Depression ≠ Creativity - Whisper of the Heart | Renegade Cut

Deconstructing myths about depression creating great art. Support Renegade Cut Media through Patreon: / renegadecut
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FURTHER READING AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
www.harleytherapy.co.uk/couns...
www.independent.co.uk/voices/...
www.huffpost.com/entry/creati...
www.theatlantic.com/health/ar...
www.theatlantic.com/science/a...

[@jmalmsten]

"You don't need to suffer to portray suffering." - David Lynch One of the many quotes I love about that guy.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

He's got a point. Speaking from experience, the actual trauma might get in the way of being able to spell it out. Andrew Vachss was a REALLY good writer in terms of expressing the suffering of child abuse in all its forms without ever dealing with it firsthand.

[@konkonart7128]

I agree, the key word being 'need'. Yeah it does help to know from firsthand experience how to depict something, but it isn't a requirement. Empathy is really what an artist needs to depict an experience they've never actually done before.

[@EyeoftheU]

As Hideaki Anno, the creator of Evangelion, put it: "I'm often told that those who doesn't like themselves have high ideals, but I think someone who says that really don't understand the pain that is involved."

[@georgekostaras]

Speaking as a writer. I feel like this image of the suffering artist is something spread by people with no interest or investment in art. I can name artists and writers and creative people who make great works without trauma

[@johnathonhaney8291]

I have a condition myself and I'm a ghostwriter. But the creative folks I admire are always the "normal" people who make it over the long haul: Sir Christopher Lee, Will Eisner, Meryl Streep, Roger Corman. I mean, why the actual hell would I want to suffer for my art?

[@alejandrorodriguez3417]

Never take advice about "creative process" from those who don't actually part take or know about the creative process.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

And sometimes you should apply that advice to folks who DO. One size does not fit all when it comes to creativity. You have to discover your own rhythms so you can apply your discipline properly.

[@R0SE727]

So glad you covered this! Whisper of the Heart tends to be one of the more overlooked Ghibli movies, which is a shame because it’s really charming, and as a kid who wanted to be in a creative field it really spoke to me. Funny enough, on the subject of mental illness and creativity/art, I realized a different Ghibli movie that covers the subject, albeit more broadly, imo is Kiki’s Delivery Service, and it’s a portrayal that to me is far more honest than many other movies that glamorize the “tortured artist” trope. On more than once occasion, people have drawn parallels between Kiki’s flying business and the creative process & new young artists. Kiki actually does go through a depressive episode, and it’s so bad that she literally loses her ability to fly. While the movie never overtly calls it depression, i still think it’s noteworthy that the movie displays what so many other narratives fail to capture: that depression & mental illness is far more likely to be a killer of creativity & passion than a source of it.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

LOVE Kiki's Delivery Service! Never thought of the depression angle but you're absolutely right. And another thing I've noticed is that usually the folks who are NOT creative are often the ones making life difficult for vulnerable creatives.

[@nietzscha5056]

Whisper of the Heart is my favorite Ghibli movie! (One of my favorite movies of all time actually). I recently saw "A Silent Voice" and that anime movie probably had the best representation of mental illness I've seen in anime so far. Worth a watch!

[@kaydwessie296]

@@nietzscha5056 A Silent Voice made me cry like a freakin baby

[@jordiedmond5744]

True everyone can get have depressions everyone is avoiding it I believe it is a part of growth I think that’s why creative people succeed in their lives

[@tuckernutter]

Aka God made me mentally ill so I wouldn't be overpowered lol jk but I'm on board with mental illness and lack of self discipline being a hindrance, thankfully I can work on both

[@alexgaggio2957]

I wish you mentioned how creating art can be a coping mechanism for mental illness. My art helps stabilize me and keeps me from slipping into some dark and unpleasant places. When I’m in those places, I can’t make art, but if I can feel myself slipping and I catch it in time, art in a really good grounding mechanism that keeps me in a good mind. But I’m sure this is true for a lot of different things. Some people have sports, others have gardening, and others have some sort of spiritual practice. Art is just one way to cope with the chaos of life.

[@coyoots]

same here

[@shreyachekkala3434]

So true! It's like art is a kind of medicine

[@nanaak8617]

He mentioned that when he said artists can use art to overcome mental illness. Around the end. You'll have to watch it again.

[@TrippyKitty08]

this is one of my favorite Ghibli movies. So underrated. The first time I saw it I cried. My mom discouraged my art when I was a kid, because she wanted me to have a good normal job that'd actually make me money. I would show her a drawing and she'd say "why can't you put that effort into your school work?" I really related the lead character secretly writing and neglecting school work, I did the same thing. I hated school. All I wanted to do was draw. Now my mom is super supportive and proud. I just have a regular part time job so I have tons of time to work on my art. Because that's all I want from life.

