Writing Illness: Creativity or a Self-destruction
Discussion paper about Diseases of the Thesis of Christ Fleming
By: Ma. Cecilia M. Makalintal
Discussion paper about Diseases of the Thesis of Christ Fleming
By: Ma. Cecilia M. Makalintal
Is being a writer result to some sort of mental illness in the end or is it the other way around? The article written by Chris Fleming discussed how scholars, writers and artists may have illnesses within them. Illnesses that is not quite clearly explained and written even on the DSM system of the Psychiatric book which in turn built a lot of controversy and arguments. Nevertheless, the article stated that some well known researchers or artist might suffer from a mental illness. The question is why writing creativity correlates with mental illness to some well known people? Are this extraordinary people suffered a self-destruction from mental illnesses because they write or do things the extraordinary way? Or did they suffer from a mental illness first before they were able to write and discover things beyond what is known?
Creativity is the ability to make or otherwise bring into existence something new, whether a new solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form (Britannica Encyclopaedia). Shalley (1991) suggests that creativity comprises three major components: the required ability or expertise in a particular field, the innate or intrinsic motivation towards further exploration or development, and the cognitive processes to conceive and synthesize novel ideas or products. Moreover, Weisberg (1992) and Wallace & Gruber (1989), hypothesize that creativity is the capacity to produce an output that not only has an element of novelty and originality, but is of positive value and purpose to mankind.
Artists seem to be touched by heaven, given a sublime insight that others lack, and it seems only natural that this elevation would be coupled with an equal and opposite reaction. Writing is a solitary business, and people tend to read alone. You can't be a good writer without being a good reader first. So, try to read as much as you can--pick up books that you like, books you don't like and books you never pictured yourself reading. You never know what you might get out of them. There is much to be harvested from our daily experience that can contribute to our writing. The smallest incident or observation can provide wonderful material for a writer. Pushing ourselves to be aware and express what we feel will only make us stronger and more perceptive as writers.
There is much to be studied between the linking of psychological problems in relation to creativity in writing. Many great artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Allan Poe, and Lord Byron have suffered from mood disorders, bipolar syndrome, or other mental illnesses. This is not surprising, for numerous studies have indicated that there is a link between creativity in relation to clinical depression, and other psychological disorders (Bower, B., 1995). On the contrary, there is limited scientific evidence to associate creativity with mental illness (Waddell, C.,1998).
Both Jamison (1985) and Ludwig (1995) noted that the highest rates of mental disorders occur among poets, writers, musical composers and performers, artists and actors as compared to scientists, politicians and architects for whom the rate is lower. Moreover, Kaufman (2002) observed the higher incidence of mental afflictions amongst poets and an even higher tendency towards neurosis or psychosis amongst female poets than amongst their male counterparts. Scientists on the other hand, achieve their goals by means of logical and rational deductions, and hence are less likely to be overpowered by their emotions. Jamison (1985), however, argues that it is psychosis that precedes and makes way for greater sensitivity for enabling creative achievement.
The ability to see the world in an unconventional manner and to adopt perspectives not commonly shared can be both a blessing and a curse. Many creative individuals find themselves outside of the mainstream of both thought and method (Dr. Simon, G., 2009). As a result, they can experience periods when they feel unaccepted, misunderstood, and painfully alone. People are thought of as mentally ill only when their thinking, emotions, or behaviour is contrary to what is considered acceptable, that is, when others dislike something about them (Stevens, L., 2006).
The nature of the relationship between creative writing and mental illness is by no means settled science. Some individuals argue that mental illness can afflict anyone, including those who rise to some prominence as a result of their giftedness and the subsequent impact of that giftedness on society and history (Dr. Simon, G., 2009). So, it may not be that highly creative people are more prone to mental illness but merely that such people come to our attention more easily. I refuse to believe that being creative means I’m doomed to a life of mental disorders. It’s what we do. We connect the dots from this to that, and draw lines between apparently random observations, until they mean something. Then we invest and reveal the meaning to others in tangible forms: dance, music, words, and imagery.
In conclusion, it will take a more time as to find direct relationship, if there is any, between creative writing and mental illness. What is important now is to be able to focus on recognizing and making the most of our talents and abilities as unique individuals. Writing depends at least on our ability to think and compose sentences depending on our mood and mental frame. If we are able to recognize our own psychological abilities, we have a much better chance of positively unleashing our creative talents in whatever field we want.
Guide Questions:
1. Have you been influenced by other well known writers on how you write or express your feelings? How?
2. Who is a better writer: the one who objectively writes or the one who openly expresses his/her feelings? Why?
3. If creativity means originality, how can a writer be originally known of his/her writing if it based on what is already known?
4. Do you believe in the idea that the more you read, the more your thoughts become overwhelmed which in the end results into more or less hesitation on your writing ability?
5. What can you suggest so that creativity in writing can be enhanced?
6. Cite an experience where you find it hard to write something and felt inferior that maybe you are not a good writer in the first place.
References:
Jamison, K. (1993). Touched with fire: Manic-depressive illness and the artistic temperament. New York: Free Press. Retrieved from,
Ludwig, A.M. (1995). The price of greatness: Resolving the creativity and madness controversy. New York: Guilford. Retrieved from,
Bower, Bruce. (1995, June 17). Science News Article, Moods and the Muse
A new study reappraises the link between creativity and mental illness. Vol. 147 No. 24, page 378. Retrieved from,
Waddell, C. (1998). Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 43(2). Retrieved from,
Ludwig, Arnold M. (1998, April). Creativity Research Journal. Method and Madness in the Arts and Sciences, Volume 11, Issue 2, pages 93 – 101. Retrieved from,
Kaufman, J.C. (2001). The Sylvia Plath effect: Mental illness in eminent creative writers. The Journal of Creative Behavior, 35(1). Retrieved from,
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Stevens, Laurence. (2006). A journal for Western Man. Does Mental Illness Exist? Issue 12. Retrieved from,
Koh, Caroline. (2006, October). Educational Research and Reviews. Reviewing the link between Creativity and Madness: A Postmodern Perspective. Vol. 1, pp. 213-221. Retrieved from,
Dr. Simon, George. (2009, September 21). Creativity and Mental Illness: The ‘Mad Genius’. Retrieved from,