Mental Health for Creatives and Others

In October 2018 I had the pleasure of immersing myself in learning about good mental health habits because, as a graphic designer, I worked with Palm Health Foundation on Train the Brain, their community initiative for brain health. I came to understand that healthy habits and training canpositively effect our brain health.

Now that 2019 is well underway, many of us are thinking about adjustments we can make to our daily routines to help be us be healthier physically and mentally. Artists, especially, should consider being proactive about healthy habits. Contrary to popular belief, artists do not have high rates of mental illness compared to the general population. On the other hand, creatives tend to have more unconventional life experiences and heightened sensitivities. 

One contributing factor to these heightened sensitivities is that visual and performing artists tend to take on projects requiring unconventional schedules, rather than working the typical nine-to-five job. Depending on the location and the demands of their work, many variables exist as creatives move from project to project. Some such variables, inconsistent income, for example, can be especially unnerving. Furthermore, the artist’s emotional experience generally changes as his or her project unfolds. Certain stages may evoke feelings of exhilaration and others disappointment. Working on location can isolate the artist from family and friends. Aside from these sources of stress, simply eating and getting enough rest can become a challenge. Failure to adequately meet such fundamental needs poses a threat to one’s emotional balance and general sense of well-being. When a person makes maintaining good physical and mental health a priority, the stability in his or her career and personal life increases.

More information about brain health can be found at https://www.trainthebrainpbc.org

Thank you to The Rickie Report, which published an article by me on this topic. It contains some additional information and helpful links. https://www.therickiereport.com