Writers and Depression

Depression is a serious topic and effects many people, but for the purpose of this article I'm targeting writers.  The reason, I'm talking about this problem is because I'm an author, and this past week I had a serious bout of dejection because of my books.

Here's what happened, I blogged at a St. Patrick's party sponsored by The Romance Studio from March 13 to 17th.  By the end of the party I had received very few comments even though I post blogs every day and multiple times.  I did get three or four comments over the five day period, but it wasn't enough to keep me from feeling discouraged about my work.  There were others, who didn't receive any comments, or there might have been one or two for those authors, but I didn't see them. 

I know for a fact from talking with many authors that this business can beat you down.  First of all, I want to tell you I have always been a very social outgoing person, so I'm not entirely isolated like some authors (hubby steps in here and drags me out of the house). Some of the things that can cause depression in authors are medical, but for many of us; it's introspection, lack of exercise, irregular hours, imperfect diet and for me the lack of face to face communication with others.  Also, the financial and professional insecurity can add to depression.  In my case, the fibromyalgia doesn't help.  Pain can harm you mentally, too. 

There are authors who add alcohol or drugs, which contribute to depression even more.  Hemmingway was one of those authors.  I believe you could sit a normally happy and optimistic person in front of a keyboard for hours a day without outside contact, no exercise and junk food, and that person will become depressed.

Here are pictures of author's who have suffered depression in their lives and there are many more.

Hemmingway

J.K. Rowlings

Leo Tolstoy

Dickinson

There are many famous people who have suffered from depression.  I would like to add more pictures, but I don't have the space.

There are ways to combat this problem.  Among them are medications, but for me the best thing in the world is to get out of the house and away from the computer.  When my writing starts to make me feel worthless and I think my books are nothing but shit; I go see friends and talk about anything but writing.  I know author friends that I can talk to about writing, so when I go to lunch with old friends I want to learn about what's going on in their lives, and I want to laugh and have fun. 

 Exercise and eating properly is important, too, for the welfare of your mind, and it is definitely something I need to work on, especially, as I have always loved junk food. 

Just to let you know today, I'm at the New Dinner Theatre, so I won't be on-line until later this afternoon.  Tuesday, I'm having lunch with two long-time friends.  Next week, I'll be refreshed and working again until the next time I fall into depression.  Smile!

Have a great week and I'll see you next Sunday. 

Sandra K. Marshall, author at Eirelander Publishing

http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com
http://www.skaymarshall.com