Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • Therapy Worksheets
    • Anxiety Worksheets
    • Depression Worksheets
    • Relationship Worksheets
    • CBT Worksheets
    • Therapy Worksheets for Kids
    • Therapy Worksheets for Teens
    • All Therapy Worksheets
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
ChoosingTherapy.com Logo

Newsletter

Search Icon
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • Therapy Worksheets
    • Anxiety Worksheets
    • Depression Worksheets
    • Relationship Worksheets
    • CBT Worksheets
    • Therapy Worksheets for Kids
    • Therapy Worksheets for Teens
    • All Therapy Worksheets
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • What Is Creativity?What Is Creativity?
  • Connections to Mental IllnessConnections to Mental Illness
  • Opposing ArgumentsOpposing Arguments
  • Mental Illness & Creativity SimilaritiesMental Illness & Creativity Similarities
  • Benefits of CreativityBenefits of Creativity
  • How to Find HelpHow to Find Help
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

Creativity & Mental Illness: Is There a Link?

Headshot of Andrea Brognano

Author: Andrea Brognano, LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Andrea Brognano

Andrea Brognano LMHC, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS

Andrea empowers clients with compassion, specializing in corporate mental health, stress management, and empowering women entrepreneurs.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Headshot of Heidi Moawad, MD

Medical Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD Licensed medical reviewer

Headshot of Heidi Moawad, MD

Heidi Moawad MD

Heidi Moawad, MD is a neurologist with 20+ years of experience focusing on
mental health disorders, behavioral health issues, neurological disease, migraines, pain, stroke, cognitive impairment, multiple sclerosis, and more.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Published: November 17, 2022
  • What Is Creativity?What Is Creativity?
  • Connections to Mental IllnessConnections to Mental Illness
  • Opposing ArgumentsOpposing Arguments
  • Mental Illness & Creativity SimilaritiesMental Illness & Creativity Similarities
  • Benefits of CreativityBenefits of Creativity
  • How to Find HelpHow to Find Help
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD

What does creativity have to do with mental illness? Taking a look at the history of mental illness and the idea of creativity allows us to better explore how the two may be connected. Many studies indicate that creativity provides an outlet for emotional expression, allowing a person to better navigate negative feelings, thoughts, or symptoms they may experience.

Best Mental Health Apps

Best Mental Health Apps

Our team of reviewers tested dozens of mental health apps to find the best options for your needs. Our top ten picks are affordable (or free) and offer features such as mood and symptom tracking, mindfulness, meditation, and even therapy. These tools make it easier to care for your overall mental wellness and achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

Read More

What Is Creativity?

By definition, creativity includes the way in which uniqueness can be showcased. Creativity can be seen throughout society in endless ways, because of the evolving changes of our world. Someone had to be creative enough to come up with new concepts, right? Creativity includes these very unique, fresh thoughts, and ideas developed by a person. A creative individual typically displays originality, imagination, and expressiveness.1 Oftentimes, creativity is portrayed in tangible ways through painting, music, story-telling, among others.

However, creativity can also show up in the way a person works or performs daily activities. For example, a person may decide they need a “creative” place to work from in order to feel productive. Finding a new–or creative–space is a way a person can tap into their creativity.

Mental Illness & Creativity: Potential Connections

Studies have shown that individuals with characteristics of creativity typically “think outside of the box.” In the 1920s, psychologist Louis Terman began looking at the relationship between intelligence and creativity. Through his research, he found that many intellectually developed children failed to develop their more creative abilities.2 So, what does this mean in terms of mental illness and creativity?

According to additional research, experts identified that participating creative groups differed significantly from the non-creative populations in terms of their feelings, actions, ideas, values, and fantasy.3 This hinted that those with mental illness had a wider range of emotions, and correlation to wider ability to be creative. However, results were mixed, and a direct correlation between mental illness and increased creativity was not established.

Is There a Specific Link Between Creativity & Depression?

So, what types of mental illness might creativity impact? When thinking of a person diagnosed with depression, we may imagine someone who lacks engagement or withdraws from others. When these individuals are not ready to or do not want to talk about their feelings, where do they direct their negative thoughts?

Making or producing something could potentially give a person who is depressed a way to tap into their creative side and find an outlet to let these feelings out. Whether this be done through painting, drawing, or writing music, the person might unveil novel avenues to navigate their emotions, while taking part in their own hobby.

Arguments Against the Connection

Creativity is a broad term and can, at times, be left up for interpretation. Studies show that the term “mental illness” is commonly misused simply because a person’s mannerisms, thoughts, etc. are too unusual for others to understand. Because of this, people are more likely to assume a person is manic rather than creative, especially if a person communicates their ideas in ways that are a little disorganized.

Are There Similar Brain Processes in Creativity & Mental Illness?

