Creativity Heals
I’m not a therapist.
I’m not an expert on mental health……..But, it (mental health) is something I’m grappling with constantly.
I wanted to end this over the New Year. New Year’s Eve to be precise.
This came off of the back of a euphoric high a couple of days prior to this depressive low. I experienced another brief high last night. I connected with an old friend from London Business School whom I hadn’t seen in 10 years. I hoped to carry that positive momentum a little longer…
But I’ve woken up feeling low again.
I have ADHD (as well as autism). This means I have fewer dopamine receptors in my brain than people without ADHD. As a result, ADHD strongly correlates with depression.
There is no magic cure for this. Believe me I’ve tried anti depressants and ADHD meds…
I know what works for me…
It’s a blend of community and creativity.
Today, I woke up. Dopamine levels low. ADHD winning. Depression draped over me like cumulus clouds.
I could have surrendered to this. I wanted to surrender. But…I got up, logged onto London Writer Salon’s Weekend Writer’s Group. I did my morning pages. I wrote with my community.
Do I feel eutrophic right now?
No.
But, I feel better. Creativity is a balm. Creativity…I think latent creativity is a huge cause of my mental health issues that I’ve continued to grapple with since I was 5. In case you’re wondering, I’m 40 now.
But, a simple choice, involving morning pages and creativity (in community) has shifted my mind and led to this blog post.
I’m feeling better, but I won’t leave things to chance. I’m autistic and am part of an autistic theatre group. I’ll be joining them later today to rehearse for a Theatre Showcase where I’ll be performing.
More creativity.
More community.
More creativity in community.
“Latent creativity is not benign.” – Chase Jarvis
Haroon, thank you for sharing your words. I know they resonate with many readers. As a reminder, here is the quote from today’s session: “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.” Sending you “[ever]more creativity in community.”
Brother, that’s powerful and very inspiring stuff. The low’s sound awful mate but you have such wisdom, it’s really inspiring to hear how you’re managing it.
The only thing I would add – and something I am working with – is to try to cement the creative practices into a daily routine. Make it so that you are writing, performing and doing your creative practices without effort, every day. Hopefully you’ll have less low days that way.
Anyway, please keep me updated on this blog, I love reading it.