World Mental Health Day 2023: The Relation Between Mental Health And Creativity

A healthy mind is considered a precursor to a healthy and fulfilling life, which often serves as the fuel for creativity.

Relation Between Mental Health And Creativity (Representational Image)

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When it comes to creativity, mental health can play a pivotal role. It may even be like a double-edged sword; good mental health can ignite creative sparks, while poor mental health can stifle it, but a healthy mind is considered a precursor to a healthy and fulfilling life, which often serves as the fuel for creativity. Though, it’s true that some of the most celebrated works in literature in art have stemmed from the greatest human suffering and pain, the reverse is not.

Scientists have been studying the relationship between creativity and mental illnesses for a while now. Some studies have shown that highly creative people and those with higher than usual IQ are more prone to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder.

In this regard, Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan, who is the Head of Wellness and Well-being at Columbia Pacific Communities said, "Creativity is directly proportional to mental health. By being creative, one can improve their cognitive reserve, which helps delay and halt the process of dementia."

"Creativity involves adapting to situations and stretching the imagination to gain a new perspective, leading to optimism. A creative mind can find expression through art and painting, providing a release from the stifling effects of hopelessness and negative thoughts. Creativity allows coming out of the grooves of the patterns of habits and conditioning in the brain. To be stuck in the grooves may give comfort and security but narrows one thinking. Being out of the groove will expand the potential to widen the horizon of thought; thereby, one can have a healthy mind with a flow of ideas," she added.

Additionally, Sridhar Laxman, who is an Executive Coach and Founder of Lucid Minds Coaching said, "When someone is grappling with issues like anxiety or depression, they may experience a mental fog that clouds their thinking. This not only makes it difficult to generate new ideas but also creates a lack of drive, making even the initiation of a creative project seem like an insurmountable challenge."

"Moreover, poor mental health can impair focus, a crucial element for any creative endeavor. Imagine trying to paint a canvas, write a song, design an ad, find an alternate solution to a problem, or develop a business strategy when emotions are in turmoil—it's like driving through a thick fog with no headlights," he said.

• But there are ways to navigate this complexity. Sridhar went on to list a few wyas that can help people deal with this complexity.
• Mindfulness techniques can cultivate a sense of clarity, enabling creative juices to flow more freely.
• Seeking professional guidance from counsellors, psychologists and even psychiatrists as the need maybe is healthy and helpful.
• A conversation with a mental health expert can often remove emotional blocks.
• Finally, taking breaks also helps. Momentary pauses allows one to step back, evaluate emotional and mental states and could even lead to eureka moments.

"So, it's not just about being creative to enhance mental health; it's also about enhancing mental health to be more creative. It's a cyclic relationship that, when managed well, can lead to a fulfilling and productive life," he concluded.

Lastly, talking in terms of creativity at workplaces, Remya Mariam Thomas, who is the Head – HR & Admin, of Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd. said, "The intrinsic link between mental health and creativity in the workplace is indisputable. The linchpin of this connection lies in open communication and cultivating a healthy work culture. In addition, an aesthetically pleasing environment significantly impacts employee well-being and creative potential."