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Artistic burn out, depression, delays
11 years ago
Lately I've been mentioning to some of my close friends that I haven't been feeling good, and everyone has been so kind and understanding. It started with not wanting to log into Skype, not wanting to text anyone, not wanting to talk to anybody at all. It worked, because I just kind of buried myself in art.
But then I started feeling burnt out on art. I thought maybe if I pushed through it, my slump would just go away on its own -- but that hasn't happened. Normally doing art is what makes me feel better, but now I'm finding myself kind of spending a lot of time sleeping, unable and unwilling to get out of bed. I don't want to do anything -- draw, read, eat, take care of my pets.. nothing. I've struggled with severely debilitating mental illness since I was 14, so it's nothing new -- I have an appointment to see my doctor on August 1st. But until then I may continue to be a little slow. I'm so sorry for that. I am still working every day on art, but I know it's starting to take a while to get some things done.
If you currently have a commission in progress with me and want to speed things up, feel free to send me a deadline that would work well for you. I tend to work better when given a deadline.
EDIT: Oh heavens, thank you so much for the outpouring of kindness and help. <3 I was almost brought to tears when I saw how many people responded with such nice things. Thank you so much -- so much!
But then I started feeling burnt out on art. I thought maybe if I pushed through it, my slump would just go away on its own -- but that hasn't happened. Normally doing art is what makes me feel better, but now I'm finding myself kind of spending a lot of time sleeping, unable and unwilling to get out of bed. I don't want to do anything -- draw, read, eat, take care of my pets.. nothing. I've struggled with severely debilitating mental illness since I was 14, so it's nothing new -- I have an appointment to see my doctor on August 1st. But until then I may continue to be a little slow. I'm so sorry for that. I am still working every day on art, but I know it's starting to take a while to get some things done.
If you currently have a commission in progress with me and want to speed things up, feel free to send me a deadline that would work well for you. I tend to work better when given a deadline.
EDIT: Oh heavens, thank you so much for the outpouring of kindness and help. <3 I was almost brought to tears when I saw how many people responded with such nice things. Thank you so much -- so much!
felt the exact same, and going to just play videogames, or even walking for 1 week
of no art helped improved my art and my attitude.
Also I heard making a procrastination list can help, a list of things that you should do, but don't have to, and then don't do them.
In the end though, take care of yourself first.
I haven't heard of the procrastination list before, I may have to give that a shot!
I know it doesn't always help, but maybe going to a Spa or forcing yourself to get out of the house and do something relaxing in a new environment can help. It helped me when I was in a similar situation >_<
That's actually a great idea, I may just need to schedule a "me-day"..
I believe I still have a two-char pin up from you. if you want a deadline, would mid-August do? And if you don't make it, I don't mind at all.
Mid-August would be perfect, thank you. (:
I luckily have a mother and mate who both like taking me out of my little corner and make me do something I like to do rather than stay in bed for days on end. I hope you have someone either in person or online that can make sure you have some time to do what you like to do. C:
That's all we ask for
I know I do...
Your mind needs variation, usually, to remain operational.
You need rest, you need a main task to occupy yourself with ( your art ) and you need time to relax ( chatting, walking, listening to music, watchign TV, playing games ). None of this MUST be, but ignoring more than one item spells usually trouble on the way.
So, first of all: Get well again.
Get healthy, relaxed, and then .. Maybe make a planned schedule for your day to prevent such a thing happenign i nthe future.
It all depends on your individuality how to best prevent such a situation from ever occuring again.
But maybe first of all gift yourself 5 minutes rest.
http://vimeo.com/94966580
And after that realize that the current state is just temporary:
"Every day will be a bit better than the last."
I count on you, m'ladyowl
I used to have my day very scheduled and planned out, and I don't know if it's coincidence or if that structure really helped, but I will definitely try to go back to it. I find that leaving my day more free-flowing as I have been means I work all day long and never really take a real, meaningful break. I also have been slacking on meditation (it's been about a year since I last took time to really meditate), so I will definitely be putting aside time for that as well.
Thank you so much, your advice really helps! c:
Plus, I love the work you do.
One day at a time, bird. If you don't feel like getting out of bed today, don't clean up, don't do anything, tomorrow is always a clean slate and every month past the second one has at least 29 tomorrows to it. Just try not to get down on yourself if you take a few of them.
All the best.
Try to let people in a bit more to help you cope if you can, it can help... I isolate myself from people too and it does hurt in the long run.
Good luck getting to a better place, comments here show how much people want you to be ok.
It can be tough letting people in when you feel bad, it's a really bad habit I have. I know it only hurts in the long run, but it's so much easier to just hide. I definitely need to make a better effort, so I won't get this far down in the future.
Thank you so much, again. <3