Posted by Stef on August 6, 2001, at 9:14:49
In reply to Art and depression, posted by Mickey on August 6, 2001, at 8:58:02
> I have been an artist and art teacher for many years. Though friends and colleagues have been complimentary about my work (painting) I began to become very critical of my own work and also began to lose enthusiasm for teaching. These feelings and thoughts began to snowball over late spring and summer to the point where I now have stopped painting completely. I begin teaching again in three weeks and am feeling withdrawn. I started celexa two weeks ago and though I am feeling better I still do not wish to paint and dread the idea of going back to work.
>
> I am curious if there are any people out there involved in the arts who have had similar experiences and would like to know if anti-depressants have helped get them back on track. Many people believe that art is a form of therapy but I don't think it works that way for someone who's art is their career.I don't know how my art helps me,but it does. I know that sometimes when I have something bugging me,going into my studio and recording a few tracks,(I'm a musician),is like a purging of demons,so to speak. And I also paint abstract,and when I do it can be like painting the things in my head out on a canvas,which helps get them out.
Not a cure,for me anyway,but being an artist certainly gives me an outlet that most people don't have.
Cheers,
poster:Stef
thread:73757
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/73761.html