[@Jamick98Geass]

They made a movie about Lofi Beats to Study/Relax to girl???? Kidding. As a creative writing major, this movie has always held a special in my heart. The creative process is difficult and requires tons of hard work, and I feel the movie really shows this. The music and soul of this film is infectious. Highly underrated in my book.

[@xxxxxx5868]

Holy shit I just realized the lofi beats thumbnail is from this movie

[@Knightmessenger]

Not only did they make a movie about Lofi Beats but it was even released on vhs and laserdisc in Japan.

[@fionau2583]

That first phrase angered me for some reason (*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)

[@artboy598]

I’m an illustrator and it sucks how many of my peers believe you have to be suffering or that creating is a painful process. I get that everyone has their own creative process and everyone is different, but that logic contributes to artists being treated horribly and underpaid.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Same deal for writers, friend. Honestly, when I'm on my game, writing is the one time I am NOT in pain from my life. It's the most soothing thing in the world and makes me crave the next round. I hope you have the same passion in your work without too much of the pain.

[@konkonart7128]

I think there's a misunderstanding that suffering=frustration. All artists I know get frustrated, and to a certain extent that can lead to a painful creation process. That said, frustration is a natural part of learning, and the drive to learn and do things 'right' is what overcomes the frustration. That isn't to say artists don't get depressed, or have baggage they have to deal with, but an artist has just as much of that stuff as everyone else (some more than others, but that doesn't have anything to do with being an artist and more to do with an individual's situation). It's when the misunderstanding equates suffering to desperation that things really get bad, as artists are stereotypes as 'doing anything for their art' which encourages those who would profit off artists to take advantage of them. The idea of 'passion jobs' needs to end, someone who's passionate about their work/career doesn't mean they should be paid/treated any more or less than what they deserve. The suffering artist stereotype (like all stereotypes) is an artificial idea of those outside looking in, using fragmented or incorrect assumptions to generalize a group of people.

[@kellybeck4579]

This is a fantastic video. I am a creative type that also has anxiety. The anxiety turned into full blown depression and I could hardly make it to my job or clean my house, let alone empathize with my characters. I just started antidepressants and feel much better, to the point that I could write for the first time in a month. Thank you for this video.

[@ciriknockoff5738]

„Excellence is not an art, it’s pure habit. We are what we repeatedly do.“ I hate it when people think artistic skill comes purely from „talent“ or someone‘s mental illness. It’s an insult to most artist that worked hard to be where they are. Thank you for covering this topic.

[@m1rrorfreaks9]

I have a severe anxiety disorder and it really stunts my creativity. These kinds of myths, that mental illness makes good art, are indeed incredibly untrue and destructive.

[@galacticdevil]

I'm struggling to create good art for school. I have an internet addiction where I will stare at my computer screen looking for something to watch and not do my projects, which also leads to a lack of sleep as I will be up the entire night to meet my deadlines. I'm tired all the time and it's taking a toll on me mentally. In fact I've been stuck in this endless loop for years.

[@davymachinegun5130]

Literally me.

[@BadKEMistry]

I'm with you there, too. That small dopamine hit from clicking on something new is so debilitating sometimes. It's a small goal of mine to buy a new computer without internet just so I can actually get writing done, and save my main computer for research.

[@ononono7016]

I have the same problem and intensive therapy was the only thing that helped me. The reason why I am so addicted to KZbin is because I want to learn new things, have social interactions, and have massive amounts of stress from my school work. My thoughts are that the moment I stop feeding my addiction, I will be forced to do my school work for hours on end and that terrifies me. Even brushing my teeth and showering brings me to a mental meltdown because I am left alone with my thoughts without any distractions. But, yeah, I have been in therapy for over a year now and am slowly getting better...

[@TheHabbadasher]

I know the feeling. I’ve been struggling with concentration and executive functioning (the ability to consciously control my own actions and choices) for as long as I can remember. No matter what I do, I just can’t seem to stop myself from wasting my days away online. And, I mean, it’s not like most of the things I spend my time reading and watching on the internet are really *that* interesting. I’d really rather be studying and working on my own projects. But, somehow, I just can’t bring myself to. For me, personally, these poor habits of mine, combined with my general tendency towards forgetfulness and absentmindedness, further or later got me suspecting that I might have some sort of general problem as far as concentration was concerned. Some form of ADHD, or something like that, perhaps. So, I’ve been in the process of getting that checked out lately, and it seems my hunch was basically straight on. I finally got my diagnosis a few weeks ago. Now, obviously, I can’t know what sort of a situation all you other people who are struggling with this might be in. But, if, as it was for me, this internet addiction is something you can’t seem to kick no matter what you do, it might be worth considering that there could be some kind of a greater underlying cause, that it could be a symptom of some kind of a greater problem.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Get help, buddy...professional help. Not even kidding...if it's getting between you and your art, there's a problem that needs taking care of. You've worked too hard to let that happen. I want you to make it.

