The Mad Genius Unmasked: The Truth About Mental Health Struggles and Creativity
A round-up of research on mental health + what us creatives can do to stay mentally well
We’ve all heard of them before. The tortured artist. The mad genius.
If you’ve ever gone down a Wiki rabbit hole about your favorite authors, singer-songwriters, and artists, you will notice that there seems to be a thread between mental health problems and being a creative professional.
We have Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Sylvia Plath. Locally, we have Nadine Lustre, Gab Valenciano, and others who have bravely opened up about their struggles.
I’ve been curious about this topic for a while now. Especially since I myself, along with some creatives I know personally, struggle with our mental health. Even before the pandemic. Even when we were adolescents. So…maybe there is some truth to it?
What science says about mental health & creativity
According to this With Therapy article, studies show mixed results regarding the aforementioned link. Generally, it is thought that creative persons struggle with mental health the same way the rest of the population do. However, factors like creative block, having lesser income (vs. other professions), and self-doubt can be unique challenges or triggers among creatives.
However, this piece by the Getty Center notes that some experts find truth in the “mad genius” trope. USC neuroscientist Antonio Damasio states, “The experience of suffering that is a hallmark of mood disorders may well stimulate creative endeavors, especially in the arts.” But, this is only one type of mental health condition.
Damasio also adds, “I believe one thing is certain. Major forms of psychopathology are rarely compatible with major creativity.”
So how is this possible? Robert M. Bilder of UCLA may have the answer:
“It may be that many creative geniuses thrive on the border between mental order and disorder, the edge of chaos. The balance of stability on the one hand and flexibility on the other hand is critically important to be able to do anything.”
It’s interesting to note that this link can go both ways and art therapy has been used to help manage emotions and mental well-being. So just as the mental and emotional ebbs and flows can affect poems and paintings, so can creating these poems and paintings ease one’s inner storm.
How to stay mentally well as a creative professional
Whether you’re a copywriter, art director, vlogger, or film director, it’s important to ensure your mental well-being. Not just so you can get up and be productive, but so you can enjoy every aspect of your life!
Here are 6 things all of us can do to nurture our mental health:
1. Invest in self-care
Indulge in your favorite food. Drink more water. Get back to your fitness routine. Try to get 8 hours of sleep, regularly. And hey, if you can, treat yourself to a little retail therapy.
2. Start mindfulness practices, such as yoga, meditation, or journalling
Whether you choose to join a yoga class, do nightly meditations via an app, or start a pen-and-paper gratitude journal, getting rid of those multiple tabs running in your head can be freeing.
You can learn more about mindfulness and find some sample exercises here.
If you want to do yoga from home, I highly recommend Yoga with Adriene.
3. Reconnect with nature
Reconnecting with nature can be as quick and easy as taking your dogs for a walk and admiring the grass and flowers along your street. Maybe heading to a local park. Or it could be something more complex, like tending a garden. Of course, you can always go all-out and plan a trip to the mountains or beach.
I personally love tending to my little balcony garden. I grow veggies here, and I try to grow flowers and herbs, too. I get to spend time outdoors, reduce my carbon footprint, and have fresh produce!
Speaking of green spaces, if you’re from the Philippines, you can sign petitions to have more green public spaces, like this one, and help stop the reclamation at Manila Bay and halt the Pasig Expressway (PAREX).
4. Have a circle of support
This can be the family you’re born into, or your chosen family - friends, a partner, trusted colleagues.
5. Reconnect in real life
If you can manage it, get off your phone and reconnect with friends and family in real life. It really does make a difference to see and talk to each other, face to face.
6. Seek therapy
Struggling with waves upon waves of negative feelings? You’re not alone, and shouldn’t feel alone. Here are just some of the ways you can seek professional help:
DOH-NCMH: 0917-899-8727 (consultation fee: P400)
UP-PGH: 855-48400 (free consultations)
UST Graduate School Psychotrauma Clinic: 406-1611 local 4012 (free consultations)
Some employee compensation packages also offer mental wellness benefits; for example, Maxicare HMO has accredited psychiatrists, and MindNation has corporate clients whose employees can avail of confidential consultations.
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I hope you, dear reader, achieve the mental wellness and emotional peace you’re seeking, as well as your creative mojo.
Thanks, and ‘til next time!
References:
With Therapy. (n.d.) Mental Health for Creatives. https://withtherapy.com/mental-health-resources/mental-health-for-creatives/
Woo, E. (2023, May 11). The Link Between Creativity and Mental Illness. Getty.edu https://www.getty.edu/news/the-link-between-creativity-and-mental-illness/
May, T. (2023, July 11). Dealing with burnout? How creatives can boost their mental health in 2023. Creative Boom. https://www.creativeboom.com/tips/dealing-with-burnout-how-creatives-can-boost-their-mental-health-in-2023/
Imbuido, C. (2021, July 13). LIST: Where to get professional help for your mental health—some offer free counseling. Philstar.com https://philstarlife.com/self/156907-list-mental-health-care-facilities