“Creative” people are more likely to be mentally ill, so says a Swedish study of more than 1 million people that was published last year.
I’m thinking that type of blanket statement is taking things too far, but I do believe creative people have to be a little crazy. I love how this article said, “Hooray for being a writer, no wonder we hate rejection!”
Does talent increase as instability increases? Is our creative outlet really a release so we don’t completely “lose it?” Hmmmm, I wonder.
It’s a dangerous thing to romanticize mental illness. But then again, what is normal? And is there such a thing as 100% mental health? No… not possible.
Aren’t we all artists, deep down? You, the person that doesn’t understand the need to write, dance, sing, paint, photograph, and capture life? You, indeed, are an artist too.
Each day, you are given an open canvas in which to write. Some choose to do it in a public forum, while others blog behind the locked doors of their mind. To each their own.
At the end of the day, we are all the same. Human beings, desperately searching for our purpose and niche in life.
Do what you enjoy and don’t let anyone put a damper on it! If people don’t understand your need to write, sing, take pictures, sew, decorate cakes, or process life in your own way, so be it.
Keep right on doing it anyway. Day, after day.
Creativity is a beautiful gift and I’m thankful it is a gift that keeps on giving back to me.
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revhacker says
There was a hatter once who asked the question, “Have I gone mad?”
I have to agree with the young lady who answered him with this, “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”
Stay crazy ~
AJ Collins says
AMEN! I always knew I was a little crazy… just never linked it to my creativity… makes me feel slightly better. 😉
Debbie Taylor says
They say that genius and madness are only one step away from one another. It doesn’t surprise me that creative people are more likely to be mentally ill. Too much awesomeoness going on in one mind… =)
Christy B says
Lol – this post is funny Traci – I guess it’s true in the sense that you have to be willing to think outside the box to be creative and the longer you are outside the box the more those in the box view you as “out there” lol. Creativity as well as any other human DRIVE that we have can get out of balance if we let it. We were made to express ourselves and in doing so express the amazing creator who designed us so exquisitely! We are all human and we are all susceptible to allow those drives to guide us instead of simply push us in a direction so it’s all about finding that happy balance 🙂 Great thought provoking article 😉