In an age where journalling has become a means of emotional overflow, creativity is often a form of release for those in search of relief. Looking at the bigger picture, there seems to be a connection between those with personal battles and creative pursuit: specifically in public figures. Conditions, ranging from bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia are, more often than not, diagnosed to these individuals. However, rarely mentioned due to the lengths of their success and perfect presentation on the media. Should we be paying more attention to these patterns and the creatives who are suffering?
Studied by millions of students, Sylvia Plath is a famous poet ‘victim’ to mental disease. Tragically committing suicide at the age of 31 after multiple failed attempts, her twenties saw the publication of some of her most famous work. Semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar portrays a young woman’s descent into breakdown through a narrative non-fiction lens. Written in the months leading up to her death, Lady Lazarus is another of Plath’s pieces, in poetic form, which has had a profound impact since her passing. It fiercely critiques a corrupted societal interest with suffering through a female voice. Fuelled by personal turmoil, it seems that the Plath’s creation acted as a vehicle for catharsis and escape. Besides this, she has a proficiency in writing about societal setbacks, perhaps benefitting from her own experience as a woman wrestling with the patriarchy.
Not only those deceased, but also many modern creatives present an affiliation with declining mental health. Taking time off his 2022 tour, Sam Fender opened up about his decision to step away from the stage and reset. Announcing multiple cancelled shows on his social medias, his statement read: “It seems completely hypocritical of me to advocate discussion on mental health and write songs about it, if I don’t take the time to look after my own mental health”. Being brutally vulnerable and honest, something which is often shamed within the world of toxic masculinity, Fender received praise from fans. They supported him and, following the decision, his platforms flooded with support and excitement for future shows.
Fender’s personal struggles also align with many of his song lyrics, specifically in his breakthrough album Hypersonic Missiles. A notable issue which he writes about on multiple occasions is, as previously mentioned, men’s mental health. In track 4, Dead Boys, Fender metaphorically addresses the self-destructive qualities that many young men face in today’s society. He emphasises the need for more compassion, understanding, and open conversations about mental health to help those suffering feel less alone – ultimately fuelling his songwriting with the epidemic of male mental illness.
The irony here lies in the fact that mental illnesses often arise due to fame; fame that belongs to many creative individuals. Without a doubt, celebrities are susceptible to increased depression and anxiety due to the unreachable expectations they are trusted to meet. Pressure, in any form, comes hand in hand with constant scrutiny, more often than not leading to addiction and substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Here, we reach an impasse: in many cases, fame and mental illness seem to be futile without one another.
Perhaps it is useful to open this idea up to mental health, rather than illness. Sometimes, we are so suffocated by tragedy that we forget to look at the creative minds which open our eyes to positivity. It has been reported that any form of creativity has a positive effect on mental health, encouraging inspiration and opportunities to learn.
Creativity also does not have to be tied to one medium. Cara Delevingne found what worked for her after initially relying on drugs and partying to temporarily park her depression. She credits the Outkast song ‘SpottieOttieDopaliscious’ as being a musical saviour, removing her from her lowest depressive state. She explained that the song was played at a close friend’s funeral; another example of an escape achieved through something in a creative field.
While the link between mental illness and creativity is undeniably complex, it’s clear that for many (celebrity, or not) their struggle with mental health can shape their creative expressions. In opposition, people find sanctuary in what is imaginative. As we continue to explore this connection, it is crucial to advocate for mental health in all forms – encouraging a healthy dialogue and valuing the highs and lows of human experience.
Words by: Bo Burt