The Writer’s Journey: Creativity as a Path to Mental Wellness?
Introduction
Creativity and mental health share a complex relationship. Since this is a writing-focused blog, I’ll be talking about authors, but all creative people are vulnerable to mental health challenges such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Many famous writers, such as Virginia Woolf, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway, battled mental health issues. More recently, authors Stephen King, Mary Hornbacher, and Ann Rice have talked about their battles with mental health problems, and several authors have written books about their experiences.
When mental health professionals say there’s a connection between creativity and mental health, they aren’t just guessing; research suggests that creative people are more prone to mental health challenges. In 2012, a study of 1.2 million Swedes indicated that authors are 121% more likely to have bipolar disorder than the general population, and they’re 38% more likely to have an anxiety disorder. The rates of alcoholism, drug addiction, and suicide were higher, too.
Why is this the case? One theory is that creativity involves intense emotional experiences. Writers explore the deepest, most private parts of their psyche and examine their emotions in minute detail so they can create authentic characters and stories, which can make them more likely to have mood swings and mental health issues. Additionally, the creative process often involves long stretches of time spent alone, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and depression. While a person doesn’t have to be mentally ill to be creative, studies have shown that mental illness can aid in creativity. Some experts say those with mental illness see things differently, that they literally see things other people can’t see. There are different types of bipolar disorder, and the milder form, with its incidents of hypomania, makes the sufferer more confident and gives them the courage to be more creative.
Historical Connections Between Creativity and Mental Health
Throughout history, the connection between creativity and mental health has been a topic of fascination. In Ancient Greece, Plato, for instance, believed in the concept of "divine madness," where creative inspiration was thought to come from the gods, often at the expense of a person’s sanity. Aristotle is quoted as having said, “No great genius was without a mixture of insanity”. During the Romantic era, artists and writers were often celebrated for their intense emotions and mental struggles, which were seen as sources of their genius. Figures like Lord Byron and Edgar Allan Poe characterized this archetype, and their works continue to influence our understanding of the tortured artist.
Personal Narratives and Case Studies
Consider the case of Virginia Woolf, whose struggles with mental illness profoundly influenced her writing. Woolf experienced severe bouts of depression and manic episodes, yet she channeled these experiences into her novels, creating deeply psychological and introspective works. Her book Mrs. Dalloway offers a vivid exploration of mental illness, reflecting battles Ms. Woolf fought herself. Similarly, the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald, marked by alcoholism and depression, influenced his portrayal of characters in "The Great Gatsby," capturing the despair beneath the glittering surface of the Jazz Age.
Scientific Explanations and Theories
Theories about the link between creativity and mental health often point to the brain's unique wiring in creative individuals. Neurobiological studies suggest that the brains of creative people show heightened activity in regions associated with emotion, imagination, and problem-solving. This heightened activity can lead to greater emotional sensitivity, as well as susceptibility to mood disorders. Psychological theories also play a role; the introspective nature of creative work can amplify existing mental health issues, while the drive for perfectionism and fear of failure can exacerbate anxiety and depression.
The Creative Process and Mental Health
The creative process itself is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the process of creating—a story, vivid characters, a believable world—allows for profound expression and exploration of emotions. On the other hand, it can lead to significant stress, particularly when faced with the pressure to produce original and impactful work. The exhilarating highs of creative breakthroughs don’t last forever. Oftentimes, low periods come right on the heels of those successes when authors face writer's block or critical feedback or a rejection. Understanding the way the process works most of the time can help writers tiptoe through their emotionally charged creative landscape more easily.
Therapeutic Benefits of Writing and Creativity
Now that I’ve covered the negative points in this article, I’d like to touch on some of the positive aspects of being born with (or having developed) creative writing skills.
When utilized consistently and properly, writing can be a powerful tool for managing mental health. Expressing thoughts and emotions on paper can be therapeutic, helping writers process and make sense of their experiences. For many, writing is a form of self-care that provides an outlet for stress and anxiety. Journaling, for example, is a well-known method for mental health management.
(I’m taking a short online course on Therapeutic Journaling, and I’m really enjoying learning a new way to use my creative gifts to help myself and possibly others. I’ll share some specifics once I complete the course).
