Do Creative People Suffer More with Depression?

We’re not going to sugarcoat it; creative people suffer more with depression. As an arts-integrated middle/high school, we certainly wish this weren’t the case. But research backs it.

Scientific American collated studies of writers and artists. They determined that these creative people were ten times more likely to suffer depression. And while 5% of the general population suffers from major depression, the number is 15%-50% for writers and artists.

Fortunately, arts-integrated schools foster mental health in a way that’s often lacking in more conventional educational institutions. And that offers hope for artistically inclined children and young adults who are especially prone to depression.

Why Do Creative People Suffer More with Depression?

As mentioned above, science shows that creative folks are more likely to suffer from depression. There’s no single answer as to why this is, though. And many factors could be at play.

Some of the time, it may be genetic.

But it’s also important to remember how tough it can be to be an artist. High expectations, extreme criticism and tight deadlines are part and parcel of living an artistic lift. These can easily lead to burnout and depressive symptoms.

What’s more, the similar traits that are associated with depression are the same as those connected with being creative. Artists constantly challenge societal norms, are often eccentric, and engage with the world in a different way. In other words, the sheer nature of creativity can cause artists (be they visual artists, writers, musicians, actors, dancers, or a myriad other creative folks) to behave in ways that could be interpreted as disordered. So then it becomes a chicken or egg question. Are they artists because they’re depressed? Or are they depressed because they’re artists?

Whatever the case, the middle school and high school years can be especially challenging for young creative people trying to find their way in the world. Fortunately, arts-integrated education is addressing this.

Expressing Emotion Through Arts 

Arts educators have many tools at their disposal to help students build awareness through creating art. They’re careful, however, to remind students that the creative process is not meant to change the way they’re thinking but rather to shed light upon it. They teach students that creating art allows them to see themselves and their inner worlds – thoughts, beliefs, likes, dislikes – with more awareness and clarity.

After all, it can be difficult for people to put words to the emotions they’re experiencing. Especially teenagers. But expressing feelings through art in the school setting with understanding teachers and peers is a healthy and safe way for them to do this. In addition, viewing art created by other students serves as a reflective place where they can gain additional insights about themselves.

Healing Through Creativity

Arts-integration educators at Arts Academy in the Woods (AAW) know that for students, active involvement with making art involves creative expression of what the student feels on both the conscious and unconscious levels. This is what makes art so healing.

Activities like writing, sculpting, painting, playing an instrument, dancing, acting, or any other number of creative ventures give teenagers a sense of control and predictability in an increasingly chaotic world. (Especially these days.) They can use art to turn their problems into a narrative that enables them to better deal with their issues.

None of us is immune to being told (explicitly or implicitly) that there are certain feelings we should not feel. It’s as though we’re expected to have an “off” switch. We don’t, of course. But for teenagers who are getting these messages from society, parents, friends, or other sources, it can be overwhelming.

Having the freedom to express these difficult emotions through art in a safe environment is truly freeing.

Health and Wellness As Part of the AAW Curriculum

As further evidence of the importance AAW places on addressing depression among their students, we emphasize health and wellness as a part of our curriculum.

Understanding the relationship between physical health and mental health is crucial to develop a balanced physical wellness. When students understand how their body performs physically, they’re better able to connect it to how they feel mentally. Physical wellness encourages an understanding of the principles of good health and knowledge which lead to a healthy lifestyle.

Students use activities such as yoga, Zumba, meditation, kickboxing, tai chi, classroom discussions, and journaling to experience and practice balance in mental and physical health. Throughout the year, a “Calm Classroom” approach is encouraged to improve focus and help students to cultivate peaceful, engaged classrooms and school communities with mindfulness skills that support mental and emotional well-being.

While this awareness is not a cure for depression, it can most certainly make the journey that much less painful for artistic teenagers already trying to make sense of the world.

Is Your Creative Child Struggling?

Arts-integrated educators are well aware that creative people struggle more with depression and focus on ways to provide emotional-management skills to their students.

So if your child is struggling with conventional education, AAW could be the perfect place for him/her/them to thrive. Being able to express themselves while learning can lead to big changes in both their academic and emotional lives.

So don’t hesitate to contact us to request a tour of our school. And prepare for possibility.