Creativity and Mental Illness

A topic that has long fascinated me is the possible link, in some people, between mental illness and creativity.  The rate of mental illness in writers, painters and other creative people is pretty high.  As is alcoholism and drug use, both of which can often be used to self-medicate.  Three years ago I participated in the Wyoming Writing Project, and my research entailed studying the documentation that supports a link between manic depression (aka bipolar disorder) and creative endeavors.  It is a much studied and often argued topic, and there seems to be no definitive answers.

One of my favorite resources is Kay Redfield Jamison's book Touched with Fire:  Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament.  Jamison has experienced bipolar disorder and has written amazing books from the viewpoint of a patient but with the expertise of a professional.  Her book explores, in-depth, the connection between  creativity and bipolar disorder.

I have also been intrigued by studies that explore the effect that antidepressants have on that creativity.  Many patients have given up their pharmaceutical treatment because they believe that it interferes with their ability to create.  In my own experience, antidepressants have certainly squelched my ability to be imaginative and create.  I used to sit down with my craft supplies and I would be flooded with ideas.  Now I stare at a blank page, not always sure where to begin or what will go together.  I am certain that either the depression itself or the medications used to treat it have affected my creativity.  It is a hard pill to swallow - no pun intended.  To have to choose between wellness and the fulfillment that comes with the ability to create is an unjust reality to some who suffer with manic depressive illness.  

During manic episodes, ideas flow like white water rapids.  One idea pops up after another.  The mind races with possibilities.  Energy pulses allowing the accomplishment of tasks in minutes that, when depressed, seemed insurmountable.  Of course, with treatment, these "highs" are dampened and the extremes between the ups and downs are monitored and hopefully leveled out so that there is not such a swing between the two.  And for some, this is unbearable.  The creative advantage of mania is clear; but the advantage of one aspect of a life can also be the downfall in other areas of that same persons' well-being.   It's not just a question of whether it will affect creativity or not, but it is also a matter of what other areas of life will be impacted negatively if treatment is refused.  

I continue to read the latest articles, books and studies on this topic.  Hopefully someday we will have clearer data that explains the connection a bit more.  And hopefully, treatment will not have to come at the cost of some of the characteristics that patients find most important in their lives.