Groups > Depression

I have been a professional writer for many years and as for being more creative when depressed, I personally haven't found that to be the case. When I am in the throes of a depression, I can't muster the energy or concentration to write anything worthwhile. It is only afterward that I can look back at that period and write about it. However, if I ever go through another period of depression again, I intend to try to keep a journal about it.

Wendy Aron, author of Hide & Seek: How I Laughed at Depression, Conquered My Fears and Found Happiness www.wendyaron.com

I agree with Milt and what he wrote. As a survivor of abuse as a child while in therapy I got in touch with my anger. I heard that depression is anger turned inward. Once I was able to release the anger while in therapy I found that it empowered me rather than made my sadness worse. As a poet I wrote many poems about the abuse in my childhood. I wrote about the anger I felt, the sadness I felt. Poems have always helped me to express what what going on in my psyche. Once I wrote the poem I felt a sense of relief. I found that I could not write poetry when happy. Writing poetry was my voice of outrage and anger over my experiences. Writing has also helped me get in touch with feelings I could otherwise not express.

I agree with Jeanette that writing helps me express my anger and outrage at life's injustices. But when that anger is turned inward it becomes a depression--a state that prevents me from writing.

DEPRESSION: "Anger without enthusiasum"

One cannot attest that Depression ALWAYS involves Anger, but rest assured, it ALMOST always involves anger.

That being the case...creative ability will naturally exorcise itself in artistic and musical manifications due to the mental health "power" within individuals.

I do feel that everyone's comments are really, really helpful and interesting.

Side note: Many famous artist were diagnosed with Schizophrenia and were eventually hospitalized for life.

Ron

Interesting that you would mention Vincent. I just watched an amazing video of his work. Take a look. Seems the Don McLean had an affinity for van Gough as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkvLq0TYiwI

There's a fine line with me. Normally when I'm depressed I am at my best creatively. But there is a point (not sure where) that I become so depressed that I lose interest in anything and everything (including any creative projects I may have been involved in).

Very interesting what you wrote about yourself and Van Gogh. I also think I become creative by writing when I am very sad and upset about something in my life. Yes, the dark hole is a great subject for me. But sometimes there is the light at the end of the tunnel, ah I was blinded by the light (remember the Boss?)