In this video, I wanted to delve into the challenges of managing artistic creativity while dealing with depression or other chronic invisible conditions (I also get frequent migraines). I'll share my recent personal experiences and insights on finding a balance that works for me. My mood is still low, but I'm making it through!

Struggling with Fluctuations in Energy and Mood:
Living with depression or similar conditions often leads to unpredictable fluctuations in energy, mood, and outlook. Personally, I've struggled with feeling great and full of ideas one moment, only to lose momentum and struggle to get back on track when my mood shifts.

During high-energy phases, I would start new projects and feel unstoppable. However, during low periods, I battled feelings of worthlessness and struggled to do anything productive. This black-and-white perspective created a constant internal conflict.

Shifting Perspectives
A few years ago, I had a realization that maybe my high-energy self was setting me up for failure by expecting constant peak performance. Instead of always initiating new projects during high periods, I learned to use that energy for maintenance and preparation for the inevitable low phases.

During low moments, I practiced being willing to do even the smallest creative task, like sketching a single line in bed. This shift in mindset helped me stay connected to my creative side even during tough times.

I also learned the importance of showing compassion toward myself during depressive episodes. Rather than judging or trying to force myself out of it, I embraced the reality of my feelings and focused on inclusion and acceptance of all aspects of my experience.

Just as Universal Design aims to make spaces accessible to all, I applied a similar concept to my art practice, ensuring it accommodates my full range of moods and energies. This inclusive approach has been transformative in maintaining a sustainable creative practice.

A Beautiful Experience of Self-love and Self-compassion
As part of a business course, I created a recording to rehearse and memorize the authentic self and values I want to bring into my business. I was very aware of including this embrace of my full self as I wrote it. I recently listened to it when my mood was very low and the experience of hearing my own voice remind me of these values of compassion, love and acceptance was extremely moving! I've built a safety net to catch me when my mood falls and it works. I'm still recovering, but I am hopeful

Navigating artistic creativity while managing depression is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-care. Finding balance requires embracing all aspects of oneself, practicing self-compassion, and honoring the rhythms of life.

Do you have strategies you use to manage your mood or energy? Is this an area you struggle with? Let me know in the comments :)

Join me for the for Radiate into Red expressive arts workshop (or to get the recording later).
​Register here!

What is the culture of your studio? Is it a place to have discipline and work ethic? Where you compare yourself and your art to what you wish it would be and fret about how you are falling short? A place of inadequacy and laziness?

That might be how it feels when you are depressed.

Think of your most fragile, broken, disappointed artistic self. No motivation, feeling down, unable to work, unable to play, messy, dusty and abandoned.

That depressed self must also feel comfortable in your studio. That sad hopeless wretch – it is her space too. It should be just as welcoming to her as it is to you when you are bustling with energy and alive with inspiration.

Both creatures share this sacred space and if the energy of your studio only welcomes your most successful and driven version, it will not be a safe space for your inner artist when she is not well and needs love and support.

When you are at your most motivated, you probably leave a mess. There is no comfortable place to sit because it is covered with sketches or wet paintings needing a space to dry. Brushes left in dirty water, caps left off tubes, excited writing and sketches that might be overwhelming and intimidating to your depressed side. Unfinished work she doesn’t know how to reenter, lacking the confidence to contribute anything of value.

Before you leave your studio, assume that you might be in a low mood, low energy, depressed the next day. What does that part of you need to feel welcome? Fresh paper, easy to use supplies laid out in rainbow order, clean brushes ready to go, a bucket ready to be filled with water. Think of it as a closing blessing ritual for the studio to make it a safe welcoming place in case you feel low the next day. 

And if you are still feeling great the next day? What a delight!  This beautifully laid out space, so inviting.