• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

Creativity & Mental Illness: Is There a Link?

Published: November 17, 2022 Updated: January 4, 2023
Published: 11/17/2022 Updated: 01/04/2023
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • What Is Creativity?What Is Creativity?
  • Mental Illness & Creativity: Potential ConnectionsConnections to Mental Illness
  • Arguments Against the ConnectionOpposing Arguments
  • Are There Similar Brain Processes in Creativity & Mental Illness?Mental Illness & Creativity Similarities
  • The Benefits of Art & Creativity on Mental HealthBenefits of Creativity
  • How to Get Mental Health Help as a CreativeHow to Find Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Creativity & Mental Illness InfographicsInfographics
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.

Would you like to try therapy and unlock more creativity? BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

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.

Popular Choices For Online Therapy 

BetterHelp  – Best For Those “On A Budget”


Online-Therapy.com – Best For Multiple Sessions Per Week

According to 14 Best Therapy Services (updated on 1/16/2023), Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp and Online-Therapy.

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.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists, who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

Relationship Help

Online-Therapy With a couples counselor, you can work on developing better communication, building trust, and improving intimacy. Online-Therapy.com provides a weekly live video session and unlimited text messaging. Get Started

Choosing Therapy  Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty,  experience, insurance or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Online-Therapy.com, and Talkiatry.

For Further Reading

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

Creativity & Mental Illness Infographics

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

6 sources

Choosing Therapy 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

Recent Articles

What Is Fat Acceptance
What Is Fat Acceptance?
Fat acceptance acknowledges that all bodies, including large ones, deserve respect and have inherent worth. Fat acceptance has roots...
';
Revenge Bedtime Procrastination: Definition, Causes, & How to Stop
Revenge Bedtime Procrastination: Definition, Causes, & How to Stop
Revenge bedtime procrastination is when someone chooses to stay up late and engage in activities that they didn't have...
';
25 Healthy New Year's Resolutions to Make in 2022
27 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions to Make in 2023
We are ready to welcome the new year, and help you get started on making a healthy new year's...
';
61 Mental Health Gift Ideas
61 Mental Health Gift Ideas: Gifts for Anxiety, Stress, Self-Care, & More
We asked therapists what gifts they would give to promote mental health and emotional wellness. Here's their list of...
';
15 Tips for Setting (and Achieving) Healthy Goals
25 Tips for Setting (and Achieving) Healthy Goals
Setting and achieving goals can be good for anyone's mental health. Here are 25 helpful tips from our therapists.
';
Abstract Thinking
Abstract Thinking: Definition, Benefits, & How to Improve It
Abstract thinking isn't just a fancy term for "thinking outside the box." Instead, it's a specific mindset that makes...
';
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • What Is Creativity?What Is Creativity?
  • Mental Illness & Creativity: Potential ConnectionsConnections to Mental Illness
  • Arguments Against the ConnectionOpposing Arguments
  • Are There Similar Brain Processes in Creativity & Mental Illness?Mental Illness & Creativity Similarities
  • The Benefits of Art & Creativity on Mental HealthBenefits of Creativity
  • How to Get Mental Health Help as a CreativeHow to Find Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Creativity & Mental Illness InfographicsInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept