When people hear the word epilepsy, the first thing they usually think of is seizures. But if you live with epilepsy—or know someone who does—you realize pretty quickly that it’s about much more than that. There are medications, doctor visits, and routines to follow, but there’s also the day-to-day reality of stress, worry, and the feeling that no one fully understands what you’re going through.
That’s where art comes in.
Art may not seem like the obvious answer to managing a neurological condition, but for many people, it becomes a lifeline. Whether it’s drawing, painting, playing guitar, or even scribbling in a notebook, creative expression gives people with epilepsy a chance to let their emotions out instead of bottling them up. And there’s real science behind why that works.
Why Creativity Works for the Brain
When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, your brain releases cortisol, a hormone that basically puts you in “fight-or-flight” mode. That’s useful if you’re in danger, but not so helpful when you’re just trying to get through school or calm down after a tough day. Research shows that engaging in creative activities can lower cortisol levels, helping you feel more relaxed and in control (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).
Creativity also activates the brain’s reward system. Think of the little spark of happiness you feel when you finish a drawing or finally figure out a tricky piece of music. That spark comes from dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. For people with epilepsy (who often face unpredictable moments of fear and frustration) that little boost can mean a lot.
In fact, the American Art Therapy Association reports that art-based activities can reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance problem-solving skills. It’s not a cure, but it is a powerful tool for coping.
Different Creative Outlets to Try
The word art can feel intimidating, like you need to be Picasso or Beyoncé to qualify. But the truth is, art can be simple. It’s more about the process than the final product. Here are a few creative outlets that teens with epilepsy (or honestly anyone) can try:
1. Drawing and Doodling
You don’t have to be “good” at drawing for it to work. Just putting pen to paper can help redirect anxious energy. Psychologists call this a form of “grounding” or keeping your mind in the present moment instead of spiraling into what-ifs. Doodling shapes or even tracing patterns can provide comfort when stress is high.
2. Mandala Coloring
Mandala designs are circular, patterned images that can be colored in. A 2005 study by Curry and Kasser found that coloring mandalas significantly reduced anxiety. The repetitive, structured design helps calm the nervous system, similar to meditation but without needing total silence or stillness. For teens with epilepsy who may already feel like their brain is “chaotic” at times, this structure can be especially soothing.
3. Music
Music therapy has been used with people who have epilepsy for years. Some research even suggests that listening to specific types of music, such as Mozart’s compositions, may help reduce seizure activity in certain individuals (Lin et al., 2014). Beyond the science, music just feels good. Singing, writing lyrics, or making playlists can provide both emotional release and connection to others.
4. Journaling
Writing down your feelings isn’t about creating perfect poetry. It’s about getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper. For teens with epilepsy, journaling can also become a record of daily emotions, helping them notice patterns around stress, sleep, or mood that might connect to seizures. And beyond that, it’s a private outlet that doesn’t require judgment or explanation.
5. Hands-On Creative Fidgets
Things like stress balls, infinity cubes, or textured “calming strips” count as creativity too—they’re playful and sensory-based. These tools may not look like traditional art, but they give the brain something to focus on and help relieve anxiety in the moment.
The Emotional Side of Epilepsy
Living with epilepsy as a teen isn’t just about the seizures themselves. It’s about everything that comes with them. Studies show that young people with epilepsy are at higher risk of anxiety and depression compared to their peers (Jones et al., 2014). Part of that comes from feeling different or misunderstood.
Imagine being worried that a seizure might happen during a school presentation or a sports practice. Imagine wondering if your friends will know what to do, or if they’ll just stare. That constant background stress can wear a person down.
This is where creativity steps in. Art provides a sense of agency and control over something when so many other parts of life feel unpredictable. As Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, a leading voice in art therapy, puts it: “Creative activity can help restore a sense of agency, control, and even joy.” (Malchiodi, 2012).
Real Stories: Art in Action
Around the world, epilepsy organizations have embraced creativity as a coping tool. For example, Purple Day—a global awareness day for epilepsy—often features art projects like mural painting, photography, and poetry contests where people with epilepsy can share their voices. These events highlight how art isn’t just for therapy; it’s also a way of building community and visibility.
And on a personal level, I’ve noticed how creative outlets help teens feel less “trapped” by their diagnosis. One friend told me that journaling helped her make sense of feelings she couldn’t say out loud. Another found relief in music, saying it was the one place where seizures and stigma couldn’t reach him.
Why This Matters
So why am I writing all this? Because epilepsy isn’t only a medical condition. It’s also a lived experience. Coping strategies need to go beyond the doctor’s office. Teens deserve outlets that let them express who they are beyond their diagnosis.
Art, in all its forms, gives that opportunity. It helps with stress. It builds resilience. And maybe most importantly, it reminds people with epilepsy that they are not defined by their condition—they are creators, thinkers, dreamers, and artists.
Final Thoughts
If you live with epilepsy, you don’t need to be “good at art” to benefit from it. You don’t need expensive supplies or formal lessons. What matters is finding something creative that feels right for you; whether it’s sketching, journaling, making music, or even coloring.
Art can’t replace medical treatment, but it can support mental and emotional well-being in ways medicine alone can’t. For teens facing the unique challenges of epilepsy, that support can make a world of difference.
So next time the stress feels overwhelming, try picking up a pencil, turning on music, or even opening a coloring book. You may find that expression itself is one of the most powerful coping tools you have.
References
- Stuckey, H., & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health.
- Curry, N. A., & Kasser, T. (2005). Can Coloring Mandalas Reduce Anxiety? Art Therapy Journal.
- Malchiodi, C. (2012). Handbook of Art Therapy. Guilford Press.
- Lin, L. C., Lee, W. T., Wu, H. C., Tsai, C. L., Wei, R. C., Mok, H. K., & Tsai, P. Y. (2014). Mozart K.448 listening decreased seizure recurrence and epileptiform discharges in children with first unprovoked seizures: A randomized controlled study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Jones, C., Reilly, C., & Atkinson, P. (2014). Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with epilepsy: A systematic review. Epilepsy & Behavior.