Creativity is an essential part of my mental health toolkit. Like many creative people, I'm a sensitive soul who has dealt with depression. One of the ways I've healed and continue to heal myself is through creating. I find when I'm feeling low or anxious, if I can turn to my creativity and pick up the paintbrush, I almost always feel better.
Creating art is my way of expressing that which can't be expressed in words. I work in an intuitive way, so oftentimes when I start, I don't know what I'm going to create. I simply keep asking myself, "What color or material am I drawn to? What mark do I want to make?" and I go with the flow. When I work in this way, things that are floating around in my subconscious start to come to the surface, my chattering monkey-mind quiets, and I feel more connected to my spirituality. I love creating in this way because what happens is always a bit of a surprise and I feel a sense of relief afterwards.
Sometimes, when I'm feeling depressed, it can be hard to get going. I think that's part of why I started the Creative Every Day Challenge. It's a gentle approach with a broad idea of what creativity means, so I can keep involved in different creative projects even when my energy is low. I've also learned to embrace my creative cycles, knowing that there will be times when I'm totally inspired and creating a lot, and other times when I'm more quiet and taking in information. By accepting these cycles, I'm much less stressed when my productivity is slower, and I simply turn my attention to other things.
I love how the Creative Every Day Challenge keeps creativity in the forefront of my mind each day. I've found that what I focus on expands, and by focusing on how I can live a creative life, I see opportunities and inspiration in everything I do. I also love the community that has built up around the challenge. I'm continually inspired by the work everyone involved is doing and seeing their work encourages me to stretch myself in new ways.
I can't imagine my life without creating. It's an incredibly healing practice and there's always room to grow and learn within it.
My name is Leah Piken Kolidas and I'm a mixed-media artist living near Boston, Massachusetts with my husband and o four fuzzy cats. Leah sells her artwork at BlueTreeArtGallery.com and blogs, teaches workshops, and runs creativity challenges at CreativeEveryDay.com.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to share a bit of my story here, Kathy and Barb. Love the site you've started up!
Posted by: leah | June 17, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Thanks so much for this post - I suffer from severe depression and am currently unable to work because of it. One of the few things I have found helpful is crafting so it is very inspiring and comforting to hear from someone else who feels the same.
Fab site xx
Posted by: thedottyone | June 20, 2009 at 02:30 AM
Beautiful artwork Leah! I will be checking out your site! My art helps me deal with depression as well, it truly saves our lives!
Posted by: Jennifer Maroney | June 03, 2010 at 12:22 PM
I can really relate to what you've said here, Leah. I'm a singer and have known for years that music reaches a part of me nothing else does. Sometimes it's more helpful for me to listen than actually sing, but either way I feel a lift in my spirit. All forms of art really help. I like your expressive artwork vry much.
Posted by: Liane | October 07, 2011 at 12:11 PM
It is truly wonderful that you have discovered your depression buster which is your creativity and art work.
Unfortunately many people go through life taking drugs to help them cope with depression or stress and these usually have harmful side effects that add to their initial problem.
Have a look here at a variety of coping mechanisms for depression or stress or anxiety.
http://howtorelievestresseasily.com/category/coping-mechanisms-2
Posted by: How to Relieve Stress | October 13, 2011 at 01:56 PM
amazing pictures
Posted by: Taira | December 25, 2011 at 03:40 AM
Its a great and useful tips. I learn much about your post I will let my friend read it. Thank you.
Posted by: Senior Planning NJ | January 17, 2012 at 07:03 PM
Wonderful art. I never see before such beautiful painting in my life. It's pretty tough task but you done it well. Great job done by you.
Posted by: מתיחת בטן | February 14, 2012 at 08:52 AM
I saw some of your works, and I can say that you're very talented! Your depression triggered your creativity, but it is good that you dealt with it. I can see you have managed it by yourself. Just pursue sharing your work here. Many people will surely appreciate and acknowledge how good you are. :D
Posted by: Anthony Tompson | February 14, 2012 at 12:13 PM