Why Talking About Mental Health in the Art World Still Matters
- blairricker
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
Art has long been a medium for exploring the depths of human emotion — from anguish to joy, chaos to clarity. Yet, ironically, in a space that thrives on emotional expression, talking about mental health remains, in many circles, a quiet whisper rather than an open conversation. For all the breakthroughs in the arts, one barrier still holds strong: the stigma around mental health.
It’s time we challenge that. Not only for the well-being of individual artists but for the future of creativity itself. This is why talking about mental health in the art world still matters.
The “Tortured Artist” Myth Is Dangerous
The trope of the tortured artist has romanticized mental illness for centuries — think Van Gogh, Sylvia Plath, or Kurt Cobain. While it's true that many creatives have experienced profound inner struggles, we must stop equating mental illness with artistic genius. Suffering should not be seen as a prerequisite for authenticity.
This narrative does more harm than good. It discourages artists from seeking help, implying that treatment could dilute their creativity. In reality, therapy, medication, and support can enhance creative clarity — not erase it. Mental health care doesn't rob artists of their voice; it often helps them find it, especially when you find the perfect person to open up to. If you are seeking someone to help you on your healing journey, please know that you are not alone, and I am here to assist you and guide you.
Isolation and Pressure Are Built Into Creative Spaces
Unlike more structured professions, many artists work in solitude. The studio, the rehearsal room, or the writer’s nook can be lonely places. Add financial insecurity, rejection, and societal pressure to constantly produce something “original,” and you have a recipe for burnout and anxiety.
Creative industries also lack mental
health safety nets. Freelancers and gig workers often don’t have access to employer-sponsored mental health resources. Institutions — galleries, publishing houses, production companies — still treat mental health as a personal issue rather than a collective responsibility - Let's build a supportive community together, let's connect for the common good and awareness of our mental health.
Stigma Runs Deep — Even in Progressive Spaces
Ironically, the art world often prides itself on being progressive. It champions diversity, challenges norms, and gives voice to the marginalized. But when it comes to mental health, there’s still hesitation. Admitting to anxiety, depression, or burnout can lead to being labeled “unstable” or “unreliable.” - The stigma still lingers.
Emerging artists especially feel the pressure to appear resilient and endlessly inspired. Vulnerability, while celebrated on canvas or stage, is sometimes punished in real life. I am in a current life stage of this as I re-enter the art world I left after the immense trauma I endured in July 2021, the abandonment from my husband, my best friend, my partner, leaving our marriage unexpectedly, along with stealing our children from me for two years while he maliciously manipulated the court system with his lawyer. Now stepping back into the industry I find myself questioning my worth, and dealing with imposter syndrome - These fears hold me back, I am worth having a beautiful and majestic career as an artist and I am an amazing artist.
We must dismantle this double standard. Just as the art world has taken steps to confront racism, sexism, and ableism, it must now take mental health just as seriously.
What Destigmatizing Looks Like
Destigmatizing mental health in creative spaces starts with open dialogue. That means inviting artists, curators, directors, and educators to share their experiences without shame or fear of professional fallout. It also means recognizing the early signs of distress and responding with empathy — not judgment.
Art schools can play a powerful role by incorporating mental wellness into their curriculum. Creative institutions should offer accessible mental health resources and foster environments where rest and reflection are seen as part of the process, not a break from it. This is my "why" - the reason I create art, why I returned to school to gain my diploma in Developmental Psychology with a focus on Art Therapy, and why I am dedicated to being a healing and life coach with a passion for art. I am committed to supporting those who need guidance and their healing journey.
We also need to support artists who are speaking out. When creatives like Yayoi Kusama, Kendrick Lamar, or Florence Welch openly discuss their mental health journeys, they help others feel less alone. Their stories are not confessions — they’re acts of leadership.
The Creative World Thrives When Artists Do
Let’s be clear: advocating for mental health isn't about making artists more "productive." It’s about ensuring they can live full, healthy lives while continuing to do what they love. The art world doesn’t suffer when artists are mentally well — it flourishes.
When we create space for emotional honesty, we get richer stories, deeper connections, and more authentic expressions. Destigmatizing mental health is not a detour from creativity — it’s the path to sustaining it.
Final Thought
Mental health in the art world still matters because artists matter. Their voices, visions, and vulnerabilities shape culture and consciousness. If we want to continue celebrating their work, we must also care for their well-being.
It's time to silence the stigma — not the artist.
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