R writers more depressed than other artists?

tengraceapples · Jul 16, 2009

Hey!

I was feeling really blue a few weeks ago and I read that most writers are depressed and withdrawn. While I am much better now, I wondered if you guys found that writing and depression come hand in hand. I've never gotten other writers thoughts on this so here goes: )

KTC · Jul 16, 2009

there are no rules

Shadow_Ferret · Jul 16, 2009

No. I'm almost always in a good mood. I mean, I have my down moments, its only natural when life overwhelms, but generally, I'm pretty upbeat and cheerful.

Repartee · Jul 16, 2009

I tend to be moody whether I'm writing something or not. That's just how I am.

I've only had a little bit of trouble with depression, but that was caused by stress and hating where I live.

So to answer your question, no. Although I am withdrawn

kaitlin008 · Jul 16, 2009

I'm not sure I would say writers are more depressed than other artists. There's the common theme of rejection between writers, actors, artists, etc. So I think it's probably hard on all artists.

But usually if I feel depressed about something, it's not my writing. Whether I ever get published or not, writing makes me happy, writing is good for me. As far as I can tell, I get blue for the same reasons anyone else would--stress of motherhood, arguments with someone I love, worrying about money, etc.

So I don't know if I would say that writers as a group are more depressed. But one thing I will say is that sometimes it can be a little lonely. I can try to talk about writing and about trying to get an agent and all of that with my family and friends, but their interest is only held for so long. It's hard to care so much about something that most of the world knows nothing about.

tengraceapples · Jul 16, 2009

Yes, it can be very lonely. I think its kind of like long distance running. You are out there by yourself. Its just you and the voices: )
But thank goodness for AW, right: )

Kathleen42 · Jul 16, 2009

More prone to depression than other artists? No (coming from someone with a background in the visual arts).

More prone to depression than the general population? Possibly.

Note the distinction between "are" and "are more prone to".

Claudia Gray · Jul 16, 2009

I don't think people in the arts are more prone to depression, though they may be more prone to recognizing their depression for what it is.

I've had some issues with depression myself in the past, but thankfully many years ago now, before I began to write.

Epiphany · Jul 16, 2009

ClaudiaGray said:
I don't think people in the arts are more prone to depression, though they may be more prone to recognizing their depression for what it is.

I've had some issues with depression myself in the past, but thankfully many years ago now, before I began to write.

I agree. I think that writers may be able to recognize their depression clearly, but can also use their hobby/gift as self-therapy.

Indus · Jul 16, 2009

I do think writers tend to be more passionate, dramatic (we dig deep for descriptions of emotions all the time). So when we're just having a crappy day that most people would sigh over, our eyes are welling up with tears, wondering how the world could be such a cruel and unforgiving place.
What? That's just me?
Oh.
But seriously. Nah. Most of my writer friends are pretty upbeat, half-glass-full, peeps.

tengraceapples · Jul 16, 2009

Indus,

I agree. We tend to kind of (over) think. Instead of saying"hey, carppy day today" we make it bigger than it is. Some of us. sometimes.

Lyra Jean · Jul 16, 2009

When I hear of a writer chopping off their ear to give to someone they love then we can say we are more depressed than other artists. Unless that just falls under craziness.

I think writer's are seen as depressed because writing is a mostly solitary hobby. Outside writing/critique groups that is.

Rowan · Jul 17, 2009

ClaudiaGray said:
I don't think people in the arts are more prone to depression, though they may be more prone to recognizing their depression for what it is.

I've had some issues with depression myself in the past, but thankfully many years ago now, before I began to write.

I also agree...never suffered from depression AND I've never been of the opinion that writers (or anyone with artistic tendencies) are more prone to depression. Has anyone come across any stats on this?

tengraceapples · Jul 17, 2009

No stats but many famous writers were depressed and some killed themselves. But I have no numbers. Some say its the fact that writers are on the fringe. They say that we are on the outside looking in and that can be...lonely.

kaitlin008 · Jul 17, 2009

Well but famous depressed writers/artists/actors/singers are going to get more notice when they're suicidal. Plenty of regular, everyday people get depressed, just it doesn't get splashed all over the news.

Writing in itself is lonely, because like I said above it's hard not having people around me understand something I love so much, but I don't think that a writer's life has to be lonely overall. I still have family and friends, I just don't talk to them about writing, beyond the occasional shallow discussion. And for a lot of people, I think their family and friends make the effort to understand the whole process and be a part of it, which is great.

caromora · Jul 17, 2009

I just finished reading this article before clicking over to AW: http://www.americanscientist.org/science/pub/artistic-tendencies-linked-to-schizophrenia-gene

Skye Jules · Jul 17, 2009

I write very moody, dark thinks, you'd probably think I'm some psycho girl (think The Forest of Hands and Teeth if you've read that). But no. I'm really upbeat, cheerful, and optimistic. I think I just write dark things because it makes me appreciate my life more--it keeps me from sniping about little things once I realize my characters are going through utter hell (with a few bright moments).

Wark · Jul 17, 2009

Painters are.

tengraceapples · Jul 17, 2009

Wark said:
Painters are.

It would seem so. Also comedians and writers. But so far most everyone says here says its not so....maybe its just media? I think artists tend to be...blue or more so than most. Just an opinion

Wark · Jul 17, 2009

I mean house painters.

jk

tengraceapples · Jul 17, 2009

Why, it is the fumes? LOL.

Hettie · Jul 17, 2009

Ok- So, I have been going over my life and I recall being the most depressed when I was trying to be an artist.... Wanting people to like my work... Then I was a bit happier when I gave up on that crazy dream... now I am uber-happy writing.

One, I am doing it for a release, and do not have a goal to be super famous and known... would like for people to like it but hey, that is not my GOAL!

Two, I am too old and too unknown to be depressed, that is for teens and actors.

So, short story long... depression can be caused by genetics, chemical imbalances or the inability to process trauma in a healthy way (did I forget anything?)... Writers have just as much probability in being depressed as say a postal worker, or an air-traffic controller (google those stats, I dare ya!!).....

tengraceapples · Jul 17, 2009

Hettie said:
Ok- Two, I am too old and to unknown to be depressed, that is for teens and actors. quote]

Wow, I'm an actor too, so I'm screwed huh?

On a serious note, I think wanting or needing everyone to love your work could be a factor in artist and depression. Then there's the rejection. How much rejection does a postal worker face?

Then again, they have there own problems: )

Hettie · Jul 17, 2009

Yes, double doses of depression for you.... good luck!!!

tengraceapples · Jul 17, 2009

It can get...overwhelming but when the rejection from one gets to be too much I escape to the other. Also knowing about writing helps when I first read a script as an actor.

As for the depression part of it, I dont know if its double but it could be worse. I could be a visual artist. That would mean three times the blues. Lucky for me, I cant draw to save my life; )

R writers more depressed than other artists?

Do you think writers are more prone to depression

Yes, I have been there myself

Yes, but I myself am not

Yes, but no more so than other artists

No, it's just a stereotype

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Court Jester

Queen of Hearts

Seeing newness all the time

crushing on fictional characters

Don't kill the bar, Dude.

Chocolate Milk mmm.

Two years old now.

Seeing newness all the time

Still alive. Kind of.

March 15th: Issue 1 release

Mark Brockman

Mark Brockman

Once and future Queen......

Once and future Queen......