DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE RESOURCES: Find Resources in your area: nndc.org/resource-links/ Find a counselor in your area: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 INTERNATIONAL Suicide Hotlines: ibpf.org/resource/list-international-suicide-hotlines *PLEASE NOTE* I’ve taken on extra sponsorships lately, with companies I TRUST, because my son and myself have had some medical issues these last few months/weeks and have needed that extra income to pay off the bills that came along with those issues. Please understand I’m not trying to exploit people with depression. I AM a person who struggles with depression and this video, the script in particular, was in the works long before it had a sponsor. In fact, this video wasn’t even supposed to have a sponsor in the first place, but due to a shift in my video schedule because of said medical issues, I had to put the ad on this video instead of the one it was originally intended for. I realize it’s a bit tone deaf and I promise it won’t happen again. Anyway, I feel like the struggles I’ve had the last few months may have subconsciously inspired the script. I’ve felt very uncreative and not incredibly functional. I’m just very distracted at that moment and I apologize for that.
Romanticizing depression has been around for so long, nurtured by tumblr, and I honestly hate it. No, depression isn’t a quirk, and suicide doesn’t make you an angel. Being depressed and suicidal is a horrible feeling. Don’t get comfortable with it
sorry if I'm ranting underneath your comment, but I feel it adds to the conversation: "stop being so depressed" as a statement in itself, shouldn't exist. You can't "stop" what's automatic and what you feel. Usually, you hear "stop being so depressed" when someone is visibly sad. sadness does not equal depression. Depression is a hateful, emotionless/numb, and outright terrible experience. You lack motivation and the guilt of not doing anything consumes you. It's sad because I think people, especially teens, want to be depressed in a way. It's sickening, first of all. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, yet here you are thinking it's cool and trendy. (Before it gets mixed up, I'd like to clarify that every single person is valid for depression. It strikes out of nowhere but before labeling it, see a doctor or a therapist.)
Whe in school, I saw the same thing. Girls would act as if depression was a trend. A concept almost. At that time I was going through depression and suicidal thoughts. Only did it make it worse. Thanks for this comment train of honestly?
I'm so happy I'm not the only one who can't make art on the dark days. This video helped alot. I'm glad I'm not alone and I think I'm gonna start one of those private sketchbooks.
How are you now? I hope your staying safe considering the world right now, you always have friends and family if you ever feel sad, it’s alright, there’s people out there if you feel lonely, sad, etc. hope you have a good day. Stay safe :)
When she said "depression has a funny way of making you feel guilt for things you have no control over" and "you are not your guilt" I had to take a moment, back up the video, and listen to that piece again. Guilt is a feeling I have so often that it's difficult for me NOT to feel it all the time. I have been trying for years to stop feeling guilty literally constantly and nothing has worked yet.
honestly its kinda scary how , i just started feeling these things emily posts a vid on helping with them, you are such an angel for me emily, and i hope you post more heart to heart type stuff, i hope da babbes get better with love, canada
Liz Biz literally it happened to me too, this week has been such a low point in my life and this video came in such a timing that is scary yet so beautiful and helpful
Whenever I draw, I feel so tired and that it's more of a chore than anything.... I love and adore drawing, but it's felt so tiring or too much for me.. but I keep feeling like I have to to keep interest in it... I don't want to drift away... Edit: Hi everyone! I’ve gotten better from back then! I’ve gotten back into drawing and feel much more than enjoyment when I do it!
DapperJazz it’s ok, take time to feel better. If you really are passionate about it, you will come back later, and start improving and enjoying it again
I feel like I’ve been having this for the past 5 years. I feel a lot of shame in my work because I found myself trying gain instant gratification and when I didn’t get it I would relapse into a deeper depression overtime.
Is there ever a point where you try to draw something and do art but your so stressed you can't draw anything your good at bc that happens to me all the time
This happens to me all the time. When I'm in a depressed state, I never draw although I enjoy it, because I know my lack of ability will upset me. I know that the drawing will not come out the way I want it to, and it will just push me further into my depression.
I needed this video... I've been dealing with a lot of depression particularly today and yes, I do feel a lot of guilt because I'm not doing the things that I'm suppose to do. I may not draw, my art is more in the realm of model figures, but still, I work mainly on commissions but rarely do anything for me and I think I'll take your tips in mind, I will definitely write down my feelings in my journal, and do something for me even if it's not really to improve my craft. Thank you for making this video, it helps to know that I'm not the only artist that struggles to even lift my airbrush when I have depressing thoughts looming over my mind.
I started caring for my nan when I was 11. 20 years later, and she passed away from cancer in June. I've always used crafting and making art as an escape, but since she passed away I've been so lost, and those creative urges have just died. Thank you for this video, it's helped me so much to just stop being so hard on myself and just be patient.
I have been going through a horrible what I call “depression art block” the art block I get when I’m in a episode, where I want to make art but I have no idea what to make. Sometimes my mind is so jumbled that I can’t figure out what is coming to mind. This video help me so much rn. :)
@@charlieparker5346 Maybe they were saying that they're too young to be on anti-depressants? They aren't good for a young person to take, I can personally vouch for that one lol ;u;
I agree with Charlie and think that some people, myself included, need this meds to feel - normal. Not better, normal. I struggle with depression for more than 10 years and almost ended my life during 5 years which I just stayed at my room, pushed away all my friends, worried my family and couldn't do anything...anything - not even the things that I used to like. I got a normal life with the meds, and from time to time I try to stay for a period without the meds to see if I feel the same...and the sadness/numbness comes back full force. I think It's a previlege to not need the anti depressives. Feel free to judge but It gave me a normal state back. About the prices of medicine, I think it's a problem in all societies in general but to find a miracle cure to depression and use your pure art as medicine, unfortunately doesn't work for me. I don't expect everyone to have empaty towards anti depressants but I just said prior to my own experience. We sometimes close ourselves to other realities because they are not our own. But the world is big and plural and part of the prejudice related to mental health issues are also about the medice that helps a lot of people, there is grey area there about the need for medicine in all cases but...for some...like me...it does help. There would be more to say about it but this video came to me in a very hard day, and I saw this comment and decided to engage in the conversation. Thats it.
I had a really hard year awhile ago and I went into an extremely dark place, and I lost my love for art. Growing up I wanted to become an animator or a musician but then I went through a traumatic experience and I lost my love and I haven’t done art until this year. I just started to relearn my love for art, and I’m so glad I watched this video. Thank you for helping others, and have a great day.
I dropped out of school because I was pushed so hard by my families and awful art professors that I started to consider killing myself. 6 months have passed and all this time, thinking about being creative makes my depressive thoughts come back and it actually leaves me feeling physically nauseous. This video has been the first thing in a long time to ever make me even consider doing this kind of stuff again. Thank you
I have a friend who has depression and has troubles in her home, she wants to end herself. I saw this and I sent it to her. Hoping that maybe this could help her out a bit. I just don't want her to leave this world, she is an amazing person and I lover her. She is like a sister to me.
