One thing society often romanticizes is the idea of “the tortured artist.” We see this portrayal in movies, music, and literature, where creativity is closely tied to suffering, mental health struggles, and instability. While it can be inspiring to see how artists channel their pain into beautiful work, it perpetuates the notion that one must endure hardship or trauma to be truly creative or valuable. This can lead to a harmful belief that mental health issues are a prerequisite for success, potentially making individuals feel that they need to suffer to achieve greatness. In reality, this glorification can hinder people from seeking help and pursuing healthier, more balanced lifestyles. Creativity can flourish in many environments, and it shouldn’t have to come at the cost of well-being.
One thing society often romanticizes is the idea of “the tortured artist.” We see this portrayal in movies, music, and literature, where creativity is closely tied to suffering, mental health struggles, and instability. While it can be inspiring to see how artists channel their pain into beautiful work, it perpetuates the notion that one must endure hardship or trauma to be truly creative or valuable. This can lead to a harmful belief that mental health issues are a prerequisite for success, potentially making individuals feel that they need to suffer to achieve greatness. In reality, this glorification can hinder people from seeking help and pursuing healthier, more balanced lifestyles. Creativity can flourish in many environments, and it shouldn’t have to come at the cost of well-being.