Written by Jana Tosic 

What Is Resilience and Why Does It Matter?
​Resilience is the ability to bounce back after facing challenges or setbacks. For creatives, it means staying motivated and continuing to create, even when things don’t go as planned. Building resilience helps you push through difficulties and setbacks so you don’t give up on your art or your dreams.

Why is this so important? In the world of creativity, rejection, criticism, and failure are inevitable. But with resilience, you can face these challenges, learn from them, and grow. Instead of letting fear or failure hold you back, resilience helps you confidently move forward.

5 Key Strategies to Build Resilience as an Artist
Here are some practical strategies you can use to build resilience in your creative journey:

Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help reduce stress and fear, making it easier to focus on your art. Simple techniques like deep breathing or guided visualization can calm your mind and ease anxiety.
A study from Frontiers shows that mindfulness can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. (Frontiers)

Focus on Your Strengths
Using your unique strengths can make you feel more genuine and confident. Applying what you do best will make it easier to face challenges and see them as growth opportunities.

Seek Supportive Networks
Surrounding yourself with understanding peers, mentors, or fellow artists can provide encouragement and reassurance during tough times. Having someone to share your struggles with can make a big difference in building your resilience.

Learn From a Failure
Failure is not the end—it's part of the creative process. Rather than seeing mistakes as personal shortcomings, use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Reframe failure as a stepping stone toward improvement.

Set Realistic Goals
Setting manageable goals helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Break larger tasks into smaller, achievable steps. This will not only make your creative process less stressful but also give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.

By practicing these strategies, you can build the resilience needed to keep creating, no matter what challenges arise. Now, we'll discover practical ways to be more confident in your creative work.

How to Be More Confident as an Artist:
Struggling with self-doubt? Then you probably know the feeling: that nagging voice in your head saying, "What if my art isn’t good enough?" or "What if people don’t like it?" It can be tough to shake these doubts, but the truth is, you’re not alone. 

Every artist goes through moments of uncertainty. So, how can you stop those fears from holding you back? One way is by building your self-esteem and confidence. But how do you do that when your mind is full of self-doubt?

Here are some simple steps to help you feel more confident in your work and yourself.

Practice Daily Affirmations?
Do you ever catch yourself saying something negative, like “I’m not a good artist” or “My work is terrible”? What if, instead, you could say, “I am a creative person” or “My art has value”? This is where affirmations come in.

• Why It Works: Affirmations are positive statements you tell yourself, and they help rewire your brain to focus on the good. It might feel awkward at first, but with practice, these small changes can have a huge impact on your confidence.
• How to Start: Pick one or two positive phrases that feel true to you. Write them down and say them out loud every morning or whenever you feel down. Over time, these affirmations can help shift your mindset from doubt to belief in yourself.

Celebrate Small Wins
We often wait for big achievements to celebrate, like finishing a major painting or getting a gallery show. But what about the small victories along the way? Did you finish a sketch? Take the time to celebrate it.

• Why It Matters: Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your bigger goals. Celebrating the little things helps you recognize your progress and builds confidence.
• How to Celebrate: You could share your work with a friend or write it in a journal. Whatever feels good to you, make sure to recognize those small wins. They add up and make a huge difference in how you see yourself as an artist.

Create a Routine and Habits
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when there’s so much to do and so little time. But what if you could make your day feel a little more in control? That’s where building a routine comes in.

Studies show that having a regular routine can help you feel happier and less stressed (BCCPA). When you build good habits, you start to feel more in control of your work and your life. 

• Why a Routine Helps: A routine brings structure to your day and helps reduce anxiety. Knowing exactly when you will sit down and work on your art makes it feel less like a mountain to climb and more like a manageable task.
• How Routine Builds Confidence: When you create a daily habit of working on your art, you tell yourself that your work is important. Over time, as you see your art progress, your confidence will grow.

Building self-esteem and confidence as an artist doesn’t happen overnight. But you can slowly shift your mindset by practicing daily affirmations, celebrating small wins, and creating a routine. 
It’s all about progress, not perfection. You don’t have to do everything perfectly to be a good artist—you just have to keep showing up and believing in yourself.