My family only wants me to make happy artwork, and if I make something sad then they ask me if I need to go to a mental hospital, when in reality I just want to talk to them, yes I have people to talk to, I just keep it inside of me because I don't want to bother anyone, so thank you Emily! This video helped me
If you think depression is easy to get over, you're wrong (although it varies, I am no doctor) If it "comes and goes" without any true struggle, it might not be classified as depression. Depression is not just a period of sadness that ranges 1-10. Although some cases are alike, there are many, *many* symptoms and everyone is different. If you think you're in a hard place, seek help such as family and friends, and therapists and doctors.
@@ashlee4326 I never insisted it was easy to overcome or a "comes and goes" experience though, I was only implying that a majority of people including myself at have been struggling through it and eventually (every experience is different) climbed out of it. That is all. If my comment seemed rude then I do apologize in advance. 😓
Im getting into art because it feels pleasing, relaxing, and satisfying, but the deeper i got into art, the more deppressing it feels. it felt like at first you are climbing a mountain peak just to realize there's a ton of higher mountains behind the snow fog. only two options you can choose, climb higher, or just go back to surface and regret anything.
I never, ever comment on videos. I watch youtube and occasionally I like something here or there. But this was exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you.
Perfect timing. I've been wanting to draw but depression has been making it harder for me to enjoy doing what I love. Im not finished with the video yet but I'm grateful for the video.
You dont have to apologize for things you can't control. It is NOT your fault, and you deserve to be able to be aware of your own mental health. That is what is important. Please take all the time in the world, if it means you are happy
Lauren Eckard same.... I hit a point where I would only interact with people when I had to, and felt so hopeless that I did nothing but sit in my chair and draw. It sucked, all I was really able to make was lonely watercolor pieces and scattered thoughts. I’m starting to feel like this a bit again and I’m trying my best to control this and do things I know helped me then. If you are still struggling, In my opinion, when I was going through this, I went on walks, got fresh air regularly, and surrounded myself with people that make me laugh, even when I felt like staying in bed. Best of luck to you through quarantine.
thank you this made me tear up a bit. sometimes i feel worthless whenever I can not create anything. I hope I will be able to see my worth even if I don't.
At my school, we have an event called SOS (Signs Of Suicide). At the end, they give out a quiz. It pretty much determines what the counselors and staff think about your mental health. I was flagged for moderate to severe depression. As a young artist, I was already struggling. This video came at a really good time. Thank you.
@@Ddrhl I've done that. My therapist originally had me name my perfectionist voice, since it was a big source of anxiety for me. Now I have names for a lot of my aspects, like my depression, my anxiety, and my intrusive thoughts. It helps to contextualize things easier, and to deal with my issues. For example, when my anxiety is acting up, it's easier to talk to it like a friend who is having a hard time, and reassure her that things are going to be okay. It's not always a perfect practice, but it's certainly helped me a lot. :)
I had depression and then I watched this video and it had inspired me so much and once I started to draw and I felt like my depression went away thank you.....
I've been going through such a draining period of time. Unable to make art. Unable to do much. One of my lowest points. And I went on UA-cam to look for motivation and advice. I've always admired emily because who wouldnt. Shes an absolute lovely artist who really is down to earth. And then when I heard her voice I knew that something in the universe was trying to get me to listen. Here we go. Back to art. Sorry I'm zooted....
I lost my Nana (whom raised me and I was VERY VERY close to) earlier this year (I found her dead..) and I haven't been able to draw since then. I've even bought sketchbooks and pens and all sorts of things hoping to inspire myself and make myself just draw something. Now every time I look at my blank sketchbook or a blank canvas I get so anxious that I end up just not drawing or painting or just scribble a quick drawing and get frustrated that it sucks and that I don't have the energy to do something better. I feel like I've completely lost touch with so many things that I loved to do and that she loved for me to do. She had a whole wall in her bedroom of just my art I had made for her over the years. I just miss her so much and feel like I can't be my old self without her here...
I’ve been dealing with depression for the past few weeks. I’ve always had anxiety, but this is something new. I used to always sketch or paint, and slowly but surely I stopped. I didn’t even realise I’d stopped doing it until a doctor asked about my hobbies. Getting out my paints seems like such an effort, and it felt like anything I did try to draw just wasn’t the same standard at which I used to produce. To help combat that this I brought a bright pink sketch book which has become my ‘depression sketch book’. Some pages have doodles, some have pretty decent sketches, but mostly it was just to reignite the joy I found in art.
Needed to hear this tonight. Been riding the wave of depression and art-block for a while, wanting to create something but I just... can't. Don't know why, but I keep having these images and ideas in my head, but the blank page intimidates and mocks me.
I feel like this was mad just for me. My husband was just talking to me yesterday about how I haven't wanted to be creative, or put effort into being creative. He has Major Depressive Disorder and he was giving me some tips on how I could still make progress while I'm feeling like this. I like to draw and paint in my free time but I've been so depressed lately, I have seasonal depression also, and where the seasons are changing, it's just been so much worse for me. Thank you so much for posting this.
Thank you. So much. I dont have depression but at the moment I'm just in a low point in life. So I decided to start writing. Just write what I'm thinking. After I'm done writing I start to ask myself questions about what I just wrote. I write these questions down and try to answer them, in letters or with a drawing or just in any kind of way. For me this helps a lot. Thank you for spreading words with how you feel. We trust you and you trust us with your story. 👩🎨feeling inspired
I can only paint when I'm happy or if I drink alcohol, I've been drawing and painting for over 20 year's (been drawing since I could hold a pencil)and I'm 34. I've suffered with depression my whole art journey and each painting to me symbolizes a very small period that I felt well enough to put an effort in or was drinking.
'Let your creativity be a stone with which you build, not a stone with which you destroy' Queen, as always you hit home for me that I'm not alone. Thank you for all you do to encourage those of us who carry the burden of mental health problems with us ❤
I’m not depressed, it’s just I’m in this small sadness for only two weeks. Drawing, used to make me happy when I had ideas flowing in, but they’ve stopped because I’ve been overthinking about other things. I don’t know how to stop, and it places me in a state of sadness for a little and then it leaves. This video helps me realize that I don’t need to overthink, but just trust the process In which I am placed in..:) your videos help a lot Emily, and I’m super glad to have discovered your channel! It brings me motivation. Thank you thank you and thank you!!
This video was really helpful. Depression has really taken a lot out of me. I like drawing and kind of want to do it, but lately, for a long time now, I have no motivation or energy to draw whatsoever. I seriously simply can't bring myself to do it... But because of this video I am thinking of starting my private journal/sketch book now. See what happens, see if it works for me. Thank you very much for this video Emily!
I'm fourteen and have just been diagnosed with depression, I find it hard being I feel like the only kid with a therapist, only one who has to go through with what I do. Art is a form of therapy for me, but I sometimes find it hard. Feeling less motivated I hide from my emotions by sleeping 24/7. It helps to know that other people feel what I feel. Thanks Emily
I didn't even notice the tears on my phone from realizing that i am so not alone in this and that it's okay. I know you're not a therapist but to be honest hearing these words from you is much more helping than hearing them from a theraphist. You experienced it yourself which is why to me and other people those words seem much more realistic and true. Irl i don't have much art friends. I have only one who is also my best friend but i don't think she's so deep in art as i am yet. She wasn't through that. Which is why i don't want to talk to her about that because i feel she wouldn't understand. My family is actually very supportive of me but they too don't understand. I just- don't know what to do anymore or who to talk to. I have lots of friends (i wouldn't say i'm popular tho), yet i feel so alone around this subject.
