My escape - how music helps me live with Epilepsy

Music has always been more than just sound to me... it is my safe place, my escape, and sometimes my lifeline. Since I was a child, it has been the one thing that could take me far away from the noise and chaos around me. When I was sad, or when there was fighting in the family, I would close the door to my room, put on my headphones, and open a book. I would sink into the story while the music wrapped around me. I didn’t know what was happening in the world outside. My heart beat with the rhythm of the song, not with the stress of life.

Years later, I discovered something even more powerful...music could help me with my epilepsy.

One afternoon, I went for a walk with my dog. It was just the two of us. We followed a path through the trees until we reached a quiet river. I sat down on a large stone and watched the water flow. The sound of the river was peaceful, and I thought to myself, life can be so simple. Then it happened...a strange feeling came, the one I know too well, the silent warning that a seizure might be on its way. My heart sped up for a second, but I didn’t panic. Without thinking, I reached into my bag, took out my headphones, and pressed play on my favorite playlist. It’s a mix of music I love.Some rock, some classical, even a bit of psytrance. The first notes filled my ears. I put my feet into the cool water, my dog lay down beside me, and I let the music take over. I got lost in the lyrics and the rhythm. Slowly, the strange feeling faded away. In that moment, no breathing method could help me...only the simple magic of nature, my dog, the river, and the music. I knew then exactly what could calm my mind and make my heart sing.

Music is not a cure, but for me it is a powerful helper. Stress and fear can make seizures more likely, but music slows down my heartbeat, clears my mind, and makes me feel safe.

It's interesting how classical music often has a special effect on me. I particularly enjoy Mozart for his light and joyful melodies, Beethoven for the slow and gentle movements in his symphonies and sonatas, and Bach for his peaceful and balanced compositions. However, my absolute favorite is Debussy...his music is dreamy and flowing, especially pieces like Clair de Lune. I think, everybody knows this song. Oh and oh...Hans Zimmer. No words needed here.

I feel completely lost in the moment when I hear those first notes.

Not long ago, I met a girl who also has epilepsy. She told me she wished she could escape somewhere when the warning signs came. I told her about my music, how it takes me to a place that belongs only to me, where I feel safe. A few days later, she called me. She had been on the verge of a seizure, tried her own playlist...and yes, it helped. Her taste in music was completely different from mine, but that didn’t matter. It’s about music you truly love, music you feel in your heart. We might hear the same song but feel different emotions, and that’s the beauty of it.

Every morning, I start my day the same way, coffee and music. This is my escape, my comfort, and sometimes my shield. I will always be grateful to the artists who create songs that calm my mind and make my heart sing.

So I ask you...is music for you just background noise, or does it carry emotions that speak to your soul? For me, it will always be a safe place where my mind can rest.

And now... let's listen to some Yann Tiersen. I'm not escaping...I just want to flow.

With love, @tinabrezpike ❤️