The Creativity and Anxiety Connection

Having originally trained as an Illustrator many years ago, I am particularly interested in the link between anxiety and creativity, although many people I work with would not describe themselves as 'creative' as the term is generally understood.

We are all born with creative potential.

In fact, a test based on a variation of the NASA Creativity Test (developed by George Land and Beth Jarman in 1968), found that a staggering 98 percent of 4-5 year olds tested as creative geniuses! Watch him discuss this research.

Therefore it is nothing short of a tragedy to discover that this number dropped to 30 percent by the time the children were 10 years old, 12 percent by the age of 15 and just two percent by adulthood.

Whether creative expression takes the form of music, writing, painting or simply thinking ‘outside of the box’, vast numbers of children resign themselves to ‘failure’ and often abandon joyful forms of self expression at a woefully early age.

One of the main reasons for this is the conditioning we receive throughout the mainstream education system which until recently has trained us to follow instructions and ‘stick to the rules’ instead of cultivating our imagination.

Fortunately, creativity skills can be learned. Not from sitting in a lecture, but by applying creative thinking processes and being encouraged to explore, with an understanding that not only is it okay to make mistakes – it is vital – as it is only through a willingness to experiment and play that we are able develop originality and truly creative ideas.

The Link Between Creativity and Anxiety

Whether it is in the field of art, writing, music or drama, we do not have to search far to see an array of gifted but troubled highly creative individuals, who have somehow been able to ‘alchemise’ their own struggles and create something truly original or inspirational.

Whilst the connection between higher than average rates of anxiety in those who study, work, or who are generally considered to be ‘creative’ remains somewhat tenuous, nevertheless, a growing number of studies suggest that anxiety is significantly more prevalent in this population*.

Why people in the arts may be more likely to suffer from anxiety than the general population

The reasons why people involved in the arts may be more likely to suffer from anxiety than the general population are varied.

Firstly, very creative people are inclined to have extremely active brains, with a flow of ideas which rarely shuts off. This in itself can be stressful as it is becomes extremely difficult to relax and recharge one’s batteries.

Another reason is the ‘double edged sword’ of a vivid imagination. The same imagination which can visualise a beautiful painting or imagine how a fictitious character might feel on the stage or in a book, can just as easily imagine in great detail how it feels to be in the shoes of someone suffering... or catastrophise regarding the worst case scenario in any given situation. This, I know from my own experience, can be both overwhelming, anxiety provoking, and exhausting.

Research shows that individuals with high emotional reactivity and introverted tendencies are more likely to suffer anxiety than other personality types.

Creative people often demonstrate a tendency towards heightened sensitivity to their surroundings, whilst many creative pursuits are fairly insular so the person is likely to spend a lot of time in isolation. Both potentially exacerbating issues with anxiety of all kinds.

Finally there are some very real and potentially difficult practical issues which people in the arts often have to face.

Inspiration may strike at odd times and therefore sleeping patterns may be erratic and the person may neglect their bodily needs including health and diet.

In the case of musicians and actors especially many months may be spent away from family as they work strange hours.

Finally there are the issues of self criticism and rejection from others – as well as the financial concerns – which become ever increasing as those who previously may have worked as artisans, artists, and photographers, musicians and many more potential creative livelihoods have been replaced with technology – leaving many highly creative people to seek alternative avenues of work, simply to earn a living.

The Mental Well-Being Benefits of Creativity

However, despite all of these issues, creativity can, and often does, bring its own joy. When we are living the life we are supposed to lead, in accordance with our own values and passions, expressing ourselves at our own optimal level, there is every chance that we can free up the resources which may have been effectively sabotaged by the anxiety, and go forward to live an inspired, productive and purposeful life.

In support of this is a substantial and ever growing body of research which supports the premise that creative activity (and that includes mental activity such as generating original ideas), significantly lowers the stress hormone cortisol whilst increasing the happiness hormone, dopamine*.

A Mindful Approach to Creativity

This is an approach I have been exploring for myself for some time now.

A move from a definite ‘goal orientated outcome’ in terms of a creative endeavour, which for me personally, was becoming a bit of a straight jacket.

I had developed a style of work which appeared to be appreciated by others, and which was quite individualistic in its style. However, it was incredibly laborious and I felt that it was becoming a technical exercise as opposed to an experimental, free flowing, joyful experience.

I saw other artists whose technical skills were not so proficient as mine and yet who nonetheless were producing work which was much more immediate, spontaneous and energetic.

I decided to try to develop what is known in mindfulness as ‘Beginner’s Mind’ and literally start from scratch as if I were a child again, picking up paints and crayons for the first time.

The onus is on total experimentation and play, keeping awareness all the time focused on the present experience without a definite end in mind.

This approach can be applied to all forms of creative self-expression and can help to break down creative blocks. It is an area I am happy to explore with anyone who expresses an interest.

*Sources

• Gross & Musgrove, 2016, 2018; Yale Centre for Emotional Intelligence, 2020; Equity, 2022, Redfield-Jamison, K and J. Pennybake, 1980, Harvard Health Blog, 2017

• Csikszentmihalyi, 1990; Lopez, 2021; Hopkins, 2008