[@avajarvis5639]

Thank you for this. I'm bipolar, and I have full mania: not the less severe hypomania high, but a complete inability to discern judgement while high on life. Many bipolar folks have tales of losing tens of thousands of dollars, losing jobs, and more when mania happens and you either don't have a plan for it OR you lean into it. I lost over $50,000 during a several-month period of mania, which was itself excruciating. It sounds like Kanye had hypomania and so has zero idea of the damage that untreated mania can create. Of course, he may experience full mania; I'm one of the few bipolar people I know or have heard about who don't want the mania. As for Van Gogh, his most famous works were painted *while he was getting mental health treatment*. This includes classics like Starry Night. It wasn't the best treatment but people were looking after him and making sure he ate, etc. The letters he wrote to his brother Theo when he was suffering did not drip with artistic excess and it was painful to read them. And Van Gogh was so aware that his inability to work consistently enough to earn a wage would pull his brother's family into poverty. He didn't end his life on an artistic whim. He ended it because he couldn't see a way to get better. Van Gogh would have chosen treatment today. He really only could paint when he felt better. The fits he had utterly stopped his painting, and so he painted like he was running out of time because he always was. How many days until the next spell of illness when you can't work? I feel that myself too. Also he didn't like capitalism and was one of the few European artists back then who intentionally made cheaper prints so that workers could have something nice on the walls. He always believed in art for everyone. I think he would have been a big fan of the creative commons licenses. Anyways, thank you for this video.

[@avajarvis5639]

Actually I forgot the part in the video where you mention Kanye was hospitalized for reasons connected most likely to bipolar, so perhaps he does know full mania and chooses to... Ignore that. Which. Sigh. *rubs forehead*

[@rowanlavellan9755]

@@avajarvis5639 fwiw, I'm not sure of the subtype I have but I don't seem to have full blown mania. That's still kept me in and out of mental wards in the last few years, so it's entirely possible he has type ii or cyclothymic type and figures ~it's not bad enough~ for meds. Refusal to admit they need help or have an issue happens way too often w/ bipolar ppl. :/

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Speaking as someone with an undiagnosed condition (the best guess is Asperger's), I sympathize. Bipolar ran through my family pretty deep and it's not a great experience. I hope that you are getting all the help you need!

[@1805movie]

I think these people are geniuses not because of their pain, but despite it. While depression and internal pain can offer inspiration for one's work, it's depression itself that holds back the artist from creating said work (lack of motivation, interest, or passion). It's probably more inspirational seeing artists conquer pain, and overcoming struggles, rather than embracing it.

[@Davesknd]

You know, I spent 4 years writing and finishing a novel. In 3 of them, I managed to get 1/4th done. In the last year, I finally got good therapy and new medication and wrote the final 3/4ths. If anything, my depression held me back.

[@MidnightHelena]

~ Country roads take me home ~ I’ve always loved Whisper of the Heart. It’s a great coming of age of story but I also think it speaks to any path, not necessarily only creative endeavors. But what I wouldn’t give to be a writer with a romantic interest and a little old man as my mentor lol

[@onemillionpercent]

oh, i entirely agree w u! to me, it represents the feeling of being lost and young and not knowing where you're going, and they portray it in numerous different characters at different stages in life, and w/ different characteristics: shizuku, seiji, her older sis, her mom even.

[@rorocio93]

@@onemillionpercent yes, you're right about her sister and mom, I didn't think about that!

[@curlybrace314]

I want to thank you sincerely for making this video. First of all; Whisper of the Heart is one of my favorite films of all time, I feel like it's an unappreciated classic lost among the other genuinely excellent Studio Ghibli films. It is sadly overlooked because of its relatively mundane subject matter, and more subtle storytelling. But it actually brought tears to my eyes the first time I saw it. Now I want to go watch it again... Second of all: I am a creative person, or at least I strive to be. I want to make art. I want to draw, play an instrument, write... SOMETHING creative. Or some things, plural. But I also really struggle with mental health issues. I'm on medication and I'm seeing a therapist, but day-to-day can still be a struggle. I'm not producing creative content these days, but I wasn't producing any when I was not on medication and not seeing a therapist. Hell, back then making it through a day was a Herculean effort. As you mention in the video, my ultimate goal is to overcome my mental health issues and have the mental energy to be happier and more creative. Thank you again for your thoughtful and insightful videos. (edited to fix a typo)

[@johnathonhaney8291]

As someone who walked a similar road, I can tell that your work is a constant work in progress. Keep looking...you WILL find your creative niche if you do. And just remember that the talent happens despite your pain, never because of it. I wish you all the best help, support and creative outlet!