Conclusion
Creative work is filled with challenges but remember—you’re not alone in fear or doubt. These emotions are natural and common for artists and creatives. The good news is that fear doesn’t have to stop you. By acknowledging your fears, nurturing resilience, and building confidence, you can create freely and find joy in your work. 
Start with small steps like practicing mindfulness, celebrating small wins, and building routines. These actions help you overcome fear and enjoy your creative process.
Remember, it takes time. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. Each step brings you closer to being the confident artist you want to be.

Need extra support? The CMHC team is here to help. Reach out for guidance tailored to your creative journey.

FAQs
How to overcome fear as an artist?
Overcoming fear starts with changing how you see your art. Instead of focusing on perfection or approval, embrace art as a form of self-expression. Use mindfulness to reduce anxiety, break down tasks into small goals, and seek support from fellow artists. 
Remember, failures are part of growth and resilience.

How does art build resilience?
​Art helps build resilience by allowing you to express emotions and face challenges. When you create, you learn to push through difficult moments, handle mistakes, and keep going. 
This process builds your confidence, strengthens your emotions, and helps you adapt, making you more resilient in both art and life.

Being creative can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Many artists and creatives experience fear, doubt, and insecurity. You might fear judgment from others, feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect or struggle with self-doubt about your work. It’s normal to feel like this, but that doesn’t make it any easier. If you’ve ever found yourself frozen, unsure of what to create next or whether anyone will even care about your work, you’re not alone.
The truth is, fear doesn’t have to hold you back. Building resilience and confidence is the key to overcoming these challenges and thriving in your creative journey. With the right strategies, you can learn to bounce back from setbacks, face judgment with confidence, and create with joy, even when those fears arise.
In this article, we’ll explore simple yet powerful ways to build resilience, tackle fear, and boost your self-esteem. You’ll discover therapeutic strategies professionals use to help creatives like you break free from the cycle of fear and self-doubt and take your work to new heights. 
Keep reading to learn how to turn your vulnerabilities into strengths and feel confident as you express yourself through art.

Why Fear Holds Creatives Back?
Fear is something that all creatives deal with. It’s not just about being scared; it’s about the fear of failing or being judged by others. These fears can stop you from creating or sharing your work because you're worried about what others might think or whether you’ll succeed.

• Fear of Failure: The worry that your work won’t turn out as you hoped or you won’t meet your own or others' expectations.
• Fear of Criticism: The worry that people will judge your work negatively, which can make you hesitant to put it out there at all.
• Fear of the Unknown: You might worry about the things you don’t know yet—how to show your work, talk to buyers, or manage sales.
• Artistic Uncertainty: “What if I choose a path that doesn’t lead where I expect?” This uncertainty can be paralyzing.
• Lack of Support: Your friends or family may not understand why you pursue a creative career or how important your art is to you. Their concerns may make you question your own choices.

These fears don’t just stay in your thoughts—they can deeply affect your emotions, creativity, and mental health. Let’s explore how fear impacts your well-being and creative expression.

How Fear Can Impact Your Mental Health and Creativity
When fear sticks around for too long, it doesn’t just affect your art—it can harm your mental health too. Constantly feeling anxious or afraid can lead to depression or burnout. It makes it harder to keep creating because your mind focuses more on the fear than the joy of making art.

• Anxiety: The stress of worrying about how your work will be received.
• Depression: The feeling that your work isn't good enough, which can cause a lack of motivation.
• Burnout: When the pressure of fear makes it hard to keep going, you might feel drained or like you can’t create anymore.

These negative feelings can make you stop creating or, worse, stop enjoying it. Fear can trap you, but recognizing and managing it can help you move forward and regain the fun and freedom of being creative.
The good news is it’s possible to break free from this cycle of fear. In the next section, we’ll share some simple tools to help you overcome it and unlock your creative potential.

Practical Techniques to Overcome Fear in Your Creative Work
Creatives often face internal fears and doubts that can hinder their artistic growth. Fortunately, there are therapeutic strategies that can help you overcome these challenges. Here are some proven techniques:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized for addressing negative thoughts and promoting positive self-talk. It helps you recognize unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge them, and replace them with healthier, more empowering thoughts.

