How Art Helps Me Process Pain (And How You Can Try It Too)

Living with chronic illness means carrying an invisible weight — one that shifts daily, hourly, sometimes by the minute. Pain comes in physical, emotional, and even spiritual forms. And some days, words just don’t cut it. That’s where art comes in.

I’ve always been drawn to drawing, but it wasn’t until my body began to unravel under the weight of conditions like EDS, POTS, gastroparesis, and endometriosis that art became something more than a hobby. It became a form of survival. It gave my pain a voice — and gave me back a piece of myself.

Art That Bleeds Truth

Not every day is a drawing day.

There are days when the pain in my hands, wrists, or shoulders makes it hard to even hold a pencil. My grip gets weak. My joints protest. Sometimes just pressing down to make a mark feels like too much — like I’m pouring energy I don’t have into the page.

On those days, I rest. And I let that be enough.

But when I still feel the need to do something creative — even gently — I turn to coloring books. They let me connect with art in a way that doesn’t ask too much of me. I don’t worry about staying in the lines or picking the “right” colors. I just let myself play. Sometimes I only manage a few strokes. Sometimes I get lost in the rhythm.

Other times, I use watercolors.

There’s something soothing about dipping the brush in water and letting the pigment flow freely. Watercolors don’t fight back. You don’t have to press hard or hold the brush tightly. The paint does most of the work for you — it moves, blends, and softens, like it understands you’re tired. And honestly, that’s a comfort in itself.

These gentle art days are still valid. They’re still healing. You don’t have to “produce” anything to be an artist. You don’t have to push through pain to feel creative.

Some days, rest is the art.

Art Doesn’t Have to Be “Good” to Be Powerful

You don’t need to be an artist to start processing your pain through art. You don’t need fancy supplies or even a plan. All you need is a pen and a willingness to listen to whatever is swirling inside you.

Try this:

• Scribble how your body feels today.

• Doodle your pain as a creature, a shape, a storm.

• Make a mess. Let it be ugly. Let it be honest.

• Or grab a coloring page and just start.

The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece. The goal is to feel seen — even if it’s just by yourself.

Art Can’t Heal Everything, But It Helps