I love this video. I’ve had depression, anxiety and paranoia for about 5 years and I am actually too sick to work because of it. So I usually just draw and draw and draw. It may be pictures from Disney or pictures from Pinterest but I find that it’s better than no picture at all. Artwork is my BIGGEST escape. I don’t like to show my illness because I’ve been judged so many times, it’s not worth the arguments. But there are people out there who do understand. Some days I don’t wanna draw, I just don’t have the energy or the inspiration to do it BUT I always look for ideas around the net and books. Thank you so much Emily for helping me realise that it’s OKAY to not draw on days you can’t function. I get told that its not an excuse so often. Thank you for highlighting that we all have ways to get through the hard times. I love your channel and I love how your artwork had inspired me and have helped me in days I want to jump off the roof of my house. Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️
I'm a disabled 25 year old art student and with depression I've felt so exhausted and unmotivated despite having the creative thoughts flowing . I would get the thoughts and ideas in my head . I found myself always sleeping despite wanting to draw for my own personal projects, but I would push myself for my grades since I couldn't afford to fall behind or not turn anything in . Today I woke up feeling less depressed and a bit more motivated to doodle and sketch and I really needed to see this video to get back on the right track. Thank you for making and posting this
I am not currently depressed, but I was pretty depressed when I was younger. Right now I am more anxious, and this video really helped me. I have found that art can help with any mental illness, be it something as devastating as depression, or something as fixable as being stressed. Thank you, Emily, and I hope that UA-cam stops being dumb so we can see more videos like this.
This means so much to me. I always feel upset when I can't draw, but I feel like it's so much work to get my stuff out only to stare at the blank page and not make anything. Today I just drew myself with a black background
Thank you for this video, Emily. I've been struggling with Depression and ADHD, which most of the time affected my routine and interest to draw and paint. Your video has inspired me a lot as I forgot many things in my life. I'm currently in pre-final semester of Graphic Design course in university and I'm going to become an intern soon. I hope I can gain back my strength in being productive and create more art. Love you Emily 💞💞💞💞
It’s been 4 years since I’ve been able to draw because of my depression. This video really has me hopeful and inspired to get back into creating again, thank you :)
I started crying, out of relief. It's good to be reminded of these things. Your videos remind me why I love art. This is the encouragement we need. Not quilting anyone but not romanticizing it in anyways. It's just real. Thank you, Emily, you're a helpful angle to us.
Hi I have depression and a lot of different mental health issues. Not only did this video help me but everything on this channel helps me. It is nice to see someone who is strong enough to talk about things that places like UA-cam dose not what people see or hear.
Thank you Emily, you saved me from a long life of pain and suffering for not being able to create art. You’re so kind and reassuring, I really appreciate how you put effort and care into a subject like depression for this video. Just- thank you^^
I just watched you're newest white ink video and was encouraged by a comment by "Liz Biz" to come back and give this one a re watch. Thanks for making this video, I'm going through a really bad depressive episode right now and needed the reminder to be gentle on myself and that this is temporary and I'm not going to feel this way forever. I need all the hope I can get right now, so thank you!
Emily, this has helped and hit so many more people then you think! Sometimes it’s not just art for me, but I can’t focus in class and I space out even talking to people! I’m not depressed anymore but depression never goes away.. Today was a good day and I’m happy, but sometimes it just helps to know that it’s ok to not be ok.
this is going straight into my art motivation and encouragement playlist, i always forget to let myself feel through my art and focus so hard on the technical practice that i stagnate and stop being able to do anything. thank you for this!!
I have a more "mild" depression were I always have a really deep sadness and "fun" activities aren't as fun anymore. I am socially awkward, cant start conversations, have 2 friends (my two friends have like 1000 other friends), and anti social AKA Introvert. I have takin your advice, I am now going to start a personal sketchbook for my depression. This truly helped me both mentally and emotionally. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
During my dark days, i cant draw anything because i feel too empty and numb. But i liked to hold my pencil and draw straight lines or weird fuzzy lines or write words. I used to think im useless because im not like those 'depressed' artists who draw beautiful sketches. You made me feel great about myself. Thank you 🖤
I’m recovering from depression and self harm, and this is really helpful. I’m almost recovered, but my depression is definitely still here. When I had it my worst I didn’t draw. I didn’t draw for almost 2 years. I used to think that my art was shit. Now that I’m almost recovered, I appreciate what I draw. I’m constantly getting better at drawing. I’ll follow these tips, to help me fully recover! I’m really thankful that you made this video.
I haven't made art since the pandemic started. I recently saw a mental health professional who told me I was experiencing depression. I tried to laugh it off and make excuses to them, but I realized it was true. This video was really helpful with me processing what I've learned, as I try to get back to the things I used to love to do.
Really good video, I have rarely heard anyone talk about how depression can rob artists of creativity rather than inspire it. In my darkest times I create the least. I'll try to work on a sketchbook. Thanks.
This made me almost cry because I am going through a tough time and this really made me feel better and is currently helping me to understand and know something to think about or do when I feel like doing something if not anything in art. Thank you so much! I love you so much!!!💖💖
Its starting to push me even further into my depression hole...I’ve stopped drawing for 4yrs because of depression, this “break” is going on for to long and I’d like more than anything in the world to have that burning passion, energy, & motivation for art again. I’m just not there yet....but i’m close especially after seeing this video. I appreciate this so much, I’ve been subscribed to you for a long time but haven’t been watching since I quit art. So to run into this video & other art talks of yours felt comforting.
this video is amazing... thank you for making this. it means a lot to me. also i agree, it's really so sad how youtube tries to instantly silence so many videos, including ones that speak of mental health.
Two years ago I had many ideas and drew so much, then life hit and I started, stagnating, in art, I want to pursue it, but sometimes when I put my pencil to the paper I feel empty, I lost the joy I had drawing, I still love it, but my mind just blanks. I think that I'm not good enough or just, not creative enough. I don't know what to do but this video helped a little to me.
Thank you so much it encouraged me to pick up my sketch book after I think two months of not drawing anything. All I did was a simple sphere with shading, but it brought me back to thinking about the lighting and the shading and just to take a step back from life.
Thank you for acknowledging depression and highlighting the illness. I struggle with bipolar depression and I struggled so hard today. I feel so alone. My art got me through the day. I wasn't up to painting but just ordering more paint and watching art videos helps me get through.
I really really needed this right now. I am going through my own little shit tornado, and I KNOW art will help but at the same time godDAMN it's hard to start a piece when I'm this low. I'm basically binge watching your videos, building up inspiration and trying to convince myself I can do it. Thank you so much for existing and helping so many people.💕
I'm not gonna say I have depression, but most days i really feel like what you described. I feel distant, I want to draw but a voice in my head just tells me I wont be able to, and then I dont want to. I just got a jurnoul and it has nothing in it, so I'm gonna make it my private sketchbook. I was so happy when I knew that, 1) i wasn't alone with this feeling and 2) there are things I could try. I literally started crying. Thank you so much, Emily.