[@CinnamonCari]

Ooohh, I recently became interested in textile arts (specifically embroidery), I think the craft aspect of it is really rewarding. You spend a lot of time practicing a skill that's artistic BUT most times you can turn your practice runs into utilitarian objects. Also, TEXTURE is a plus and it is very relaxing because weaving, embroidery, and such employ repetitive patterns 😉 I suggest you try a textile art if you're still shopping for an artistic discipline.

[@Syurtpiutha]

I think it was Hannah Gadsby who said that Vincent van Gogh made some of his more famous paintings while on some form of medication, and that some of his portraits were of people treating him.

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

4:05 oh shit it’s the chill anime beats lady

[@giov7]

Yup!

[@TheFirstLaughingFool]

As someone who has bi-polar disorder, I once said "When you're in a manic phase, everything seems like a good idea. Especially bad ideas."

[@KJ-je9pm]

Whisper of the Heart is so underrated. Its in my top five Ghibli films. So good.

[@sint0xicateme]

Hannah Gadsby has an amazing bit in her Netflix special, 'Nanette', about creativity and genius, specifically Van Gogh. I highly recommend it

[@shinysylveon6984]

God, this one hits close to home. As someone who grew up inspiring to be a writer, I found this kind of messaging everywhere, to the point I actually thought "will I be able to write well even though I haven't suffered that much?" The dark, dark, irony being I was already suffering but denying it to cope. Now that I'm an adult and that trauma has blossomed into full blown mental illness, I can't but laugh bitterly. Nothing has been worse for my creative output, and I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy.

[@mitchellzollinger1100]

I am so sorry.

[@Plutoburns]

theres this movie called "tales of New York" its 3 short films set in new york. The second one is about this "tortured artist" who its shown is abusive to his assistant/girlfriend because the fights he sparks inspire him to paint. But whats interesting is how the film is so clearly about how AWFUL this guy is and how the art he creates is built off of the mental health and self esteem of the women he torments. Short ends with him hitting on a new girl after debuting his latest piece. I think about that short a lot.

[@oof-rr5nf]

Thanks for sharing, I'm definitely going to look for it. It is just amazing, how when you look towards history and try to figure out how "great artists" actually were... so much misogyny dude. It stings every time.

[@rickg8015]

I remember Nick Nolte painting while “Cream” was blasting off his stereo.. I think that was a Scorcese segment.

[@luciddreams7540]

I've found with writers I know or admire that the most put together ones, those who've overcome their demons, usually create the best work. Because they can infuse their writing and characters with the wisdom they've earned. And writers still struggling with their issues can create bursts of creativity but often those works, at their core, are empty or meandering. They're just flashier, so I get why they get the most attention.

[@playcebovision5319]

As an artist who suffers from depression, anxiety, and the rare about of paranoia, this is 100%, and I find that often, people will sort of...dismiss how you feel, because they think it'll only help your creativity, and makes you "mysterious". It's harmful.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

There is indeed nothing mysterious about pain.

[@kosmaraisanen482]

One of my friends who is on medication and is a creative type gave me interesting insight into this conversation. Medication literally changes the ways your brain works, the way you think. Being on medication might be something you have to adapt to in your creative process. Both of us agreed that the idea of the tortured artist is dangerous and too romanticised. But I think we could still acknowledge that it can be a difficult transition.

[@TimeTravelerJessica]

Thank you for this! I am a writer with depression and when I was at the lowest points in my life I either didn't write at all or what I wrote was crap (I am not an objective judge of my own work obviously so perhaps I should say crappier than usual, but the point is it was far worse).

[@mattgeer4778]

as an artist who suffers with deep depression,in my own experience I can argue both ways.some of my best work comes from this state of torment.but to much dark sadness or anger can drag you to far down.I find art is the best escape from depression as well.just like anything,its about balance. love your videos by the way.

