Is Being Creative a Superpower?

Solaramentalhealth.com has a lot to say about being creative as it relates to mental health: "Look at it this way: without anxiety disorders, the world would never have been graced with the talents of: Abraham Lincoln (U.S. President), Emily Dickinson (American poet), Vincent van Gogh (Dutch artist), Brian Wilson (American musician/Beach Boys frontman), or T.S. Eliot. In fact, Eliot gave us the sentiment, 'Anxiety is the handmaiden of creativity.'"

Anxiety is a common experience shared by "creative types," experienced very differently from person to person. It is a defense mechanism that may be a reaction to the surrounding environment, something that may happen in the future, or something from the past — even as far back as childhood.

Anxiety has even been referred to as "the price one pays for the ability to imagine the future."

Simple. Very active minds are able to conjure up so many things to worry about. Less complex minds may worry less because there isn't as much thinking. But with creatives, there's always a lot of thinking.

If your mind is not only active but also creative, that ups the ante. Stress is a universal experience, but for those who are creative, bright, talented, motivated, and ambitious — these added talents can add to the everyday stress of life. More is always expected.

Sources of stress are different for everyone, but here are some typical stressors for creative minds:

Existential stressors:

• Immense concern with universal problems (poverty, war, climate change, world hunger)
• Perfectionism
• Idealism and isolation
• A driving need for meaning and purpose

Situational stressors:

• Disharmony in relationships
• Time constraints
• Inner conflict between "what is" and "what should be"
• Boredom due to lack of intellectual stimulation
• Feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed by challenges

Self-imposed stressors:

• Exceedingly high, even unrealistically high standards for self and work
• Fear of success and fear of failure
• Incessant negative self-talk
• Believing they should be loved and esteemed by everyone
• Buying into the negative evaluations of others
• Always expecting the worst case scenario

There are enough stress and anxiety management tools that you should be able to find at least one or two that work for you in a pinch:

• Breathe slowly and deeply. This is always the first step.
• Cognitive reframing. Turn your negative self-talk into positive, relaxing, productive thoughts.
• Create a lifestyle that supports calm and relaxation. A hectic lifestyle places unnecessary strain on your nerves and mental health.

1. Humanity cannot afford to waste human creative gifts. Some individuals with a talent they'd like to develop may erroneously think "it's a silly waste of time" or "it's too late." Creatives need to understand how important these gifts are and pursue them. It's never too late to start.

2. Creative individuals are naturally more vulnerable — and more creative. An openness to new experiences, an aptitude for dealing with ambiguity, and novel ways of approaching life allow creatives to perceive things in fresh, original ways. Creatives live in a much more fluid and ethereal world.

3. Creative aptitudes can lead to social alienation, anxiety, and depression. Though creatives may experience higher rates of mood disorders than others, their highs and lows tend to be more spread out and brief — which can actually lead to more creative periods in their lives.

4. Talented, creative, original individuals may seem unique, unusual, and even strange to others. Creatives may find themselves responding to criticism or rejection for their unconventionality. But creatives should never let that stop them.

5. Creative minds are challenged at "curating" incoming thoughts and ideas. Creatives are not only more prone to mental illness — they exhibit a problem with filtering the countless stimuli coming into their brains. Something that helps? Spending long blocks of time isolated from other people. And creative people are more likely to be original and productive when enjoying the company of other creatives.

Lady Gaga once spoke of not being able to "control her thoughts at all" and of being "tortured" — but she claims to enjoy the torture. Her music comes to her constantly.

So if you're a creative, embrace the gift you've been given and celebrate your uniqueness. Use it. Use what frightens you to get motivated and creative.

As always, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, I encourage you to get help. 988 is the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 211 for local mental health resources.

Ready to explore how creativity can support your mental health? Reach out to schedule a session.