Journaling allows people to explore their private, inner world of thoughts, memories, and emotions without judgment and can lead to significant insights and emotional release. Virginia Woolf stated several times that she used writing to escape from her illness, from the things in life that upset her, and from events that shocked her. Unfortunately, Ms. Woolf lost her battle with mental illness, and she died by suicide on March 28, 1941.
Community and Support Networks
Communities and social networks made up of people who have similar interests play a vital role in maintaining mental health. Writers often work alone, but if they can take time to connect with other writers regularly, those interactions can provide much of the support they need. Joining writing groups or online forums can offer a sense of belonging and understanding. Organizations like the Writers' Guild provide resources and support for those struggling with mental health issues. Sharing experiences with others who face similar challenges can be incredibly comforting and can help reduce feelings of isolation.
Stress-Relief Strategies for Creative Minds: Tips to Keep Depression from Becoming Intolerable
Writers are often shocked and upset to discover that stress and depression can be constant companions. Deadlines, writer's block, and the pressure to produce great work can take a toll. But don't worry—there are effective strategies to help you manage stress and keep depression at bay.
First, establish a routine. Consistency can provide a sense of stability and control. Choose specific times for writing and stick to your schedule. This can help create a healthy balance between your work and life and prevent burnout.
Next, do some sort of physical activity every day. Exercise can relieve stress and boost your mood. Even a short walk can clear your mind and improve your focus. Pairing exercise with nature, like taking a walk in the park, can be even more beneficial. Mindfulness and meditation are also powerful ways to help you stay grounded and manage anxiety. If you aren’t familiar with how either activity works, start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.
Connecting with other writers can provide the emotional support you need while you’re working or waiting on a response from a submission, and having someone to talk to—someone who understands what you’re going through—can reduce feelings of isolation. Join a writing group or participate in online forums. Sharing your experiences and challenges with others who face similar things can be incredibly comforting. Lastly, don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Therapy or counseling can provide new information and perspectives and give you coping strategies to use. You and your doctor can work together and figure out the best course of treatment. Remember, taking care of your mental health is necessary for maintaining your creativity and overall well-being.
Not all mental health professionals agree on the degree to which creativity and mental wellness are connected—some insist there’s no connection at all. But considering the number of people in the world who suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions (*especially our young people), whether they’re connected or not doesn’t seem to matter much. We can all benefit from taking care of our mental health in the same way we take care of our physical health. By taking steps to avoid becoming depressed and finding ways to feed our mind, soul, and spirit, we can become happier and more productive.
Defining the links between creativity and mental health is extremely important, and we need more and larger studies to understand the connection. By recognizing the challenges, we can better support ourselves and others in the creative community. Seeking help when needed, practicing self-care, and fostering supportive relationships are the main steps in maintaining mental health while pursuing creative passions.
UPDATE:
A couple quick updates.
I simplified the interactive digital journal file and made it cleaner and easier to use. See the blog post here for more information, or visit this link on the website to purchase a copy for only $9.99.
The paperback version of the journal, An Author’s Journey to Self-Care, is finally available on Amazon. Get over 270 pages of content, including a detailed 30-day plan, for just $10.99. Plus, if you act now, I’m offering a copy of the digital version for FREE to anyone who purchases the paperback. Just send me a screenshot of the Amazon confirmation screen after you place your order. Send the email to jillshearer@creativewords.me. **Please wait until at least 8/16 if you plan to make a purchase. The cover image on the front is off-center. I submitted an updated version yesterday morning, and it should be live in a day or so.
I’m running a little behind. Found myself in the ER with an intestinal blockage this past weekend, and I’m still feeling a bit traumatized by the experience. Our healthcare system is a little broken. Anyway, I’m working on several blog articles and building up the Facebook group, and starting a newsletter. Look for ongoing updates over the next couple of weeks.
As a way to cope with some of life’s dumb stuff, I’m going to start the 30-day plan in the Author’s Journal tomorrow morning. I hope some of you will join me. I’ll be posting updates every few days on the blog, and I would love to have some company. Stop by, comment, let me know about your experiences. Thank you!
Questions for you!
I am interested in hearing your views. Do you believe there’s a link between creativity and mental wellness? Are you familiar with the scientific studies that have proven the psychological and physical benefits of creative writing, journaling, and free writing? Would you like to share any coping strategies you’ve used to deal with life’s ups and downs? I look forward to hearing from you!
