Shefali Zariwala Was Fighting Epilepsy And Depression At 15. Here’s What You Should Know About Spotting the Signs (Credits: Pexels)
Shefali Jariwala, the iconic girl from “Kaanta Laga” and the Bigg Boss 13 participant, has tragically passed away on the night of June 27, 2025, in Mumbai at the age of 42. She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed by medical authorities. One thing that many don’t know about her is that Shefali was suffering through depression and fighting epilepsy since the age of 15. In an interview in 2021, Shefali had revealed that she suffered her first epileptic seizure at the age of 15 and it completely flipped her life upside-down. She also mentioned how the seizures would strike her in the middle of classes, backstage during events and even on streets sometimes.
“I had an epilepsy seizure at the age of 15. At the time I was going through tremendous pressure to do well in studies. Stress and anxiety can also lead to seizures. It is all interrelated and you could get a seizure due to depression and vice versa,” she had mentioned in the interview.
Signs of epilepsy in teens
There are certain early signs of epilepsy in teens:
- Sudden blackouts, memory gaps: Especially during class or doing everyday activities
- Unresponsiveness or staring spells: Can be mistaken for daydreaming or zoning out
- Jerking movements (often uncontrolled): Especially in arms or legs, during early mornings
- Temporary confusion and disorientation after episodes
- Unusual fatigue or sleepiness: Especially after an episode has happened
Signs of depression in teens
- Persistent sadness, irritability and/ or crying: These are not just mood swings, they linger for weeks
- Loss of hobbies or interests: Pulling away from social interactions and activities that were once enjoyed
- Sudden changes in appetite or sleep patterns: Either sleeping too much or not enough. Same for appetite
- Drop in school performance
- Talking about feeling hopeless or empty: This can also lead to expressing thoughts about self-harm
Her story is a powerful reminder that many battles are fought behind closed doors. Recognizing the early signs of conditions like epilepsy and depression, especially in teens, can make all the difference.