[@khfan4life365]

I do have mental illness but it is true that not every creative person is mentally ill. I’m also a creative person, writing down stories and reading books like there’s no tomorrow. My dad even told me that he’s jealous that I can read books and memorize what’s written down. Back to the movie, though. Shizuku is shown to be one of the people who isn’t mentally ill. Even though she struggled with her grades slipping and not doing her chores, it should be noted that she was a teenager and sometimes their grades fluctuate. To me, Shizuku was just a creative girl who was bored with going through the motions. She wanted adventure, like many kids her age do. Her writing that story gave her an adventure without her needing to leave her room. Of course, she struggled with writing her story because, as she told Seiji’s grandfather, there was so much she didn’t know about writing. She was envious that Seiji knew what he wanted when she just read books and went through the motions. After writing the story, she decides to do well in school again to get into a good school to perfect her skills in writing. The tortured artist trope is a bit overused so it’s refreshing to see Whisper of the Heart break from the trend.

[@tomboz777]

Just having the motivation to get out of bed is my masterpiece.

[@kaydwessie296]

My masterpiece is any moment where I'm too distracted to actively destroy myself

[@angeliquemagboo]

Bless you 🙌

[@joelmuller358]

Well damn, and here I thought last episode was exceptionally good and just a few days later you roll in and blow it out of the water. I'm amazed at the amount of high quality videos you've put out over the years and you're going as strong as ever.

[@nateblack8669]

When I'm depressed I can't create shit. When I'm content I can create all kinds of things influenced by the depression I was in, but creating while depressed? Forget about it.

[@DiogoMaia2]

Whisper of The Heart is an awesome slice of life anime, but saddly overlooked. Some deep words in this essay. Congratulations, my friend.

[@mrdaniel511]

So much of the best art comes from the complete opposite: love, happiness, muse and the will to become a better person. You don't need to be a sad sack to be a good artist.

[@Arashi441]

As someone who has dealt with depression and creative writing, thank you for your commentary and for bringing more love to this film.

[@ornamentidoro]

I got the exact same message from watching this wonderful wonderful film. The "artist" is more like a craftsman/craftswoman than the tortured soul image we inherited from the Romantic period and went straight into rock/pop culture. I wish I had watched the movie when I was a teenager, I have the feeling that my career as a musician would have been better.

[@NoMoreCrumbs]

I appreciate you posting therapy sites in your bibliography. I personally do not suffer from mental illness, but I know many who do. I hope this video helps inspire people to get the help they need.

[@shaneb8941]

It's not that suffering is good for art, it's that art is good for suffering. From my experience anyway, suffering enough from disorder and misfortune has made me need to create art by way of novels and keep creating them. Does all the suffering help? A bit, but it's not worth it from that perspective. Suffering is motivation, little else; motivation can come from many places, many better places.

[@tipulsar85]

I all of a sudden think of a translated quote from Akira Kurosawa, "It is wonderful to create." And also thinking of other writers the hardest to get to was creating and making sure what was created is of at least some value if not for the community, then for yourself.

[@nietzscha5056]

Ha, I was wondering when he'd bring up mania. As a bipolar person, I can confirm what he said hit the nail on the head. When I'm manic, I have so much energy to do all sorts of creative things and they're amazing, and going to sell so well; up there with the best! Then I come down from mania and see these products and am like, eh, they're okay at best, shockingly bad at worst. But it sucks, because I would love to be hypomanic all the time, because who wouldn't want that kind of euphoria? (If only the stupid impulsive decision making wasn't present!).

[@jamiethomas3768]

Depression gets in the way of creativity and that’s why Whisper Of The Heart❤️while it may look great is FAR from a masterpiece.

[@MaggiDaC]

Lovely. As I creative person with depression, I deeply appreciate your take on this topic.

[@revangerang]

“LABOR IS NOT ALWAYS EMOTIONAL, SOMETIMES IT IS JUST. LABOR.”

[@cro-magnum7642]

Ive never experience much, if any, sort of depression or mental illness in my life, yet I still desire to create art. Thank you for making this video!

[@Urushi12kitty]

vincent van gogh's starry night was the view from his window when he was in a mental institution...where he got proper medication so he was able to produce that. I have major depression and anxiety and at my worst i have no motivation. I keep wanting to draw but sometimes it hard just to exist. The tortured artist trope is super harmful...

[@rowanlavellan9755]

Thank you so, so much, Leon. I've recently been diagnosed with bipolar. Even when I'm hypomanic, I'm too irritable and easily distracted to do much, and it's way worse when I'm off my meds + I do dumb crap and become a danger to myself, especially when hypomania gives way to deep depression (as it always does). I've broken my family friends's hearts so many times when off my meds, I'm surprised they're still sticking with me and supporting me. I just recently got out of the psych hospital due to a mixed hypomanic and depressive episode. I HAVE to keep a tight rein in order to function, let alone let my creativity free. Anybody who thinks mental illness itself makes you more creative can get wrecked. I don't need to go off my meds, I NEED my meds. I've tried for years to function without meds and it's miserable. I can't get out of bed, or I run and run until I exhaust myself and become very irritable and mean. Meds exist for a reason, and it's not a ~conspiracy to suppress the population~ lol.

