Are Creativity & Mental Illness Related?

by Dana R. Arevalo, 

P.O.V. Contributing Writer 

 

A friend recently shared an interesting article titled Creativity 'closely entwined with mental illness' written by Michelle Roberts, and I thought I would pass it along. It is truly an extremely interesting read.  The article suggests that writers, dancers and artists are at greater risk of having mental disorders.  Furthermore, they also have a higher risk of suicide.  As someone who enjoys writing, I must say, I agree; our imagination tends to run wild. 

 

The study was based out of  Karolinska Institute in Sweden.  Researchers studied over one million people and determined that their is some type of link between mental disease and creativity. A psychiatrist who worked on the study, believes that if one views the individuals mental disorder as positive over negative, some of their characteristics may be a benefit.  This is where creativity comes into play as a positive aspect.   

 

It can also be considered positive, if the individual uses it as an advantage.  For example, if an individual begins to write about their feelings it can serve as a form of releasing their emotions through a positive channel.  Individuals with anxiety are always anticipating events and can see more than one outcome for the simplest things.  Instead of worrying they may be able to sit down and allow their imagination to run wild in the form of characters or plots for their next literary masterpiece. It all depends upon the individuals view and understanding of their disease. 

 

The depressed artist can draw, paint or sculpt and invent amazing creations, given their vivid imagination and view.  As the dancer can choreograph a perfect dance through the emotion they feel through rhythm and movement. 

 

We must, however, not ignore that many creative individuals were unable to handle their bold emotions and feelings.  Let's take a moment to remember some epic greats ~ Ernest Hemingway, Rembrandt, Vladimir Mayakovsky, Vincent Van Gogh, Dorothy Hale, Kurt Cobain, Freddie Prinze, Tony Scott and Virginia Wolfe. 

Would you like to remember a creative individual who died tragically?  Please do share. 

 

Sources:

Creativity - Mental Illness