So for those out there who deal with these things, how do you deal? What are your coping strategies, how do you keep your writing and creative life on track even when your brain chemistry wants to derail ALL THE THINGS?
Note: Diagnosis: OCD, Social Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Possible Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
How do I deal? Some days, I just don't. Some days, I throw my hat into the ring and let the mental illnesses win. Because sometimes, the fight just isn't worth it. However, I take those days back with small things.
No, I didn't write/edit that chapter, but my stove is sparkling, dinner isn't thrown together at the last moment, and I've read that research book and that novel I'd had sitting on the table for 3 weeks. It's a small thing, but it's something.
And sometimes, my creativity needs to be moved.
So instead of writing on the computer, I'll put it on the coffee table and pull out the notebook and write by hand. Or, I'll do something really insane and go sit out back in the sunshine and write. Or, I'll grab my camera and go for a walk down by the river (this is less often because... yeah). Taking pictures, even if it's of nothing in particular is an artistic venture and again, is something.
Writing is very personal to me. So, another thing I'll do is send my writing to a close friend. He knows, when he gets that email, that what I need is that push to get back into the flow. And he gives it. Usually with bells on and a candy cane.
And, I try not to get angry at myself because today, I didn't write. I didn't edit. I didn't do anything creative. Those days are more often than I'd like to admit (and even harder with kids out of school for the summer!) but I try not to get angry with myself or my brain chemistry because I just cannot be productive.
Also: Hydration is a big thing. If I'm not drinking a ton of water/herbal tea, I cannot think very well. (Again, the heat is killing me because no matter how much I drink, I'm always thirsty!)
And there are times I let myself play those stupid flash games (Usually Word Whomp on Pogo) and get my brain away from whatever distraction is there and into the 'proper' distraction: Words.
no subject
Note: Diagnosis: OCD, Social Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Possible Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
How do I deal? Some days, I just don't. Some days, I throw my hat into the ring and let the mental illnesses win. Because sometimes, the fight just isn't worth it. However, I take those days back with small things.
No, I didn't write/edit that chapter, but my stove is sparkling, dinner isn't thrown together at the last moment, and I've read that research book and that novel I'd had sitting on the table for 3 weeks. It's a small thing, but it's something.
And sometimes, my creativity needs to be moved.
So instead of writing on the computer, I'll put it on the coffee table and pull out the notebook and write by hand. Or, I'll do something really insane and go sit out back in the sunshine and write. Or, I'll grab my camera and go for a walk down by the river (this is less often because... yeah). Taking pictures, even if it's of nothing in particular is an artistic venture and again, is something.
Writing is very personal to me. So, another thing I'll do is send my writing to a close friend. He knows, when he gets that email, that what I need is that push to get back into the flow. And he gives it. Usually with bells on and a candy cane.
And, I try not to get angry at myself because today, I didn't write. I didn't edit. I didn't do anything creative. Those days are more often than I'd like to admit (and even harder with kids out of school for the summer!) but I try not to get angry with myself or my brain chemistry because I just cannot be productive.
Also: Hydration is a big thing. If I'm not drinking a ton of water/herbal tea, I cannot think very well. (Again, the heat is killing me because no matter how much I drink, I'm always thirsty!)
And there are times I let myself play those stupid flash games (Usually Word Whomp on Pogo) and get my brain away from whatever distraction is there and into the 'proper' distraction: Words.
I dunno if any of this will help, but I hope so.