How CBT Helps: By identifying and confronting the fears that hold you back—such as the fear of failure or criticism—CBT helps break the cycle of negativity. With time, you learn to respond to challenges with more confidence and clarity.
Research from BioPsychoSocial Medicine confirms that CBT is effective in treating anxiety and depression, two common struggles creatives face (BPSMedicine). Applying CBT techniques can not only reduce fear but also increase your emotional resilience.
Journaling and ReflectionWriting down your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful tool for managing fear and building self-awareness. Journaling allows you to express your worries, reflect on your creative process, and track your growth over time.
Benefits of Journaling:

• Identify triggers: Regular journaling can help you pinpoint specific situations or thoughts that trigger fear or anxiety. Understanding these triggers is the first step toward overcoming them.
• Track progress: Journaling lets you see how far you’ve come in your creative journey. Reflecting on past challenges and victories can remind you of your resilience and capabilities.

Professional Help and ResourcesSometimes, fear and anxiety can feel overwhelming, and it may be helpful to seek professional guidance. Speaking with a psychologist or therapist can provide tailored strategies to help you manage your fears and improve your mental health.
Why Seek Professional Therapy?
Working with a therapist can help you address deeper emotional or psychological issues affecting your creativity. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore your fears, set goals, and develop coping strategies.
At CMHC, we understand the unique challenges artists and creatives face. Our services are designed to support your mental well-being and provide practical strategies for overcoming the fears that impact your work. 
Ready to overcome fear in your creative work?
If fear is holding you back, CMHC can help. We provide the support you need to overcome your doubts and keep creating. 
Contact our CMHC counselors now!

by Jana Tosic

Creative mental health activities can lift your mood and ease stress. Explore the list below to find the creative outlet that resonates with you.
Visual ArtsVisual arts like painting, drawing, and sculpting can be a fantastic way to express yourself and find healing. These activities offer a chance to release emotions that might be hard to describe. 
For instance, when you paint, you can use colors to reflect how you feel—the calming blue of a serene sea or the vibrant red of passion. This practice, known as color therapy, helps reduce anxiety and brings relaxation, making it a great way to unwind after a stressful day.
Each type of visual art has its own special benefits:

• Painting can boost your mood and help you relax as you blend colors and create your masterpiece.
• Drawing sharpens your focus and fine motor skills while allowing you to tell your story through images.
• Sculpting gives you a hands-on experience, connecting you with your creativity and surroundings in a tangible way.

Performing ArtsThe performing arts, including dance, theater, and music, offer incredible ways to heal and connect with others. When you dance, you're not just moving; you're expressing your emotions and letting go of stress. It’s a joyful way to lift your spirits and feel free. 
Theater provides a chance to explore different characters and stories, helping you imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes and gain new perspectives.
Collaborating with others in the performing arts fosters strong connections and creates a sense of community. Whether you're acting in a play or joining a dance troupe, these experiences can lead to lasting friendships and shared emotional journeys.
Writing and LiteratureCreative writing, journaling, and poetry are powerful tools for understanding and expressing one's feelings. Writing helps you sort through your thoughts and emotions, bringing clarity and insight. Simple practices like keeping a gratitude journal or writing letters to yourself can significantly enhance one's emotional well-being.
For example, journaling about your day can help you reflect on your experiences and better understand your emotions. Poetry allows you to express deep feelings beautifully and structured, making it a unique outlet for creativity. 
These writing activities help you process your feelings, give you a sense of accomplishment, and boost your self-esteem.
Have you considered how trying different creative outlets might reveal more about who you are?
Now that you understand the value of creativity and mental health, let's discover some simple ways to incorporate them into your daily life! 

Practical Strategies to Include Creativity into Your Daily Life

Start Your Creative Journey
Have you ever thought about how creativity could enrich your daily life? Starting your creative journey doesn’t have to be daunting. Simple activities, like doodling in a notebook or experimenting with colors, can be a great way to ease into creative expression. 
Why not give yourself permission to play and explore? Low-pressure activities, like coloring or crafting, can spark inspiration without the stress of perfection. 
Find Community and SupportImagine being part of a vibrant community full of creatives! Find local workshops or online classes to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Sharing your creative experiences with others enhances your healing journey and fosters a sense of belonging. 
Have you considered how the support of a creative community could inspire your growth? Exploring these connections might open doors to new opportunities and friendships.
Create an Inspiring Space for ArtWhat if your surroundings could nurture your creativity? Setting up a personal art space can make all the difference. Consider adding elements that inspire you—like art supplies, inspirational quotes, or nature scenes. 
Your environment can significantly influence your creative flow. What small changes can you make in your space to invite creativity?
Use these simple strategies to easily add creativity to your daily life and find new ways to express yourself. What small step will you take today to start your creative journey for mental health benefits?
ConclusionThe benefits of creative activities for mental health are vast and deeply impactful. Engaging in creative outlets can help ease feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation, allowing you to express your emotions and discover your true self.
Now is the perfect time to explore your creative side! Whether painting, writing, or dancing, these activities can bring joy and healing to your life.
Don’t hesitate to contact the CMHC team for guidance and support. Together, we can find ways to boost your creativity and mental well-being. 
Take the first step today!
FAQsHow does creativity benefit mental health?Creativity boosts mental health by activating brain areas that handle emotions. Engaging in art or music can calm your mind and bring emotional balance, helping you manage anxiety and stress.
How do creative arts help mental health?Creative practices, like painting or writing, can lessen depression and PTSD symptoms. By expressing your feelings through art, you can better understand and cope with your emotions.
What are the positive effects of creativity?Engaging in creative activities offers several mental and physical benefits, including:

• Boosts positive feelings of joy and satisfaction.
• Reduces anxiety and depression, improving your overall mood.
• Supports your immune system.
• Nourishes both mind and spirit.

Written by Jana Tosic
Mental health matters more than ever, especially as many of us face challenges like anxiety and depression. Did you know that nearly one in five adults experiences a mental health issue each year? (SAMHSA)
This reality can feel overwhelming, and it’s no wonder that people are searching for new ways to cope and heal. While we often think of exercise and diet as key to our well-being, creative activities can be just as important for our mental health. When you dive into creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music, you can express your feelings and find relief from everyday stress.  And the best part? You don’t need special skills or training—just a desire to explore and express.

In this article, you’ll learn how to add creativity to your routine for better mental health and enrich your life. Keep reading to discover simple, fulfilling ways to start.

Is Creativity Good for Mental Health? What Science Says:
​
Creativity is your secret advantage for mental health and well-being. It offers a way to connect with your emotions and express feelings that words often can’t capture. 
Did you know that engaging in creative activities can change how your brain works? When you create, your brain releases endorphins and dopamine. According to research published in Science Direct, those chemicals boost your mood and make you feel good. 
This isn't just a feel-good story; studies show creative expression can significantly improve mental health. For example, an NCBI journal highlights how “art-making can reduce anxiety.”
So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, picking up a paintbrush or writing in a journal might be exactly what you need.
Furthermore, research on creative expression has linked it to improved resilience in mental health. One study explains, “Participating in creative activities can help people cope with stress and despair and alleviate the burden of chronic mental illnesses”​ (NCBI). 
So, if you're struggling with your emotions or past experiences, remember that creativity is a powerful tool for understanding and healing. Explore your creative side. You might just find that it helps you heal and feel more connected to yourself and the world around you.

How Can Art be Used for Self-Expression?

Self-expression through art can help people process difficult emotions and manage trauma. According to NCBI findings, self-expression can serve as “an emotional buffer, helping individuals work through unresolved feelings”​ (NCBI).
When you take the time to write, paint, or make music, you're giving yourself permission to feel and explore complex emotions. This process can help you work through trauma or stress, turning painful experiences into something beautiful and meaningful. 

These findings reveal that embracing creativity can be transformative for mental health. As you read this article, you'll find simple ways to incorporate creative practices into your life and feel the profound benefits for your mental well-being.

How Mental Health Struggles Show Up in Artists' Lives
Mental health challenges often surface quietly for artists, affecting both your work and well-being. But what do these signs mean, and how can you manage them? 
Let’s break down how mental health might appear in your life so that you can recognize and address these experiences head-on.

Common Symptoms of Mental Health Problems in Artists

• Anxiety and excessive worry. The demands of the creative world can stir up feelings of anxiety. You might worry about your work being accepted, meeting deadlines, or managing financial uncertainties. This constant state of worry can cloud your creativity and affect your well-being.
• Depressive symptoms. Many artists go through periods of feeling low, which may include:

1. ​Lack of motivation: You might struggle to start new projects or feel drained by the creative process.
2. Self-doubt: Comparing yourself to others can make you question your talent and wonder if you’re good enough.
3. Fatigue: The emotional demands of creating can leave you exhausted, making engaging in your art and daily life hard.

