Artists in history are often linked with depression, such as Frederic Chopin, the pianist. He was well known for his melancholy pieces, which were inspired by his recurring depression. He missed his homeland of Poland and was very ill around the age of 35. By 39, Chopin had died of his sickness and depression. So what is the link between creativity and depression? Some people think art is a relieving hobby in which people with depression can channel their negative thoughts through. Others think people with depression have seen the world at its highest and lowest points and are therefore able to paint things that nondepressed people couldn't even imagine. The main theory, however, is that "it isn't depression itself but recovery from depression that inspires creative work." Any of these could be a reason for why someone with depression is also artistically gifted.
Schneider, Elaine. "Frederic Chopin Biography." Essortment Articles: Free Online Articles on Health, Science, Education & More.. 2002. Web. 05 Jan. 2011. http://www.essortment.com/all/fredericchopin_reze.htm.
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Quote from "Depression, Creativity, and a New Pair of Shoes | Psychology Today." Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness Find a Therapist. Web. 21 Nov. 2010. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/life-art/200807/depression-creativity-and-new-pair-shoes.
