Being a Creative Can Be Tough, But We Need You

A headline about suicide hooked me the other day, although it doesn’t take much to catch my eye if suicide is the topic. I’m hyper-aware of it; it runs in my family.

Artists and creatives seem to kill themselves at a higher rate than other people, but my cursory research turned up data that doctors, dentists and veterinarians kill themselves at higher rates. For some reason, people are curious about creativity and mental health, and artist suicides seem to get the most press.

I’ve felt suicidal three times in my life and each time the suicidal part of me said things like “You are worthless and no one would miss you," and “You don’t matter."

In every instance, the truth was that I was suffering from lack of connection to other people. The remedy was connection, not death.

Feeling suicidal is simply an indicator that I need authentic, fulfilling connection.

Creativity and mental health

Being a creative can be tough, challenging work, especially if you’re changing the culture and not many people get what you’re up to. So remember, if you feel discouraged or sad enough that your brain is telling you death is a viable option, you just need connection.

The equation is this:
Suicidal thoughts = Need for people.

Start with the suicide prevention lifeline: (800)-273-8255 if you’re in this place and you can’t think of anyone else to connect with.

When I confessed to feeling suicidal to people, love poured over me.

I understood I would be missed.

You would be missed too.