Elisabeth's brain can no longer regulate sleep and wakefulness, which means that she lives with constant fatigue, sudden sleep attacks and disturbed night sleep.

- It is as if you have been awake for three days and then you have to perform at the top.

It goes without saying that it is not possible, Elisabeth explains.

Did not want to live

The injury ruined Elisabeth's entire life as a 20-year-old.

From having great ambitions for the future and career, Elisabeth was on sick leave full time.

She had zero energy and did not make everyday life work.

It ended with four suicide attempts.

Elisabeth was very close to death and needed intensive care.

- I did not want to live because I did not think my life was dignified.

And I did not get any help to improve my quality of life.

The treatment consisted of the doctors prescribing a battery of heavy medicines so that Elisabeth could function in everyday life.

- I was given amphetamine-like stimulant drugs, addictive anesthetics, antidepressants and psychotropic drugs for anxiety.

But my life basically became completely chemical for me to have the strength, she says.

Abused the medication

Elisabeth started abusing the medication.

She suffered from abstinence, sweating, palpitations and even greater difficulty sleeping.

In the end, Elisabeth had to undergo a 12-step treatment to get rid of her addiction.

- Now I have other strategies to cope with my everyday life.

I have reduced working hours, taken sleep breaks and have found milder drugs that are not addictive.

Will not be vaccinated against covid

Today Elisabeth is 31 years old and her life is much better than it was a few years ago.

She is happy about her newborn son and has learned to live with the disability that narcolepsy entails.

But she will not take a fast-paced pandemic vaccine again.

- The upcoming mass vaccination against covid-19 arouses a lot of sadness and anger in me.

I drew the lottery last time and do not feel that society has not given me the help I needed afterwards.