Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
Health

ABC presenter Jules Schiller shares personal experience for Epilepsy Awareness Day

Jules Schiller discusses his experiences for Epilepsy Awareness Day

ABC Radio Adelaide presenter Jules Schiller is one of 250,000 Australians who lives with epilepsy.

"Sure, our brainwaves might be different, but I like to think they spark brilliance and uniqueness," he said.

He discussed his personal experiences in a video today for Epilepsy Awareness Day, also known as Purple Day.

The presenter said he was first diagnosed with the condition aged 27 after he walked into a costume shop, blacked out and was "suddenly surrounded by an ambulance crew".

"I was confused, I was scared and it is difficult dealing with the fact that suddenly you have a trigger in your brain that could go off at any moment," he said.

"A week later I appeared on (television show) The Panel I sat there, my palms were sweaty, knowing that if I had a seizure over a million Australians would see it."

Schiller first revealed his condition on radio in April 2017 when he said he had to miss a radio sports show because he was being rushed to hospital.

Jules Schiller was first diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 27. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

People with epilepsy still face discrimination

Schiller said he was initially hesitant to tell people about his diagnosis.

"Like many people with epilepsy, I deal with it very effectively through lifestyle and medication," he said.

"Still, I was afraid to tell my employer, I didn't tell many girlfriends, I thought they would find me unattractive.

"I didn't tell some friends because I thought they would treat me differently. And that does need to change."

"So if someone in your life tells you they have epilepsy, it could be a big deal for them, so be kind.

"And if you have epilepsy, or if you're one of the 12,000 Australians who will be diagnosed this year, welcome to the family."

Epilepsy Action Australia CEO Carol Ireland said Purple Day started in 2008 to raise awareness about epilepsy because there was still misunderstanding about the condition. 

She said it was common for people living with epilepsy to face discrimination and avoid telling people about their diagnosis.

"It's quite common for people — and especially young people — to not want to disclose their epilepsy," Ms Ireland said.

"They just want to be seen like everyone else."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.