Having private sketchbook does helps a lot. Personally for me it does. It's just for you and where you can just pour your feelings and channeling all the negativity into every page of the sketchbook. Thank you, this video comes at such a right timing 💙 needed to hear it.
I Know i am late. I have been feeling very very depressed. I have Always been a very very sad and anxious person. I've been having alot of panic attacks And i couldn't deal. Depression is a very very hard thing to deal with along with it can come anxiety and im just one of those 'lucky ' people who recieved both . Art is a thing thst had truly helped me over the years. I have dealt with a person who would physically and mentally abuse me and they would hoenstly be the worst, i think if it weren't for art and my friends i dont think i'd even want to live just this tiny bit. I thank you for making this video. This video made me feel better. I draw alot. And i draw when im really sad. Thank you, you beautiful human.
This video you released on my 18th birthday and I'm currently across Canada in Nova Scotia attending art university (I'm from Vancouver BC). school is hard. going to school for art is insanely difficult, not only skill wise, but mental health wise. I am working almost full time while in school and haven't created anything for myself in months. except now. I've watched this video so many times and it touched me and has helped me overcome my depression day by day and little by little. I have conquered many small battles with myself. thank you emily
Do you know why your my favorite art channel? Because your not fake, and you don't try to be fake, you say what's on your mind and it's fucking brilliant. It gives me and hopefully others a sence of it being real, because it is. Anyway I just want to say your doing a great job and keep it, we're all here for you.
i’ve been going through a large depressive wave recently due to a new medication i’ve been taking and hard situations and because of that it’s been nearly impossible for me to create art, today i got a new sketchbook and decorated the fuck out of the front cover with stickers, this video genuinely helped me and motivated me to start getting back into creating again, thank you so much, i will always love and support u emily :)
I’ve been on this loop of having great drawing ideas but never putting it on paper because I’m too tired to do ir or just don’t feel like I’d be able to execute the idea the way I really want to. After watching the video I decided to get on it and it actually made me feel better. Thank you for always taking time to talk about things like mental health and self awareness. You inspire me a lot. 💜
Thank you for this video. I'm currently having to deal with failing my animation program and being in academic limbo for year until I can reapply to the program and feeling like a failure, along with depression and self hatred. This felt like a pep talk/ advice I needed to hear.
Art mom, thank you so much. I've been in a bout of depression for 2 weeks now and have barely created anything. This video inspired me to pick up my sketchbook and not think of my followers on instagram and what they would think. This video came about at the perfect time, again, thank you Emily. ❤
This is so important. And what I've been going through. It's nice to feel validated, like I haven't been broken for taking time to do what I want artistically
Hello. I used to struggle with what I call middle school depression where I felt like I was never good enough, always felt like things I couldn't handle were my fault, was just so tired to the bone that I couldn't do anything. This happens throughout 7th grade and half of 8th grade. I'm glad so many people have felt some sort of depression in their life. Only because it helps so many others to know that their not alone. There only reason I got out of that stage (which was a about a year ago) is because I got up and drew something anything in fact. I also found what I wanted to do, help people, so nobody feels like that ever. If you are dealing with any mental illness remember use it to make you stronger, remember you are never alone no matter what that voice in you head says, and most of all it is okay to get help. There is many resources available. You can try many, and you don't need medication to feel better, some times you just need someone to talk too. Such as a friend or therapist. But never forget to help someone in need that is in the same or in a similar storm that they can't get by on their own. Lots of love -Paige
I hope you're doing okay! I'm in a pretty dark place myself right now and your video helped me have some realizations about how depression affects my creative abilities. It's kinda freeing to know that it's not one self being a "bad artist" just because sometimes we need a day off or don't know what to make. Thank you for the honesty in your videos, it really helps.
I'm honestly trying not to cry as I type this right now, as well as watching through your video. This video really speaks to me. As someone who suffers and struggles with a multitude of mental health issues (and is currently going through a really rough time with it) this is something that I really needed. I constantly feel like I'm falling back, especially since I started creating a lot later than others, or so it seems, especially due to not being able to muster the energy to move from bed let alone creating something. But your advice has really resonated with me, and i hope it can help me both in my art and with my road to recovery with my mental health. Thank you so much for speaking up on these subjects, bc there truly is people out there who need to hear these things, who need this advice. I know you're struggling through life too and I'm so sorry to hear that, especially with da babes. But truly you've helped me out of a dark place, even if it's just a little bit and I have something to look forward to that can hopefully help things get better! Truly thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope things improve for you too Emily!
YES, I’m a very creative person and art such as writing, drawing, photography, videography and my mind has so many ideas. As a person who’s gone through a very dark time this year I can say I let myself get lost a don in turn lost myself. I got all consumed in fixing my mind and forgot myself as a whole. This video...thank you
Emily, I just want to thank you. Especially for this video. I’ve been through the ringer lately. My fiancé passed away earlier this year, and before he passed, I found your videos extremely helpful with everything. Whether it was improving my art, or even reminding myself not to be too hard on myself, you’ve always brought a smile to my face or tugged on my heartstrings in the best way. I haven’t been able to find it in myself to draw as I’ve been in a pretty dark place since his passing. This idea of a “diary sketchbook”, and this video in general has sparked a little bit of that passion back, and I can’t thank you enough. I truly look up to you and the way you view the world. So thank you. Thank you for being you. ❤️
I’m so glad you made this video. I’m a writer who battles depression. All these ideas could work for anyone in the arts. Looking forward to hearing more of your stories. Take good care.
This was a good video, I am glad that I managed to get around to watching it today. I'm also glad that I'm not the only one that gets frustrated with the broken artist being so revered. I like your art journal idea, I'll have to consider one for that purpose. What I've done is when depression sticks a block in my creative expression is to switch to another outlet type ("Mom, why are you suddenly crocheting that selkie mask you've been meaning to do for months?" a recent example). I used the repetitiveness of the stitch pattern to work on "stitching" myself back together enough to function. It might not work for everyone but it was a desperate matter.
I recently discovered your channel and stumbled across this video in particular at just the right time. Just hearing someone say it's okay and that I don't have to feel guilty about struggling or not having the desire to create is exactly what I needed. Thank you. Looking forward to giving the sketchbook a try
I’m happy there’s a video posted talking about this, sometimes I feel like I’m the only one that experiences depression messing with my art work. Thank u Emily for bringing it to light and giving some tips that might work for those that experience it.
This really struck a chord with me. I've been struggling with depression for years now (due to chronic illness and past traumas) and it's only been this past year where I've started doing the hobbies I love and enjoy (creating art being one of those). Things are slowly getting better and I've got things in place that help me cope if I feel myself slipping back into a state of depression. My heart goes out to all of those who also suffer from depression and also to those who know someone who is suffering from depression 💕
I'm a full time artist because my severe depression, anxiety, and OCD make regular jobs really hard for me but of course they all still affect my artistic progress. When I'm feeling depressed I switch up mediums, it helps me jump start my brain. When I'm feeling anxious, I just grab a big piece of paper and write down emotional keywords and create patterns and colors, sometimes I cry during this process. I definitely second all the advice you gave, it was amazing.
Switching mediums is a great idea! Sometimes just sitting with my son, making little ducks and trees using crayons crayons can make a world of difference.
DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE RESOURCES:
Find Resources in your area: nndc.org/resource-links/
Find a counselor in your area: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
INTERNATIONAL Suicide Hotlines: ibpf.org/resource/list-international-suicide-hotlines
*PLEASE NOTE* I’ve taken on extra sponsorships lately, with companies I TRUST, because my son and myself have had some medical issues these last few months/weeks and have needed that extra income to pay off the bills that came along with those issues. Please understand I’m not trying to exploit people with depression. I AM a person who struggles with depression and this video, the script in particular, was in the works long before it had a sponsor. In fact, this video wasn’t even supposed to have a sponsor in the first place, but due to a shift in my video schedule because of said medical issues, I had to put the ad on this video instead of the one it was originally intended for. I realize it’s a bit tone deaf and I promise it won’t happen again.
Anyway, I feel like the struggles I’ve had the last few months may have subconsciously inspired the script. I’ve felt very uncreative and not incredibly functional. I’m just very distracted at that moment and I apologize for that.
Thank you I love you💙
Thank you Emily! I needed this!
@@cherriebrains get better.
@@Alpha4tech296 : thanks!
@@cherriebrains I hope soon you get the help you need!
Romanticizing depression has been around for so long, nurtured by tumblr, and I honestly hate it. No, depression isn’t a quirk, and suicide doesn’t make you an angel. Being depressed and suicidal is a horrible feeling. Don’t get comfortable with it
Ken Fleming it sucks that people sugar coat serious topics.
The creepy pasta fandom doesn’t help, either.
sorry if I'm ranting underneath your comment, but I feel it adds to the conversation: "stop being so depressed" as a statement in itself, shouldn't exist. You can't "stop" what's automatic and what you feel. Usually, you hear "stop being so depressed" when someone is visibly sad. sadness does not equal depression. Depression is a hateful, emotionless/numb, and outright terrible experience. You lack motivation and the guilt of not doing anything consumes you. It's sad because I think people, especially teens, want to be depressed in a way. It's sickening, first of all. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, yet here you are thinking it's cool and trendy. (Before it gets mixed up, I'd like to clarify that every single person is valid for depression. It strikes out of nowhere but before labeling it, see a doctor or a therapist.)
Whe in school, I saw the same thing. Girls would act as if depression was a trend. A concept almost. At that time I was going through depression and suicidal thoughts. Only did it make it worse. Thanks for this comment train of honestly?
The romanticization of suicide, self harm, and mental illness almost killed me.
I'm so happy I'm not the only one who can't make art on the dark days. This video helped alot. I'm glad I'm not alone and I think I'm gonna start one of those private sketchbooks.
That's great! I hope you feel better
gonna steal your idea of a private sketchbook, thank you :)
well, i clearly hadnt finished the video, i see now it was mentioned :')
This came at a good time for me.
Me too *internet hugs* ❤
Sarah Bobara I hope everything will get better for you .
I hope you get help or talk to loved ones
Not to say something happy or else, but i cured you from 420 likes
How are you now? I hope your staying safe considering the world right now, you always have friends and family if you ever feel sad, it’s alright, there’s people out there if you feel lonely, sad, etc. hope you have a good day. Stay safe :)
When she said "depression has a funny way of making you feel guilt for things you have no control over" and "you are not your guilt" I had to take a moment, back up the video, and listen to that piece again.
Guilt is a feeling I have so often that it's difficult for me NOT to feel it all the time. I have been trying for years to stop feeling guilty literally constantly and nothing has worked yet.
this topic hit so close to home i-
What’s wrong 🥺
Ikr.
I felt called out
honestly its kinda scary how , i just started feeling these things emily posts a vid on helping with them, you are such an angel for me emily, and i hope you post more heart to heart type stuff, i hope da babbes get better
with love,
canada
Liz Biz literally it happened to me too, this week has been such a low point in my life and this video came in such a timing that is scary yet so beautiful and helpful
Whenever I draw, I feel so tired and that it's more of a chore than anything.... I love and adore drawing, but it's felt so tiring or too much for me.. but I keep feeling like I have to to keep interest in it... I don't want to drift away...
Edit: Hi everyone! I’ve gotten better from back then! I’ve gotten back into drawing and feel much more than enjoyment when I do it!
DapperJazz it’s ok, take time to feel better. If you really are passionate about it, you will come back later, and start improving and enjoying it again
I feel like I’ve been having this for the past 5 years. I feel a lot of shame in my work because I found myself trying gain instant gratification and when I didn’t get it I would relapse into a deeper depression overtime.
I'm so sorry that happened
Is there ever a point where you try to draw something and do art but your so stressed you can't draw anything your good at bc that happens to me all the time
This happens to me all the time. When I'm in a depressed state, I never draw although I enjoy it, because I know my lack of ability will upset me. I know that the drawing will not come out the way I want it to, and it will just push me further into my depression.
same
kynoah renville I’ve stopped doing what I love.
Whenever my depression takes over me my art and creativity disappears and I lose all motivation to make it design anything
I needed this video... I've been dealing with a lot of depression particularly today and yes, I do feel a lot of guilt because I'm not doing the things that I'm suppose to do. I may not draw, my art is more in the realm of model figures, but still, I work mainly on commissions but rarely do anything for me and I think I'll take your tips in mind, I will definitely write down my feelings in my journal, and do something for me even if it's not really to improve my craft.
Thank you for making this video, it helps to know that I'm not the only artist that struggles to even lift my airbrush when I have depressing thoughts looming over my mind.
I started caring for my nan when I was 11. 20 years later, and she passed away from cancer in June. I've always used crafting and making art as an escape, but since she passed away I've been so lost, and those creative urges have just died. Thank you for this video, it's helped me so much to just stop being so hard on myself and just be patient.
:D
I have been going through a horrible what I call “depression art block” the art block I get when I’m in a episode, where I want to make art but I have no idea what to make. Sometimes my mind is so jumbled that I can’t figure out what is coming to mind. This video help me so much rn. :)
Ahh, I can relate to this on a spiritual level. Being as young as I am, art is truly better than any anti- depressant.
@@charlieparker5346 Maybe they were saying that they're too young to be on anti-depressants? They aren't good for a young person to take, I can personally vouch for that one lol ;u;
I agree with Charlie and think that some people, myself included, need this meds to feel - normal. Not better, normal. I struggle with depression for more than 10 years and almost ended my life during 5 years which I just stayed at my room, pushed away all my friends, worried my family and couldn't do anything...anything - not even the things that I used to like. I got a normal life with the meds, and from time to time I try to stay for a period without the meds to see if I feel the same...and the sadness/numbness comes back full force. I think It's a previlege to not need the anti depressives. Feel free to judge but It gave me a normal state back. About the prices of medicine, I think it's a problem in all societies in general but to find a miracle cure to depression and use your pure art as medicine, unfortunately doesn't work for me. I don't expect everyone to have empaty towards anti depressants but I just said prior to my own experience. We sometimes close ourselves to other realities because they are not our own. But the world is big and plural and part of the prejudice related to mental health issues are also about the medice that helps a lot of people, there is grey area there about the need for medicine in all cases but...for some...like me...it does help. There would be more to say about it but this video came to me in a very hard day, and I saw this comment and decided to engage in the conversation. Thats it.
