Aridi Writes

What does depression do for an artist?

Well, a lot of the time it is a crippling barrier. A sense of “why bother” can sink even the best intentions, and even the most virtuous attempts at increasing a word count. The quality of the work can likewise suffer. When you can’t objectively analyse what you’ve written or where it is going, how can you maintain direction? In short, it can be a nightmare to write when in a depressive episode.

But likewise, it can bring subtle advantages. Insight into more introspective behaviours and characters. The ability to inspire pathos – especially through dramatic scenes involving negative emotion. Despair is often hard to write if one isn’t already despairing, in keeping with the old adage, Write What You Know.

Is it worth it? Honestly, I wouldn’t know. I’m too subjective in this regard – I’ve never written a word without depression having some sway in it. It’s made me who I am, and as happy or unhappy as I may be about that, it is as it is. How can I guess who I would be if I wasn’t myself?

All we can do is keep walking, regardless of how much our feet hurt.