[@avouleance]

The Book Marbles by Ellen Forney is a look at creative and mental illness that I found really helpful as someone struggling with my own mental health while trying to create pieces that explore mental health in my own work.

[@h.haydon8044]

I love this movie!!! I show this to my students every year and they love it! Great video as always

[@trevorjones8969]

As someone with bipolar, and who is creative but not genius, I really appreciate this. Clearly, you meant it when you said you were determined not to re-tread ideas. What you've done here, is just true. I love having a creative life, and not being a genius is no biggie. In fact, I might say that people with mental health problems who are spurred on by the myth - well, sadly, we know how damaging it can be to buy into one's own publicity. So, let's give up the idea of genius altogether, eh? Creative expression in concert with keeping healthy is sufficient. Thanks for this, Leon. You're a creative gem. :)

[@MajesticAngel13]

I am a self published author who has autism and has dealt with depression, anxiety and ptsd. I wrote my first book shortly after i started dating my now husband and i was at my best mentally. I found writing my book a means of moving on from my traumas and i wrote it in a heathy mindset, and it was all unintentional too!

[@benjaminthibieroz4155]

As a writer, i wrote my first novel while depression was upon me, and I think it saved me (the book wasn't bad either). But know that I suffer from it, I struggle to find the courage to start the next book.

[@TooFatTooFurious]

I just want to say as a long-time fan, your videos are getting better and better, and the new more personal style and approach is really working for me. Good job, rock on!

[@ephramwest8368]

I really needed this today, thank you for everything you do Renegade.

[@Savannah_Simpson]

I’ve never heard of this movie. Sounds really interesting. I’m definitely going to check it out. That myth that all artists are “tortured souls” has always grated on me. It’s good to hear about a movie that gets it right.

[@FOOLTV]

In another state of “blaaaah”, this comes at a nice time. Thanks RC

[@renegadecut9875]

You are certainly welcome.

[@celry]

I totally agree that depression fucks up creativity, taking antidepressants (well, the ones that worked) has given me lots more energy and restored my desire to create. Also even without hypomania, anyone who is passionate about something has experienced being "in the zone", and that energy of "in the zone" is sufficient already. Anyways love the great messages in this video featuring a great film. Skill comes from hard work over innate ability, for everyone.

[@jennyr4057]

thank you for helping me appreciate one of my favorite movies in a new way, your channel continues to be the best

[@Thatguywithadog152]

Your only video I've seen. It is now in my favorites. Thank you.

[@SkyofWonder]

Your videos are amazing and the thoroughness of your analysis is profound! Thank you for this great work!

[@RoryStarr]

The only connection I can see is I am drawn to writing as a coping mechanism for certain mental issues. Given that artistic pursuits are generally long hours with few rewards, it stands to reason something must be rewarding during the moments of crafting or a person will turn away from it. So, a depressed or anxious person that feels better when writing or drawing is more likely to continue it despite the more normal frustrations the creative process can create--where as a generally happy person might not see the point and do more comfortable and immediately rewarding things. However, what is true is that absolutely no one is doing their best work in the pits of mental illness. You create between those things and with great struggle against them. Fundamentally, creativity is not a mystical state of being--it's craft. You train in your craft. If you start to believe you are blessed with some special spice, you will probably be a shitty artist. Great artists work at their craft, full stop.

[@brittanyparks8242]

My depression, as it got worse, killed my creativity, that belief is is bullshit. I hardly ever do anything with the skills I spent years building anymore; so they are regressing, but I just can't bring myself to care. THIS is the curse of mental illness on creative people. P.S. Yes, I know it's different for everyone, not everyone experiences this.

[@juliamorton3438]

I am a creative person. I will not say it is good, we will let future consumers decide. I am one who grew up in an abusive home and suffer mental illness. I found theatre and writing to be outlets to express myself. Reading other peoples stories helped me feel less alone. I will also say we creative people are more in tune woth our emotions, making art that expresses feelings others have, but have yet put a name to. I think there is a value seen in capturing human suffering and sorrow so well in art. What you said about the profession is also true. I have not taken this lightly, and am aware having a normal job where i fit into society is unlikely. I am finding ways to have some success and be an artist, but its not easy. I will also say I am using my writing tl understand myself, to heal. The performance industry seems to take authentic people and comodify pain. I want to be well

[@RetroGameStream]

I appreciate this video. One person that always restores my belief that you can be driven, creative, prolific and happy is Weird Al. There are more examples, but none that are so visible, infectious and beloved as Weird Al. Great video.

