Creativity & Mental Illness: Is There a Link?

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!

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.