Sometimes, when a person is creative or eccentric, society and those around them might not know how to interpret their musings or creations. The behavioral differences could be caused by many things, and it is usually not due to mental illness. Researchers suggest that different ways of thinking, defined as divergent thinking, could underlie creative and innovative ways of problem solving.

In the case of those with a mental illness, unique thoughts and ideas are common. This being as their neurotransmitters function differently than “normal.” However, it can be challenging to navigate these differences. Without an appropriate outlet for this, a person continues to stir in these thoughts and may become overwhelmed. Thus, releasing these feelings in tangible ways might produce “creativity,” allowing a person to approach their atypicality in an effective and unique way.

The Benefits of Art & Creativity on Mental Health

Can a person with a mental illness tap into their creative pieces to help them overcome negative thoughts, symptoms, or feelings? Research shows that there are many benefits of incorporating creative expression into daily life.

Below are a list of studies that showcase the benefits of art and creativity on mental health:

  • Arts and health: In this study, results show that those who participate in creative expression are able to engage their bodies with their art, too. Our mind and body are connected, so by allowing movement through creating art, we are allowing ourselves to have better overall mental wellness.4
  • Creativity and recovery: Shared here, the use of creativity and art through a recovery approach allows a person to navigate their emotions more effectively. Instead of struggling to find words to fit their feelings, a person can use creativity to express themselves.5
  • The healing power of art: In this study conducted by Harvard Health, it has been noted that by using a creative outlet, a person feels more accepted. A person is able to pour out their emotions in tangible ways, allowing others to recognize what a person might be feeling.6

How to Get Mental Health Help as a Creative

If you are a creative person seeking help, support, and guidance but don’t know where to turn, opening up to a therapist can be empowering. One way to tap into resources as a creative person is by finding a therapist who is trained in art therapy. A professional will help you to process emotions through a creative outlet, and understand how to find yourself within your craft!

Best Online Therapy Services of 2025: Our Firsthand Experiences & Recommendations

Best Online Therapy Services

There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, their providers’ training and level of expertise, and several other important criteria.

Read More

Final Thoughts

Mental illness and creativity can be related, because of one’s ability to navigate a variety of emotions and feelings in different ways by creating. Creative minds often have to work a little harder to be understood in society, because of not feeling accepted due to their mental illness or uniqueness. Seeking support as a creative is important to understand the emotions behind your actions, and use your creativity to your benefit and healing.

Creativity & Mental Illness Infographics

Mental Illness and Creativity Potential Connections   How to Get Mental Health Help as a Creative   Arguments Against the Connection

Sources

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Apa Dictionary of Psychology (n.d.) American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/creativity

  • Kersting, K. (2003) Considering creativity–what exactly is creativity?, Monitor on Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/nov03/creativity

  • Pavitra, K.S., Chandrashekar, C.R. & Choudhury, P. (2007) Creativity and mental health: A profile of writers and musicians. Indian journal of psychiatry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2899997/

  • Arts and health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/initiatives/arts-and-health

  • Cohen, M. (2020). Creativity and Recovery: The Mental Health Benefits of Art Therapy. Resources to Recover. Retrieved from https://www.rtor.org/2018/07/10/benefits-of-art-therapy/

  • Harvard Health. (2017). The healing power of art. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/the-healing-power-of-art

Show more Click here to open the article sources container.

Your Voice Matters

Can't find what you're looking for?

Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!

Request an Article

Leave your feedback for our editors.

Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.

Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)

Leave Feedback

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists, who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment

Psychiatry, with You in Mind

Talkiatry Our psychiatrists can diagnose your condition, prescribe medication, and monitor your progress. Most psychiatry visits cost patients $30 or less* Free Assessment

Drinking Moderation

Sunnyside Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz

Relationship Help

OurRelationship (Free Couples Course) OurRelationship has been proven to help couples improve communication, intimacy, and trust. 94% would recommend it to a friend. Get Started

Mental Health Support Group App

Circles Anytime, anonymous, and free. Never feel alone during life’s greatest challenges. Drop-in to live conversations and share thoughts, ask questions, or learn from others on the same journey. Join Circles Now

*Includes copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 Visits. Excludes no shows.

For Further Reading

  • Creative Therapy Ideas
  • Art Therapy Online
  • Art Therapy Online Resources
  • 100 Art Therapy Exercises

SPONSORED
Online Anxiety Test

Online Anxiety Test

A few questions from Talkiatry can help you understand your symptoms and give you a recommendation for what to do next.

Take Test
Best Online Therapy Services of 2025: Our Firsthand Experiences & Recommendations

Best Online Therapy Services

There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, their providers’ training and level of expertise, and several other important criteria.

Read more

General Well-being Newsletter

A free newsletter for those impacted by mental health issues. Get helpful tips and the latest information.

ChoosingTherapy.com Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on X
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2025 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.

X