Has anyone channeled their depression into something creative?

[drumwolf]

I'm trying to, but I'm having trouble even making a coherent post right now, let alone trying to write something. I've always had ideas for stories in my head, but trying to flesh them out into something even remotely coherent has always been difficult.

I wonder if going through a major bout of depression helps or hurts the process, or whether doing something creative can help the depression itself.

Any thoughts?

[Droopy]

1. I think it can work both ways

If you've ever listened to the music of Kurt Cobain then you may know that depression can be a motivater artistically speaking. I wrote some of my best poetry when I was suffering from my symptoms although a lot of it was sad and angry.

But depression got so bad with me that it nearly paralyzed me. It sounds like you may be at that point right now. When I got to that state there wasn't much that I could do artistically speaking that could help me out as opposed to when I was feeling not as depressed and could vent some of my emotions on paper.

[Lorien]

2. When I was really depressed I could barely get out of bed

let alone be creative-and I'm a professional illustrator and animator! Since I started using this: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=276&topic_id=1649&mesg_id=1649
my depression has lifted pretty much completely and I have a much easier time tapping into my creativity and getting my projects done. It still hasn't completely alleviated my "brain fog", but it's not as bad as it once was.

Most successful artists I've known are NOT depressed, contrary to popular belief.

[shrike]

5. Yep

Depression AND drinking stall creativity.

[Larissa238]

9. Not all of them, or most by far

But some of the best artists have been. Read "Touched with Fire" by Kay Jamison. It talks about some of the great artists of the past, and how they had bipolar, depression, or other mental illnesses. For me, it helped me a lot to see that there are others out there that have gone through what I have gone through (I'm bipolar 1), and become a great artist.

[shrike]

10. But they didn't create in the depths of their depression

Usually while they were in an upswing, or so-called "normal" period.

Jamison theorizes there is something in the nature of bipolar which fires creativity. She may be right.

[Larissa238]

11. yeah, manic episodes

can be a great time of creativity. I know, lol.

But my best writing works come from when I am depressed. Somehow I am able to capture emotions better.

[shrike]

12. You're lucky

I can't write unless my head is on straight.

I can't even get out of bed, let alone pick up a pen, if my longtime companion is paying me a visit.

[mopinko]

3. i have turned my emotional experiences into painting

but when i have been depressed, i have not been strong enough to do it. at the time, i just can't make those artistic decisions. i paint it from the emotional memory of it. sometimes i do "dump it" into a sketch book, tho.

[Taxloss]

4. I find that writing helps a great deal.

It doesn't matter what - just writing.

[EFerrari]

6. Painting, poetry, photography and basket weaving.

Really! Long needle pine baskets.

Poetry has always been more my deal than prose -- or at least, until lately.

:)

[TrogL]

7. My music

People at church can tell I'm down when my music takes a turn for the creatively bizarre. High Mass becomes high drama, Evensong becomes nightmare wailing.

[Larissa238]

8. Its a great thing to do

One of the things that they do in mental hospitals as therapy is art, either recreational therapy or occupational therapy (what I want to do). I dont know if you would be suprised what they can come up with, but some of it is beautiful, and the patients look forward to it. Having that outlet also gives them something to look forward to, and helps to reassure their self-esteem.

Personally, what I do is either journal or write, since a lot of the time I dont know what I am feeling. It helps me to sort out what I am feeling, and clear my mind a bit. But I have been in those depressions when you cant do anything... and trying sometimes is frustrating, and can be counterproductive. Then you feel like you cant do anything, and since you feel that way, you dont. It just depends on how depressed you are.