I love that Emily is the internet’s art mom now
Great video 💖
I had a really hard year awhile ago and I went into an extremely dark place, and I lost my love for art. Growing up I wanted to become an animator or a musician but then I went through a traumatic experience and I lost my love and I haven’t done art until this year. I just started to relearn my love for art, and I’m so glad I watched this video. Thank you for helping others, and have a great day.
I dropped out of school because I was pushed so hard by my families and awful art professors that I started to consider killing myself.
6 months have passed and all this time, thinking about being creative makes my depressive thoughts come back and it actually leaves me feeling physically nauseous.
This video has been the first thing in a long time to ever make me even consider doing this kind of stuff again. Thank you
I’ll probably end up watching this like 5 times 😂
Edit: thanks for the likes guys, appreciate it
Zach Maagic same
Super Peachy Jasmine lol
Ikr xD
Big same
I have a friend who has depression and has troubles in her home, she wants to end herself. I saw this and I sent it to her. Hoping that maybe this could help her out a bit. I just don't want her to leave this world, she is an amazing person and I lover her. She is like a sister to me.
I hope things look up for her soon! Stay safe you and your friend.
@Foxglove things are starting to get better which I'm really happy about. She is opening up more and she has found help in school
My family only wants me to make happy artwork, and if I make something sad then they ask me if I need to go to a mental hospital, when in reality I just want to talk to them, yes I have people to talk to, I just keep it inside of me because I don't want to bother anyone, so thank you Emily! This video helped me
Depression: we've all been there but we've kicked its ass in the process.
What do you mean we've all been there? Not everyone has depression.
If you think depression is easy to get over, you're wrong (although it varies, I am no doctor) If it "comes and goes" without any true struggle, it might not be classified as depression. Depression is not just a period of sadness that ranges 1-10. Although some cases are alike, there are many, *many* symptoms and everyone is different. If you think you're in a hard place, seek help such as family and friends, and therapists and doctors.
@@ashlee4326 I never insisted it was easy to overcome or a "comes and goes" experience though, I was only implying that a majority of people including myself at have been struggling through it and eventually (every experience is different) climbed out of it. That is all. If my comment seemed rude then I do apologize in advance. 😓
Im getting into art because it feels pleasing, relaxing, and satisfying, but the deeper i got into art, the more deppressing it feels. it felt like at first you are climbing a mountain peak just to realize there's a ton of higher mountains behind the snow fog. only two options you can choose, climb higher, or just go back to surface and regret anything.
I never, ever comment on videos. I watch youtube and occasionally I like something here or there. But this was exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you.
Perfect timing. I've been wanting to draw but depression has been making it harder for me to enjoy doing what I love. Im not finished with the video yet but I'm grateful for the video.
I can really relate to that. I hope you can feel better, one way or another.
@@r.l.ghostly2023 thank you! I hope the same for you too!
I really enjoy all the helpful tips everyone has in the comments, we're way stronger when we help each other 💕🙌
You dont have to apologize for things you can't control. It is NOT your fault, and you deserve to be able to be aware of your own mental health. That is what is important. Please take all the time in the world, if it means you are happy
Through this pandemic, I have being struggling so much. THANK YOU! My voice feels heard, thank you so much.
Lauren Eckard same.... I hit a point where I would only interact with people when I had to, and felt so hopeless that I did nothing but sit in my chair and draw. It sucked, all I was really able to make was lonely watercolor pieces and scattered thoughts. I’m starting to feel like this a bit again and I’m trying my best to control this and do things I know helped me then. If you are still struggling, In my opinion, when I was going through this, I went on walks, got fresh air regularly, and surrounded myself with people that make me laugh, even when I felt like staying in bed. Best of luck to you through quarantine.
thank you this made me tear up a bit. sometimes i feel worthless whenever I can not create anything. I hope I will be able to see my worth even if I don't.
At my school, we have an event called SOS (Signs Of Suicide). At the end, they give out a quiz. It pretty much determines what the counselors and staff think about your mental health. I was flagged for moderate to severe depression. As a young artist, I was already struggling. This video came at a really good time. Thank you.
"Drawing your depression" I'm gonna do that :)
I know a therapist who also advised giving it a name...a real name...to help distinguish it from you.
@@Ddrhl I've done that. My therapist originally had me name my perfectionist voice, since it was a big source of anxiety for me. Now I have names for a lot of my aspects, like my depression, my anxiety, and my intrusive thoughts. It helps to contextualize things easier, and to deal with my issues. For example, when my anxiety is acting up, it's easier to talk to it like a friend who is having a hard time, and reassure her that things are going to be okay. It's not always a perfect practice, but it's certainly helped me a lot. :)
I love that idea. Drawing my anxiety as well. I feel it can be very theraputic.
@@Ddrhl I call it Depression with a capital D and identify it as a seperate entity from myself.
I call my depression my sad disease lol
I had depression and then I watched this video and it had inspired me so much and once I started to draw and I felt like my depression went away thank you.....
I want to draw and stuff, but I’m just too tired and unmotivated. When I was a kid, my gma would say, you don’t want to play outside, you’re so lazy.
I've been going through such a draining period of time. Unable to make art. Unable to do much. One of my lowest points. And I went on UA-cam to look for motivation and advice. I've always admired emily because who wouldnt. Shes an absolute lovely artist who really is down to earth. And then when I heard her voice I knew that something in the universe was trying to get me to listen. Here we go. Back to art. Sorry I'm zooted....
I lost my Nana (whom raised me and I was VERY VERY close to) earlier this year (I found her dead..) and I haven't been able to draw since then. I've even bought sketchbooks and pens and all sorts of things hoping to inspire myself and make myself just draw something. Now every time I look at my blank sketchbook or a blank canvas I get so anxious that I end up just not drawing or painting or just scribble a quick drawing and get frustrated that it sucks and that I don't have the energy to do something better. I feel like I've completely lost touch with so many things that I loved to do and that she loved for me to do. She had a whole wall in her bedroom of just my art I had made for her over the years. I just miss her so much and feel like I can't be my old self without her here...
I’ve been dealing with depression for the past few weeks. I’ve always had anxiety, but this is something new. I used to always sketch or paint, and slowly but surely I stopped. I didn’t even realise I’d stopped doing it until a doctor asked about my hobbies. Getting out my paints seems like such an effort, and it felt like anything I did try to draw just wasn’t the same standard at which I used to produce.
To help combat that this I brought a bright pink sketch book which has become my ‘depression sketch book’. Some pages have doodles, some have pretty decent sketches, but mostly it was just to reignite the joy I found in art.
Needed to hear this tonight. Been riding the wave of depression and art-block for a while, wanting to create something but I just... can't. Don't know why, but I keep having these images and ideas in my head, but the blank page intimidates and mocks me.
I feel like this was mad just for me. My husband was just talking to me yesterday about how I haven't wanted to be creative, or put effort into being creative. He has Major Depressive Disorder and he was giving me some tips on how I could still make progress while I'm feeling like this. I like to draw and paint in my free time but I've been so depressed lately, I have seasonal depression also, and where the seasons are changing, it's just been so much worse for me. Thank you so much for posting this.
I hope you can feel better soon, stay safe!
