Living with epilepsy comes with challenges, uncertainty, and the search for ways to regain control. For Viki Galbraith , that journey led her to an unexpected yet powerful ally—cold water therapy. Through the shock of icy waves and the calm of the sea, she has found resilience, community, and hope.
In this interview, Vicki shares her personal story: how she discovered cold water therapy, the impact it has had on her seizures and well-being, and the message she hopes to share with others facing similar struggles.
Can you share a bit about your epilepsy diagnosis? When were you diagnosed, and how has it impacted your life?
I was diagnosed in 2011; it completely turned my life upside down. I lost my job and was off work for over two years. I was stuck in my home, having several seizures a day. Completely shut off from the world. As a mum and wife, it was devastating. I was unable to be there for my family or see my extended family for over 10 years. When I was able to go back to work, it was difficult because I was still having frequent seizures. Epilepsy has affected my confidence, my energy levels, and my body - I have suffered too many injuries from seizures, and the way people treat me because of my condition.
What types of seizures do you experience, and how frequently do they occur?
Right now, thankfully, medication is controlling my seizures. However, my medication has major side effects, such as joint pain. I still feel in my body when I would have had a seizure without medication, this can still affect how active I can be. Previously, I would have several seizures a day; I suffered tonic colonic seizures and absent seizures.
Cold water therapy has become a crucial part of your routine. Can you tell us more about this?
My first swim was on the 5th Sept, 2021 at Collistion, Aberdeenshire. Swimming was a crucial part of my routine until about a year ago; it helped with muscle pain and anxiety. Fun with friends and cake after. It improved my mood, confidence and quality of life! The seashell community brought me to cold water therapy. Avril (from Seashell) was there the day I had my first swim. Her advice and care were incredible. Now, after a blip in my health, I’m slowly getting back in the water at my own pace.
How do you prepare your body and mind before entering cold water?
- 24 hours before I make sure I have a good sleep and eat well.
- I always decide on the day, at the water’s edge, if my body can handle the cold water that day.
- I wear a full wetsuit for buoyancy sometimes using a toe float.
- I pack a full kit bag with dry clothes, a flask of hot water, snacks, a hot water bottle, and a seashell-changing robe.
- I never swim alone, only with people who know me and my condition.
Have you faced any challenges or risks with this practice? How do you manage them?
I have struggled with being cold after a swim, my hands locking in a claw shape, making it hard to get changed and dry. Being too cold after a swim and needing to sleep after. I manage these issues by spending limited time in the water and having friends about to help me if I need it. Thankfully, I’ve never had a seizure before, during, or after a swim. When I was forced to stop last year, it was a physical strength issue. Safety is always my top priority.
What further research or support do you think is needed for alternative therapies?
I think alternative therapies should be prescribed much more. Many conditions can be helped with alternative therapies before medication is prescribed. Also, a combination of medication and alternative therapies can help. Maybe a professional therapist and a lifeguard at organised swims should ideally be provided on prescription.
What would you say to someone who might feel discouraged, as you once did, when faced with epilepsy or a challenging health condition?
Get to know your condition, and allow yourself to recover from your seizures or setbacks. Seek support from charities and epilepsy organisations. With the right support and a bit of luck, you can live a full life.
Find out more
To anyone battling epilepsy or any life challenge—know that new possibilities are always within reach. Whether through the sea, the support of a community, or the courage to try something different, healing takes many forms. Thank you, Viki, for sharing your journey.
The experiences shared in this interview are based on Viki Galbraith’s personal journey with epilepsy and cold water therapy. This is not intended as medical advice. If you have epilepsy or any medical condition, always consult with a healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.
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