[@Dont145]

I am a simple woman I see Whisper of the heart and depression in one title I click because that's me lol

[@hejarmikami5828]

Yes^^ Evet^^

[@user-xn9kd5lm8v]

Awesome honest look at the creativity . Thank you

[@detimeditom]

Thanks Leon! I needed this somehow.

[@gingerninja79]

This is great, spoke to me on so many levels. Also, as an artist myself the scene with Shizuku and her parents is exactly how it played out for me, I chose to work full-time and paint in my spare time, but I can't help but think I've wasted myself somewhere along the way.

[@DemonAndLucky]

Now I feel like I need a tragic backstory... And a redeeming arch. :3

[@_profanity]

oof, this hit too hard, good video, thank you.

[@Lucyyy.p]

I absolutely loved it, thank you.

[@merle6803]

What I may add: The "connection" between suffering and Art is, from all that I have learned working in the creative field, usually tied to "using Art as a therapeutic measure" and overcoming traumatic experiences. A lot of people have found they can proccess their pain through art/writting and conceptualize, or even heal for it. However, that does not mean that the Creator is therefore in a bad place, usually creating the art puts them into a much better place! And I also 100% agree - the most inmportant ingreidient to bettering your Creation is practice and taking criticismn.

[@JMEMantzel]

I'm an artist. ...fairly successful. Years ago in school I had a professor who thought I had "great potential". She kept putting incredible pressure on me. When I asked her to stop doing it she spouted some crap about real creativity blossoming under unreasonable pressure. I literally made nothing worth mentioning in her class.

[@TourmalineFilms]

Great video with a very good point you make! The film resonates with me as a creative person having experienced the harsh reality that following a creative path comes with. There's a lot of push back and challenge from the conventions that are set. You feel a lot of insecurity and uncertainty through the journey but the spark you feel within keeps you going. To some people, choosing a career in the creative industry appears like self harm but silencing the spark for many of us is not attractive and why should it be? Humanity without art would not be humanity at all. Ignoring your spark within isn't easy for anyone but it seems to me like some people are better at it than others. The sensitive types are terrible at suppressing it and thank god... otherwise we wouldn't have this masterpiece.

[@leviadragon99]

Speaking as someone who has dabbled in creative writing, my experience with depression was quite the opposite of the tortured artist myth, my productivity and enthusiasm was absolutely scuppered, and I'm still trying to recapture that sense of enjoyment in creation that I used to have. As such I have a rather personal and vehemant dislike of that particular trope.

[@JustinLott1980]

Thanks for making this!

[@parasitone0814]

I've seen today whispers of the heart, and as a 17 year old creative autistic I normally feel confident about my work (which btw is making stories and specially making them videogames) but sometimes I just get the feeling like I can't, like I should just let it go and do something else with my life, and that greatly affects me because I want to live off making videogames in an independent studio of my own, but the possibilities feel impossible, everyone in my family says that it could be a good way of living but that it would ultimately just make me go down bad or wouldn't benefit me, I'm legitimately scared because I find myself in this super weird and hard argument against myself, I'm good at cooking and I also thought a maybe even future about it but I don't know if it's the future I want, it's even harder now to just focus on my stories because I feel like I am moving more in an adult's mind in the way that I'm lacking that way of viewing my stories as I did before, and I'm frustrated to think that maybe it's already too late

[@VSPhotfries]

I think it's a sort of self-applied salve that many people suffering from use to feel better. It helps, sometimes to think that way, with my own issues, but it is dissapointing that my attempts to 'look on the bright side' get mistaken for me saying 'it's actually a blessing and I'm fine.' It's a roadblock, if not a fucking wall, to getting things done: While my ADHD and depressive tendencies sometimes serve as a muse, both are such massive obstacles to actually work with any ideas it's staggering: I've started so many projects I've never finished, abandoned them because I can't focus long enough to get anything done, then feel like a failure because I either judge too harshly or just can't seem to finish anything. I have hundreds of pieces of music I've started, and poured so much work into, but it took 5 damn years just to get 16 or so put into an album - one of seven themed works I'm simultaneously working on, abandoning to jump to a new exciting project, or fighting against the inner voice saying 'don't bother, it's shit.' This says nothing about my writing or visual art projects, which are also all being jumbled, abandoned, or deemed trash just like any other. Hell, even the sense of accomplishment and pride is almost immediately squashed by my doubts. Everyone's different, so maybe this works for Kanye, I wouldn't know because I'm not in his head, but it's one of those incredibly bizarre ideas people pass around that I wish would just stop.