• Addiction and substance use. Some artists turn to substances as a way to cope with emotional pain. While it may offer temporary relief, substance use can worsen mental health issues.
• ​Isolation and loneliness. Working solo, especially in freelance roles, can lead to feelings of loneliness. You might miss the sense of connection that comes from team collaboration. This isolation can intensify mental health struggles.

Famous Artists With Mental Health Issues:
Here are some inspiring examples from famous artists who’ve faced mental health issues:
1. Vincent van Gogh suffered from severe depression, psychotic episodes, and possible epilepsy. He’s known for his bold use of color, pouring those raw emotions into iconic works like The Starry Night. His vivid yellows may have been influenced by his condition, giving his art a unique intensity that reflects his emotional world.
2. Known for The Scream, Edvard Munch's work captures his battles with mental health. He faced depression, alcoholism, and a breakdown in 1908 following a challenging family history. His haunting words, “sickness, madness, and death were the black angels that guarded my crib,” reflect how his past influenced his art. Munch’s swirling colors and dark themes mirror his internal struggles, showing how creativity and suffering often intertwine in deeply expressive ways.
3. Among the female writers with mental illness is Sylvia Plath. Her poetry captured deep struggles with depression in a way that connected powerfully with others. Her work, especially Ariel, reveals how art can be a lifeline for expressing inner pain. Plath’s journey also led to the “Sylvia Plath Effect,” a term used to explore the unique challenges poets face with mental health.
4. Known for her soulful voice and expressive lyrics, Amy Winehouse battled addiction and bipolar disorder. That produced a deep impact on her music and personal life. Her song Rehab showed her struggle with accepting help, yet she faced cycles of despair, substance use, and self-doubt. 
Despite her success, Amy’s story reminds us that mental health struggles can affect anyone. Reaching out for support can be vital in sustaining well-being and creativity.
Let these real-life stories remind you that you’re not alone. There is hope, and therapy or counseling can help you manage your emotions with personalized support.  

Written by Jana Tosic
Being an artist can be both a gift and a challenge. Your creativity lets you perceive life in ways others don't, but does it also make you more vulnerable to mental health struggles? Studies show that mental health challenges are very common among artists. In fact, nearly 60% of artists experience some form of mental illness in their lives. Beyond the “tortured artist” stereotype, there’s real pressure that comes with creative work. Here, we’ll explore why these challenges happen and how you can manage them while keeping creativity alive.
Why Artists Experience Mental Health Challenges
Mental health challenges often feel close to home in creative fields, and it’s no coincidence. The emotional depth and sensitivity that fuel artistic work can make artists more vulnerable to struggles like self-doubt, anxiety, and intense highs and lows. 
Imagine spending days perfecting a piece, only to feel uncertain if it’s good enough or if anyone will connect with it. Recognizing these feelings as common in creative careers can help you manage them with compassion and continue to create uplifting work. You might wonder: Is creativity linked to mental illness? Let’s explore this connection further.

The Link Between Creativity and Mental Health Research shows a strong link between creativity and certain mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. The same study further reveals that writers and visual artists face much higher risks of depression and bipolar disorder than others. 
​
​While your feelings can inspire beautiful art, they can also make you more vulnerable to emotional struggles. For example, a poet might draw inspiration from sadness and be caught in self-doubt. 
Recognizing this link can help you navigate the ups and downs of your creative journey. 

Our CMHC team is here to listen and provide the guidance you need.

It's common for people in creative professions to have moments (sometimes long periods) where they ask themselves this question: "is my time up? should I be working toward something else instead?"
My approach in tackling this issue is both exploratory and empowering.
I like to understand what the reasoning is behind these types of doubts, and I also want to be the voice that cheers for the "Creativity/Arts Team". Here are some things I consider:

1. ​​What does the idea of changing directions feel like? Is there excitement and curiosity when discussing carving a new professional path or feelings of grief and frustration? We want to know the nature of someone's feelings associated with the change.
2. Is the commitment to pursuing the artist's path based on ego? Is it hard to give up because it feels like failure? We want to make sure that someone wants to stay in their chosen path for the "right" reasons.
3. Does my client truly have a choice? By this, I mean that sometimes doing art is not a choice. It's a need. Clients may feel unfilled and incomplete if they are not writing, acting, painting, playing music, and so on. When this is detected, I make sure to continue to empower my clients to keep doing what they are doing and gently surrender to the fact that it's an essential, non-negotiable part of who they are.