Music: My Partner In Crime vs. Epilepsy

That dreadful text was sent to my parents earlier this afternoon from my watch saying I was experiencing my clusters. I think it’s more stressful on them than me by now, and I wish I could change that. With that said, I’m currently writing this blog dealing with some after effects, so don’t too hard if there are a few typos ;) I thought now would be the absolute perfect time to talk about music, and how it affects me and how I think it affects the epilepsy community as a whole.

The Importance Of My Playlist

Since stepping into my first EEG exam as a kid listening to Tim McGraw, music has become a part of me that truly defines who I am.

Artists: Whether you like it or not, I’m a country guy 110% with only a few exceptions. Tim McGraw really was the person that influenced me down the road, and I vividly listening to his tracks during my EEG’s when I was a young kid. Now, Eric Church is my man! His songs have helped me get through literally everything epilepsy related. Whenever I hear a good country song that speaks to me, that artist will make it on my playlist.

Songs: There are a few songs that stand out in my epilepsy journey and they helped me get through some tough battles.

* I wouldn’t have made it through my first EEG without a little help from Tim McGraw’s, “Live Like You Were Dying” Live Like You Were Dying, 2004

* I walked down the hallways and into the OR at the clinic with major confidence and barely any nerves for my SEEG because of Kenny Chensey’s, “The Boys of Fall” Hemingway's Whiskey, 2010

* Parents on one phone, nurses on another, and my friend in my dorm room all because seizures were as worse as in high school. Aside from my family and friends, I knew I could rely on Eric Church’s “Mr. Misunderstood”, Mr. Misunderstood, 2015

Conclusion: Without music, there’s a good chance that this blog would have not been made in the first place. I’m grateful to work for a company that lets us listen to music. My playlist is on all day, keeping me calm and relax. It allows me to focus more on my work and if something bad was to happen, I would go right to my favorite songs to hopefully settle me down. I rely so much on music as does the majority of our society now.

Music & The Epilepsy Community

There’s no question that we all deal with more than just epilepsy. From anxiety to depression, the challenges people face are life changing. I believe that music is a great way to “heal” yourself after something may have happened. Find your type of music (hopefully country!), put the headphones in, and meditate for a little bit. Meditation should help you clear your mind and get you back on track. I do this a lot, and I hope many more do it because it really helps! I was a big Kobe Bryant fan, and Alicia Keys put it great, music is a great healer.