[@kubrivsky6458]

How true your video is, as fun creative field looks is it was actually a nightmare since the the working hours is long, the pay are low and the work are abundant. I used to work as an animator, and the poor working environment did nothing to help me focus more on my work, just a self loathing and questioning my self. Heck some studios even cut your salary if you didn't meet the monthly quotas so yeah, Creative industries really "easy and fun".

[@rbdriftin]

Thank you for this video.

[@samkasenberg898]

As an amateur musician and as someone who's had long-term struggles with depression and anxiety, I agree wholeheartedly with this. My mental health issues may have given me subject matter to write songs about, but I can't generally get any actual writing done while mired in those feelings. I can't (and don't want to) get much of ANYTHING done when I'm seriously depressed or anxious- even going to work on time or getting enough exercise or food is a huge hassle that I'm not motivated to undertake... :/

[@anitanoriega3909]

I LOVED this video, I never saw this movie in this point of view, it was amazing to hear you opinion and point of view.

[@mizjulio]

Love it! I think Kiki also explores burnout well, go ghibli

[@jonathanperreault4503]

at 4:oo shes definately listening to low fi hip hop beats to relax/study to , definately !!

[@antoniolanga9670]

Mr. Kondo the director of this movie died few years later after finishing the whisper of the heart, he died for overworking, it caused him heart attack I think.

[@chromebison5900]

This review has me wondering if Leon plans on deconstructing Whiplash next. That movie had a similar premise that kind of balanced between the negatives and positives of invoking suffering upon artists to bring out their potential talent.

[@renegadecut9875]

I don't make reviews, and no, I have no interest in even watching Whiplash again let alone making a video essay on it. Sorry.

[@irinao4947]

Such a great video! Movie "Frank" is also great at criticizing this myth of tortured genius

[@distancedsocially9129]

what's the background song at the beginning?

[@erickpas]

Amazing. Thanks

[@_Tizoc_]

such a good movie. makes me cry.

[@dessieangel1021]

My depression has stunted my creativity. I have used this muse to make my own pieces of art, because it inspired a sort of perspective. But it still didn’t help with motivating me to make art. It made me not want to do something creative because I felt like I wasn’t good enough, or I just lost interest in doing it (a symptom of depression)

[@jordiedmond5744]

Good explanation and good content. I do believe that creative people got more involved into their emotions than an average person and more introverted because some people get mad immediately while some people work their frustrations out their minds. It is a shame that creative people are labeled as mental ill everyone is different, some getting more involved in their emotions, some people overthink, some are good liars, some got a more structured mind and so on

[@MARCSEIDis]

Kanye saying that he can't make "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" or "Watch the Throne"-level music so long as he was on his meds really made me both sad and angry. Kanye is a talented individual, and I whole-heartedly believe that he can make good music on the meds that he needs to take.

[@gfbm13]

Nirvana have always been one of my favorite bands, but it’s hard for me to still listen to them anymore. Doing so feels like perpetuating this myth somehow, like being complicit in romanticizing what is essentially a senseless tragedy. If I could still listen to them without feeling like I was glorifying self-destructive behavior I would, but I can’t, anymore.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Probably why I go more for the Stones myself. Yes, deaths have been their constant companions since 1969 but they kept on rolling regardless.

[@kaydwessie296]

I don't quite feel like that but I get why you do. I feel more related to if anything. I feel like I'm perpetuating art made by someone else who was as fucking bored of the status quo and American culture as I am

[@ashkuigp]

Thank you. I think this idea goes hand in hand with idea of person overcoming own illness through determination. The propagation of Jungian concepts and position that mental illness is challenge to overcome is useful sometimes but when a person suffers of mdd, bipolar, severe adhd, add, schizophrenia this advice is akin to passing a drowning person in a boat and preach to a person that if he/she would be determined enough they would make it.

[@LiiiiiiMa]

thank you so much for this video, I wish everyone would watch this at least once, bc art is still such a misunderstood discipline.

[@Narwhalez101]

One point. People who have anxiety/ depression/ mental illness usually isolate themselves from others or others isolate them from society. Drawing, writing, music is usually something you pratice alone. It is also a way to express complex feelings that are caused by that illness. I wouldn't say it makes people more productive but people who spend more time alone are drawn to art.

[@dougputhoff]

Great commentary.

[@patataeve]

Thank you, excellent video! It's so unfair that creative fields are taken with so little respect and fair wages... since people consume entertainment so quickly, they may think it's easy to do... when in fact the workload is heavy both for the body and the mind, and all art takes years of each artist's training and creating plus the time it takes a specific piece.