Creativity, Depression, and Anxiety

Dear art lovers,

It's been awhile since the studio has been actually up and running, along with this website. I have to admit it's good to be in creative mode again. The signal to get going creatively, in my experience, often comes with the onset of a low grade depression, which follows a fairly long space of not doing any artwork... or the art becomes "work" and falls under some sort of other agenda where the art gets lost.

That's hard to explain that unless you've been there. But it always makes me wonder why musicians "play" music, but artists must do art "work"! Subject for another day.

Two times in my life I've slid into a deep depression. I know people who suffer from crippling anxiety. Often the two walk hand in hand. "Anxiety is part of creativity, the need to get something out, the need to be rid of something or to get in touch with something within," says actor David Duchovny of the X Files. That statement somehow found its way to me when on the threshold of depression several years ago. It helped me pull away from that chasm, turned me around, and pointed me toward being creative again. I knew I had to make some art. It made perfect sense.

I'd like to suggest to anybody who might be reading this that, if you're suffering from anxiety or depression or both, it might be time "to get in touch with something within" and see what form of creativity would like to make its presence known. Perhaps not everyone is inspired to draw or paint or make music, but what I'd suggest is coloring, doodling, photography, or writing something (journaling, poetry...) to begin with. You may surprise yourself (very pleasantly) with the realization that a gift or talent or new direction has been locked up inside you all this time. To give it expression in healthy ways might save you from becoming mentally or physically ill. It could even save your life, or your marriage, or other important relationships - since anxiety and depression affect everyone around you. I also believe that creativity might be a very good form of crime prevention!

The upshot is that it may also point you in the direction of an entirely new life "dynamo", or at least a lot of delight and diversion providing relaxation -since creative endeavors tend to de-stress people. Personally I've never seen it fail. And yes, you may have to kind of force yourself to "just do it" at first, but it will be well worth the effort.

A good place to begin might be to ask yourself, "Is there some positive, creative outlet I've always wanted to try, but never allowed myself to do?" You might want to get out some paper and a pen, and explore this question a little. It may surprise you.

Then go ahead and give your creative idea and insight a try.

Wishing you the best in creative exploration and expression,

"Blaise"