We Lose Creative People to Suicide Far Too Often
Creativity is a superpower — but it comes with its own set of challenges. The link between creativity and mental health is real, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer.
We Lose Creative People to Suicide Far Too Often
Being creative is a superpower. But, it comes with its own set of challenges like everything else. Creativity can be an outlet for those with issues — and sometimes creativity is itself a result of mental health struggles.
Throughout history there have been hundreds of examples of creative people with mental health issues. One of the most famous is, of course, the artist Vincent Van Gogh. He struggled with several bouts of mental instability and ultimately did mutilate his ear. He struggled with depression and spent time in an asylum for his health, where he completed numerous paintings while institutionalized and after he was released.
His artistic style was new and evolving and could be attributed to his mental instability. He claimed to hear voices, had delusions of poisoning, and had hallucinations. What correlation does this make? Mentally unhealthy people are creative and artistic? Or creative people have mental health issues? Which came first?
Wikipedia even has an entry about creativity and mental health. They state:
"Links between creativity and mental health have been extensively discussed and studied by psychologists and other researchers for centuries. Parallels can be drawn to connect creativity to major mental disorders including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, and ADHD. For example, studies have demonstrated correlations between creative occupations and people living with mental illness. There are cases that support the idea that mental illness can aid in creativity, but it is also generally agreed that mental illness does not have to be present for creativity to exist."
Creative Famous People and Suicide
As I was writing this blog I learned of the passing of one of my favorite hip-hop dancers and choreographers — Stephen "tWitch" Boss. He was only 40 years old. He took his own life as a result of depression. This man was a father, a husband, a dancer, and a DJ on The Ellen Show. He danced in multiple movies and had a large following on social media. He was just amazing. And he still struggled with his demons. Silently. Like so many other people.
It made me stop and think about all of the amazing creative people in my era who are no longer with us. It makes me think of Robin Williams — the funniest, most charismatic and compassionate person of his time. And he silently struggled.
I'm not sure if it's the pressure to always be "on," but ultimately he lost his battle with his demons. It bothers me how many people I've seen lately on social media who have taken their own lives. Musicians, artists, dancers — so many more people. For Gd sake, Wikipedia has a page just on creative and famous people who have died by suicide. I HATE THAT THIS IS EVEN A THING.
Too Often They Suffer in Silence
Kate Spade, the famous designer and purse mogul, died by suicide while suffering from depression and anxiety. Her husband posted after her death:
"Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. She was actively seeking help and working closely with doctors to treat her disease, one that takes far too many lives. We were in touch with her the night before and she sounded happy. There was no indication and no warning that she would do this. It was a complete shock. And it clearly wasn't her. There were personal demons she was battling."
Wikipedia has a list of famous people who have passed since 2000. It's long and in alphabetical order. It lists their profession and what they passed away from. I can't even post the entire list — it's too long. It's just so, so, so sad. SO MANY LIVES.
Famous athletes, famous social media influencers, actors and actresses, businessmen, models, teachers, those who serve or have served in the military, religious leaders, and much more. Some were harassed on social media by followers, struggled with personal demons related to their past or current situation, financial ruin, medical issues that felt unresolvable.
However — if you remove the word "famous" from the beginning of that sentence, it's all the same, isn't it?
Every single person in this world is human, and every single person's life is just as important as each other's. While I did not personally know tWitch, I followed his social media pages, I loved his movies, I watched them repeatedly, and I loved his presence on The Ellen Show. It was like losing a friend in a weird sort of way.
The pain they leave behind is even worse — and yet they will never know that. It is more important than ever to let those around us know they are loved, they have a safe space to get help, and that they matter.
Be the Difference in Someone's Life
- Tell people you love them
- Tell them you are here for them
- Be kind
- Be compassionate
- Donate money or time to help others
- Post the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number everywhere — at work, at home, in public bathrooms. Make sure people know there is an easy way to reach out for help.
We Do Not Have to Allow Our Creatives to Suffer
I found a research study that discussed the higher probability of creative people experiencing mental health problems and/or dying by suicide:
"Research on mental disorders among male artists has suggested that artists are at risk of suicide. A logistic regression analysis of data from 21 states finds that artists have 270% higher risk of suicide than nonartists. However, after controlling for gender and sociodemographic variables, this risk level is reduced to 125%. The findings are related to both psychiatric and work-related stress factors that may place artists at risk of suicide as an occupational group."
270%!!! 125%!!! This is NOT okay. With COVID and the issues we have faced medically, and the recession and financial crises we are currently experiencing, I cannot fathom the significant daily stress the entire world is facing. I personally have seen more and more of my friends and their children struggling. We are in a crisis like I have never seen before. We HAVE to practice KINDNESS. We HAVE to do better.
Does this mean that everyone who is creative is suicidal or struggling with mental health issues? No. Does it mean that they are more susceptible to mental health issues? Maybe. It means that we have work to do to help those around us feel safe and healthy.
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 — call or text anytime.
You can also call 211 for local mental health resources, or contact the United Way for assistance.
Reach out to connect with Michelle — you don't have to face this alone.
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Written by
Michelle Renfrow, MA, LPC-S
Content creator and writer sharing insights and stories.
