Posted by cloudydaze on July 30, 2006, at 4:48:08
In reply to Re:creativity and depression...I think it's a myth » fuchsia, posted by laima on July 23, 2006, at 20:17:58
I'd like to insert a comment here, because I too am an artist.
I believe that there is a link between creativity and depression and certain other mental illnesses. I do NOT believe that everyone who has a mental illness is creative, or that you are not creative unless you have a mental illness.
I believe that *maybe* there is a link possibly in genetics or something. I am no expert. Maybe it doesn't come FROM the illness, it just occurs alongside it? Or maybe it does come from the illness?
I think maybe people with certain mental illnesses have heightened sensitivity to certain things. As a person with bipolar, I can definately tell you that some of my passion as an artist (and as a person) stems from my illness.
when I am in certain states - say a very very depressed one - I am not extremely productive usually.
However, manic states and even semi-depressed states put me in a hyper-productive mode sometimes. My senses and emotions are overwhelmed, and I've been able to channel that energy and passion (whether it be negitive or positive) into my art and writing.
I think maybe if I was ever "cured" totally, that I would lose some of my creative ability. So, I loathe my illness, but in a way, I need it...
How ironic.
This is only how i feel, and what I think - not saying that anyone has to agree, and not trying to speak for anyone else.
poster:cloudydaze
thread:668858
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060724/msgs/671955.html