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Why Creative Writing Makes Me Anxious

I have a love-hate relationship with creative writing. On the one hand, I find it soothing and relaxing, but on the other, I fear that it will never pay the bills. While I agree that art for art’s sake is an exciting concept, I wonder if the pay-off is worth the stress. Let’s take a quick look at the numbers …

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In the last year alone, over a quarter of a million articles have been published on mentalhealthblogger.com alone. With over 200 million visitors per month, it’s clear that this is an area that resonates with many people.

Unfortunately, a lot of the content on the site is what I’d describe as “me too” articles, where individuals share their own experience of tackling mental health issues. There’s no doubt that this is an extremely helpful resource for anyone who’s gone through similar hardships. However, I also feel that these articles can be problematic in the way that they can encourage readers to compare their own experience to the author’s, rather than see it as a unique and individual story.

The (sometimes Dramatic) Rise In Popularity

It’s well known that people with mental illness can be creative, intelligent, and even passionate individuals. However, it appears that the stigma surrounding these issues means that many people who could benefit from creative writing don’t get the help that they need.

In 2013 alone, over 500,000 people are estimated to have played Pokémon Go, an app that encourages users to walk around and find virtual creatures that resemble classic childhood cartoon creatures. With the game’s dramatic rise in popularity, it’s clear that many people who could benefit from mental health treatment are playing it rather than seeking help.

The point is that while many people enjoy the creative writing classes that they take in school, it’s important to remember that not everyone will be able to put their creative skills to practical use. For those who can, the benefits are endless. For those who can’t, it’s essential that they don’t get discouraged and that they find other ways to contribute to society.

Why Shouldn’t Creativity And Mental Health Go Hand In Hand?

Many people will argue that there’s a direct link between creativity and mental illness. After all, both creativity and mental illness are often described as being “different” or “weirder” than usual. While I appreciate that these are often used as a self-diagnosis or as a way of life that is “more artistic”, I wonder if this is a useful way of thinking. Is being different or being creative necessarily a bad thing?

Of course not! Different people and different points of view can be really interesting, and for those who can harness these interests, they can often present a goldmine for personal growth and development. In fact, one could argue that being different, in any way, is a good thing.

The point is that while creativity and mental health are often described as being at odds with each other, I wonder if this conflict is sometimes a false one. After all, isn’t it possible that there’s a common theme that links the two?

One of the things that has been discussed in mental health forums is the tendency for people with certain mental illnesses to be more creative. Some research has also suggested that being creative can actually lower your anxiety levels. So, while we might describe some relationships as conflicting, it’s also possible that there’s a hidden connection that we haven’t yet been able to unearth. And in some instances, the benefits to the individual can be invaluable. If you or someone you know is grappling with anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to get help. Therapy can often be beneficial, and for those who are highly creative, it might be worth investigating some of the apps or supplements that are available. What is certain is that creativity can’t always be equated with good mental health, and vice versa. Sometimes, it can even be a source of distress. For those who experience this, the best course of action might be to find a way to channel their creative energies in a positive direction.