Cope with stress
© Kat Callard
We all wake up sometimes and feel tense, but creative people seem to be more prone than most to breakdowns and emotional stress – you only have to look at the great madmen and women of literary history (Ernest Hemingway and Sylvia Plath come to mind) to realise that our delicate sensibilities make writers more vulnerable than more.
However, there are ways to make yourself sound of mind, including taking time away from that pesky novel/feature/poem/play and sending some time in the real world, as unappealing as that may sound.
Different people respond to stress in very different ways. Some people thrive on deadlines, while others are panicked! Some people have a very physical response, and some act out wildly sexually or violently or retreat inwards.
The causes of stress
Typical causes of stress include the loss of an important person or project, especially when sudden, other sorts of breakdown in relationships, a failure to live up to your own or others expectations, a sense of public humiliation or shame for whatever reason, bankruptcy, illness, difficulties of managing new baby (or creative project!), or living in persistent chaotic conditions.
Writers face the stress of unreliable incomes, unpredictable creative flow, the threat of writers’ block, the fear of being unable to deliver shining examples of writerly excellence to deadline, and the difficulties of balancing writing, earning and personal lives.
Probably central is the serious, if unfounded, fear of being found out as a fraud and having the world discover that our writing really isn’t any good after all. The fact that this fear has no grounds in reality has no impact on how stressful it can be. The fear of not being good enough can be crippling in terms of productivity and happiness.
Symptoms to look out for, and counteract
The main symptoms are emotional volatility, a tendency to break down in tears or lose your rag more than usual, sleeping too much or too little, turning to alcohol, excessive eating or drug abuse for relief, other kinds of self-harming such as cutting, a general withdrawal, difficulty of getting up, suicidal thoughts or even suicidal attempts.
If you have friends or family that you trust, you should try to share and discuss your difficulties with them in the first instance. If your stress is caused by unrealistic deadlines, be open with your editor about this.
If you are struggling to find inspiration, leave the house, go for a walk or even leave town to get a change of view. Try not to act out or otherwise turn to false gods like drugs and drink! Get some good exercise, eat healthily, get plenty of sleep and TLC if at all possible.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or just taking a bath can help, as can time spent with friends.
Stress and survival
If the symptoms persist or are severe, seek professional help from a reputable healthcare professional as soon as possible, providing it is sound. There are registers of approved counsellors and psychotherapists, and there may be a counsellor attached to your GP practise.
The most important thing is to recognise when your stress is becoming unmanageable and interfering with your everyday life, and ask for help when you need it.
Information on stress supplied by psychotherapist Sally Box, founder of the Bridge Foundation for Psychotherapy and The Arts, a charity providing counselling for individuals, families and children.
For more information visit www.bridgefoundation.org.uk
DISCLAIMER
Neither the author nor EssentialWriters.com are responsible for any loss of business or profits arising from action followed due to this advice. This article is intended for general guidance only and professional assistance should be sought based on your particular circumstances.
