't find a job, I can't move out. If I could get a job that could all change, but it just seems employers aren't open enough, they aren't opening their arms to people with epilepsy," she said. While acknowledging her cousin’s support, she emphasized her desire for independence. "It has been really really difficult, and my mental health has been a massive hit."

Sophie’s experience reflects broader trends. A study by Epilepsy Action found that six in 10 people with the condition reported facing discrimination. Additionally, a separate survey of 500 employers and managers conducted by the charity revealed that nearly half were hesitant to hire someone with epilepsy.

Sophie’s single interview, which took place in April, highlighted these biases. "As soon as I mentioned epilepsy, the tone changed, it was like the temperature changed in the room," she described. "I felt very uncomfortable. They sort of dodged it, didn't want to know more about it, no questions asked." She felt compelled to reassure them that she would not collapse at work, noting, "it doesn't work like that."

Application processes vary; some forms include checkboxes for disability disclosure, while others require candidates to reveal their condition at a later stage. Sophie continues to navigate these challenges, striving to prove her worth in the workforce.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 21:54:50 UTC