Thank you. So much. I dont have depression but at the moment I'm just in a low point in life. So I decided to start writing. Just write what I'm thinking. After I'm done writing I start to ask myself questions about what I just wrote. I write these questions down and try to answer them, in letters or with a drawing or just in any kind of way. For me this helps a lot. Thank you for spreading words with how you feel. We trust you and you trust us with your story. 👩🎨feeling inspired
This is wonderful, im sure everybody needed this ❤
I can only paint when I'm happy or if I drink alcohol, I've been drawing and painting for over 20 year's (been drawing since I could hold a pencil)and I'm 34. I've suffered with depression my whole art journey and each painting to me symbolizes a very small period that I felt well enough to put an effort in or was drinking.
Why is the beginning so ASMR like? Lol
Lol? loL!
It's to set the tone of the video to be more relaxing.
'Let your creativity be a stone with which you build, not a stone with which you destroy'
Queen, as always you hit home for me that I'm not alone. Thank you for all you do to encourage those of us who carry the burden of mental health problems with us ❤
I’m not depressed, it’s just I’m in this small sadness for only two weeks. Drawing, used to make me happy when I had ideas flowing in, but they’ve stopped because I’ve been overthinking about other things.
I don’t know how to stop, and it places me in a state of sadness for a little and then it leaves.
This video helps me realize that I don’t need to overthink, but just trust the process In which I am placed in..:) your videos help a lot Emily, and I’m super glad to have discovered your channel!
It brings me motivation. Thank you thank you and thank you!!
This video was really helpful. Depression has really taken a lot out of me. I like drawing and kind of want to do it, but lately, for a long time now, I have no motivation or energy to draw whatsoever. I seriously simply can't bring myself to do it... But because of this video I am thinking of starting my private journal/sketch book now. See what happens, see if it works for me. Thank you very much for this video Emily!
I'm fourteen and have just been diagnosed with depression, I find it hard being I feel like the only kid with a therapist, only one who has to go through with what I do. Art is a form of therapy for me, but I sometimes find it hard. Feeling less motivated I hide from my emotions by sleeping 24/7. It helps to know that other people feel what I feel. Thanks Emily
I didn't even notice the tears on my phone from realizing that i am so not alone in this and that it's okay. I know you're not a therapist but to be honest hearing these words from you is much more helping than hearing them from a theraphist. You experienced it yourself which is why to me and other people those words seem much more realistic and true. Irl i don't have much art friends. I have only one who is also my best friend but i don't think she's so deep in art as i am yet. She wasn't through that. Which is why i don't want to talk to her about that because i feel she wouldn't understand. My family is actually very supportive of me but they too don't understand. I just- don't know what to do anymore or who to talk to. I have lots of friends (i wouldn't say i'm popular tho), yet i feel so alone around this subject.
I love this video. I’ve had depression, anxiety and paranoia for about 5 years and I am actually too sick to work because of it. So I usually just draw and draw and draw. It may be pictures from Disney or pictures from Pinterest but I find that it’s better than no picture at all. Artwork is my BIGGEST escape. I don’t like to show my illness because I’ve been judged so many times, it’s not worth the arguments. But there are people out there who do understand. Some days I don’t wanna draw, I just don’t have the energy or the inspiration to do it BUT I always look for ideas around the net and books.
Thank you so much Emily for helping me realise that it’s OKAY to not draw on days you can’t function. I get told that its not an excuse so often.
Thank you for highlighting that we all have ways to get through the hard times. I love your channel and I love how your artwork had inspired me and have helped me in days I want to jump off the roof of my house. Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️
I'm a disabled 25 year old art student and with depression I've felt so exhausted and unmotivated despite having the creative thoughts flowing . I would get the thoughts and ideas in my head . I found myself always sleeping despite wanting to draw for my own personal projects, but I would push myself for my grades since I couldn't afford to fall behind or not turn anything in . Today I woke up feeling less depressed and a bit more motivated to doodle and sketch and I really needed to see this video to get back on the right track. Thank you for making and posting this
I am not currently depressed, but I was pretty depressed when I was younger. Right now I am more anxious, and this video really helped me. I have found that art can help with any mental illness, be it something as devastating as depression, or something as fixable as being stressed. Thank you, Emily, and I hope that UA-cam stops being dumb so we can see more videos like this.
I hope everyone who has depression sees this to help them. 😁👌
Thats kind 💖
This means so much to me. I always feel upset when I can't draw, but I feel like it's so much work to get my stuff out only to stare at the blank page and not make anything. Today I just drew myself with a black background
Thank you for this video, Emily. I've been struggling with Depression and ADHD, which most of the time affected my routine and interest to draw and paint. Your video has inspired me a lot as I forgot many things in my life. I'm currently in pre-final semester of Graphic Design course in university and I'm going to become an intern soon. I hope I can gain back my strength in being productive and create more art.
Love you Emily 💞💞💞💞
Goodluck!!
It’s been 4 years since I’ve been able to draw because of my depression. This video really has me hopeful and inspired to get back into creating again, thank you :)
ive been stressed from being in a partial hospitalization program due to my bad depression, this helped a lot ☺️ thank you
I started crying, out of relief. It's good to be reminded of these things. Your videos remind me why I love art. This is the encouragement we need. Not quilting anyone but not romanticizing it in anyways. It's just real. Thank you, Emily, you're a helpful angle to us.
Hi
I have depression and a lot of different mental health issues. Not only did this video help me but everything on this channel helps me. It is nice to see someone who is strong enough to talk about things that places like UA-cam dose not what people see or hear.
Thank you Emily, you saved me from a long life of pain and suffering for not being able to create art. You’re so kind and reassuring, I really appreciate how you put effort and care into a subject like depression for this video. Just- thank you^^
I just watched you're newest white ink video and was encouraged by a comment by "Liz Biz" to come back and give this one a re watch. Thanks for making this video, I'm going through a really bad depressive episode right now and needed the reminder to be gentle on myself and that this is temporary and I'm not going to feel this way forever. I need all the hope I can get right now, so thank you!
Emily, this has helped and hit so many more people then you think!
Sometimes it’s not just art for me, but I can’t focus in class and I space out even talking to people!
I’m not depressed anymore but depression never goes away..
Today was a good day and I’m happy, but sometimes it just helps to know that it’s ok to not be ok.
I thankfully got a normal notification for this
this is going straight into my art motivation and encouragement playlist, i always forget to let myself feel through my art and focus so hard on the technical practice that i stagnate and stop being able to do anything. thank you for this!!
I have a more "mild" depression were I always have a really deep sadness and "fun" activities aren't as fun anymore. I am socially awkward, cant start conversations, have 2 friends (my two friends have like 1000 other friends), and anti social AKA Introvert. I have takin your advice, I am now going to start a personal sketchbook for my depression. This truly helped me both mentally and emotionally. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
During my dark days, i cant draw anything because i feel too empty and numb. But i liked to hold my pencil and draw straight lines or weird fuzzy lines or write words. I used to think im useless because im not like those 'depressed' artists who draw beautiful sketches. You made me feel great about myself. Thank you 🖤
I'm a heroin addict in recovery as well as an artist. And this video really helped me. Thanks Emily.
