How Expressing Your Creativity Can Improve Your Mental Health
Use art to give you peace and stability.
Hi there!
I’m not a mental health professional, I just play one on the internet.
Of course, I’m kidding.
I’m just a guy who’s struggled with bipolar disorder for most of my life. And I’ve found that one of the best ways to cope with my illness is to express my creativity.
Whether it’s writing, painting, photography, or any other form of art, creativity has a way of calming the mind. It brings a sense of order to the chaos that so often accompanies mental illness. It’s a way to understand the jumble of thoughts and emotions that can feel so overwhelming.
Expressing my creativity has been a huge help in keeping me stable. Every piece of artistic flair helps me manage my illness in a healthy way.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues, I encourage you to find an outlet for your creativity and see how it changes things. Here are a few ideas to try.
“Everybody has a creative potential and from the moment you can express this creative potential, you can start changing the world.”
- Paulo Coelho
Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.
Creativity as therapy
For me, creativity has always been therapeutic. As a child, writing was my escape. Locked in my bedroom, I created tiny books with bits of paper, crayons, and an old stapler. As an adult, I use creativity as a way to work through the challenges and obstacles life throws my way.
Whenever I’m feeling lost or confused or just plain overwhelmed, sitting down with a blank sheet of paper (or canvas or whatever) and letting my mind wander always seems to help.
When we express our creativity, we open up a world of exploration. We give ourselves permission to be vulnerable and honest and real. In doing so, we often find that we’re not alone in our struggles. We find others have gone through similar experiences and come out stronger on the other side.
Art forms to try
Are you looking for a way to express your creativity? Here are a few things to try.
Writing
Writing is my creative outlet of choice, but there are many ways to express your creativity. Every positivity post in the Speaking Bipolar Positive Club includes a journal prompt and a creative writing prompt to help inspire your inner artist.
Painting\Drawing
Not a wordsmith? No problem. There are lots of other ways to express your creativity. Take up painting or drawing and let the colors and shapes take you to places your words never could.
Sculpting
If you’re more of a three-dimensional kind of person, try sculpting. The tactile nature of the medium can be incredibly cathartic and healing. Start with playdough or modeling clay if you’re not ready to make permanent pieces.
Photography
Maybe your jam is finding beauty around you. Photography may be the perfect outlet for your creative side. Frame your world in a way that reveals the beauty and possibility surrounding you. Look for scenes that match what you feel inside. I love taking pictures of things in my yard, from my dad’s cat to the wild mushrooms.
Coloring
My mom loves coloring books, and I have to agree, there’s a peaceful calm when your only concern is coloring between the lines on the page. Don’t underestimate the power of coloring. It may feel like a child’s activity, but there’s a special feeling to be found in simple pleasures.
Here are a few more ideas:
Woodworking
Fashion design
Interior design
Gardening
Cooking
Baking
Composing music or singing
Dancing
Earn Free Premium Months
Share Speaking Bipolar’s Positivity Club and earn months of paid content. Visit the Leaderboard page to get your unique link.
Refer 1 subscriber, get 1 month comp
Refer 5 subscribers, get 3 months comp
Refer 15 subscribers, get 6 months comp
And, yes, free subscribers count!
Whatever you choose, the important thing is to find an outlet that works for you. Choose one that lets you express yourself in a way that feels safe and freeing. Above all, give yourself permission to let your creative side run free.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues, find an outlet for your creativity. Watch how creative acts turn your world into a better place.
What’s your favorite way to express your creativity? Please share your tips in the comments.
If you want to write
Here are some writing prompts for my word-lover friends.For you visual artists, use the creative writing prompt as inspiration to create a picture or sculpture.
Journal Prompt: How do you feel after using your creativity? What art forms would you like to try? How could you start today?
Creative Writing Prompt: An old artist knows the secret to creating art and decides to pass their gift on to a young person. Write the story.
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
Please click on ❤️ button or leave a comment.
Additional Reading:
Jane’s Story: How Moving Forward Helped Her Manage Bipolar Disorder
How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs Brought on by Mental Illness
Support Speaking Bipolar
Here are a few ways you can help support Speaking Bipolar:
(Free) Forward this newsletter to a friend or share online
(Free) Follow me on Social Media
($) Leave a Tip, purchase from our Etsy store, or become a paid subscriber
($) Purchase from Bipolar Books or Self-Care Essentials on Amazon
(Free) Just keep reading this newsletter!
What Do You Want to See?
Are there other topics you would like to see me cover? Reply to this email or comment on any post.
Disclaimer:
This email may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.