Struggling With Depression As An Artist

Artist struggling with depression

I understand this topic because I am an artist who is struggling with depression. The joy of everyday life escapes me a lot of the time.

Guessing most people know of at least one or more artist that seem to be moody at best. There is nothing worse than having hundreds of vision running through your mind and not being able to put it on paper. The anxiety I feel can stop me in my tracks leaving me to struggle just to get up some days.

Trying to move forward can be a challenge because as an artist I want to control my environment along with my skills as an artist. Depression can shut it all down before you realize what is happening to your mind. I have experienced struggling to keep deadlines and also just getting enough energy to pick up a pencil or brush to do art work. Once I get going on a piece of art I don’t like to stop until it is finished because being creative helps fight off depression.

Artist struggling will self-medicate

Alcohol, drugs and denial are prevalent in so many lives. You think that with this talent there would be no reason for depression, but the fact is depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is a part of the vicious cycle for some artist. I know when things are going downhill and pull all my tools out of the box to keep my episodes from controlling my life.

Anyone who is struggling will tell you one day you’re feeling great and the next day something just isn’t quite right and there is no reason for it. There are days you feel like you’re just going through the motions. Symptoms of depression include sadness, becoming withdrawn, difficulty concentrating, weight loss or gain, self-hate, loss of interest in activities, thoughts of suicide, and more. You appear to be normal on the outside yet the brain is just looking for a way out. Days go by and I am unable to work.

Tools to help those struggling with depression

Get up every day and get dressed

Be active even if it’s just going for a walk

Go out around positive people even if you don’t feel like it

Put on some up lifting music or watch something funny on TV

Force yourself to work at something you love

Watch your diet and include omega 3 eat brain health foods

Limit alcohol it is a depressant

Be positive and don’t criticize yourself or your life

Talk to a friend or family member you can trust. Get therapy from an expert.

Take medications as prescribed

These tools may help you too.