I’m recovering from depression and self harm, and this is really helpful. I’m almost recovered, but my depression is definitely still here. When I had it my worst I didn’t draw. I didn’t draw for almost 2 years. I used to think that my art was shit. Now that I’m almost recovered, I appreciate what I draw. I’m constantly getting better at drawing. I’ll follow these tips, to help me fully recover! I’m really thankful that you made this video.
I haven't made art since the pandemic started. I recently saw a mental health professional who told me I was experiencing depression. I tried to laugh it off and make excuses to them, but I realized it was true. This video was really helpful with me processing what I've learned, as I try to get back to the things I used to love to do.
Really good video, I have rarely heard anyone talk about how depression can rob artists of creativity rather than inspire it. In my darkest times I create the least. I'll try to work on a sketchbook. Thanks.
This made me almost cry because I am going through a tough time and this really made me feel better and is currently helping me to understand and know something to think about or do when I feel like doing something if not anything in art. Thank you so much! I love you so much!!!💖💖
For me, sadness is when I make art. It’s
Where my ideas go. I make music, and draw.
you are now my artist godmother 🤺
Its starting to push me even further into my depression hole...I’ve stopped drawing for 4yrs because of depression, this “break” is going on for to long and I’d like more than anything in the world to have that burning passion, energy, & motivation for art again. I’m just not there yet....but i’m close especially after seeing this video. I appreciate this so much, I’ve been subscribed to you for a long time but haven’t been watching since I quit art. So to run into this video & other art talks of yours felt comforting.
Every times Emily says “don’t forget to stay out of trouble” at the end I’m like; “I MAKE NO PROMISES.” But I always stay out of trouble ;)
this video is amazing... thank you for making this. it means a lot to me. also i agree, it's really so sad how youtube tries to instantly silence so many videos, including ones that speak of mental health.
Two years ago I had many ideas and drew so much, then life hit and I started, stagnating, in art, I want to pursue it, but sometimes when I put my pencil to the paper I feel empty, I lost the joy I had drawing, I still love it, but my mind just blanks. I think that I'm not good enough or just, not creative enough. I don't know what to do but this video helped a little to me.
Thank you so much it encouraged me to pick up my sketch book after I think two months of not drawing anything. All I did was a simple sphere with shading, but it brought me back to thinking about the lighting and the shading and just to take a step back from life.
Thank you for acknowledging depression and highlighting the illness. I struggle with bipolar depression and I struggled so hard today. I feel so alone. My art got me through the day. I wasn't up to painting but just ordering more paint and watching art videos helps me get through.
I really really needed this right now. I am going through my own little shit tornado, and I KNOW art will help but at the same time godDAMN it's hard to start a piece when I'm this low. I'm basically binge watching your videos, building up inspiration and trying to convince myself I can do it. Thank you so much for existing and helping so many people.💕
Kylee Rose same I’m so tired that I haven’t started any Art
I'm not gonna say I have depression, but most days i really feel like what you described. I feel distant, I want to draw but a voice in my head just tells me I wont be able to, and then I dont want to. I just got a jurnoul and it has nothing in it, so I'm gonna make it my private sketchbook. I was so happy when I knew that, 1) i wasn't alone with this feeling and 2) there are things I could try. I literally started crying. Thank you so much, Emily.
Having private sketchbook does helps a lot. Personally for me it does. It's just for you and where you can just pour your feelings and channeling all the negativity into every page of the sketchbook. Thank you, this video comes at such a right timing 💙 needed to hear it.
I Know i am late.
I have been feeling very very depressed. I have Always been a very very sad and anxious person. I've been having alot of panic attacks And i couldn't deal. Depression is a very very hard thing to deal with along with it can come anxiety and im just one of those 'lucky ' people who recieved both . Art is a thing thst had truly helped me over the years. I have dealt with a person who would physically and mentally abuse me and they would hoenstly be the worst, i think if it weren't for art and my friends i dont think i'd even want to live just this tiny bit. I thank you for making this video. This video made me feel better. I draw alot. And i draw when im really sad. Thank you, you beautiful human.
This video you released on my 18th birthday and I'm currently across Canada in Nova Scotia attending art university (I'm from Vancouver BC). school is hard. going to school for art is insanely difficult, not only skill wise, but mental health wise. I am working almost full time while in school and haven't created anything for myself in months. except now. I've watched this video so many times and it touched me and has helped me overcome my depression day by day and little by little. I have conquered many small battles with myself. thank you emily
Do you know why your my favorite art channel? Because your not fake, and you don't try to be fake, you say what's on your mind and it's fucking brilliant. It gives me and hopefully others a sence of it being real, because it is. Anyway I just want to say your doing a great job and keep it, we're all here for you.
i’ve been going through a large depressive wave recently due to a new medication i’ve been taking and hard situations and because of that it’s been nearly impossible for me to create art, today i got a new sketchbook and decorated the fuck out of the front cover with stickers, this video genuinely helped me and motivated me to start getting back into creating again, thank you so much, i will always love and support u emily :)
I’ve been on this loop of having great drawing ideas but never putting it on paper because I’m too tired to do ir or just don’t feel like I’d be able to execute the idea the way I really want to. After watching the video I decided to get on it and it actually made me feel better. Thank you for always taking time to talk about things like mental health and self awareness. You inspire me a lot. 💜
Thank you for this video. I'm currently having to deal with failing my animation program and being in academic limbo for year until I can reapply to the program and feeling like a failure, along with depression and self hatred. This felt like a pep talk/ advice I needed to hear.
Art mom, thank you so much. I've been in a bout of depression for 2 weeks now and have barely created anything. This video inspired me to pick up my sketchbook and not think of my followers on instagram and what they would think. This video came about at the perfect time, again, thank you Emily. ❤
This is so important. And what I've been going through. It's nice to feel validated, like I haven't been broken for taking time to do what I want artistically
Hello.
I used to struggle with what I call middle school depression where I felt like I was never good enough, always felt like things I couldn't handle were my fault, was just so tired to the bone that I couldn't do anything. This happens throughout 7th grade and half of 8th grade. I'm glad so many people have felt some sort of depression in their life. Only because it helps so many others to know that their not alone. There only reason I got out of that stage (which was a about a year ago) is because I got up and drew something anything in fact. I also found what I wanted to do, help people, so nobody feels like that ever.
If you are dealing with any mental illness remember use it to make you stronger, remember you are never alone no matter what that voice in you head says, and most of all it is okay to get help.
There is many resources available. You can try many, and you don't need medication to feel better, some times you just need someone to talk too.
Such as a friend or therapist. But never forget to help someone in need that is in the same or in a similar storm that they can't get by on their own.
Lots of love
-Paige
Sounds like Art Therapy. I'm a professional art therapist. And I like this video a lot. Good job!
I hope you're doing okay!
I'm in a pretty dark place myself right now and your video helped me have some realizations about how depression affects my creative abilities. It's kinda freeing to know that it's not one self being a "bad artist" just because sometimes we need a day off or don't know what to make.
Thank you for the honesty in your videos, it really helps.
I'm honestly trying not to cry as I type this right now, as well as watching through your video. This video really speaks to me. As someone who suffers and struggles with a multitude of mental health issues (and is currently going through a really rough time with it) this is something that I really needed. I constantly feel like I'm falling back, especially since I started creating a lot later than others, or so it seems, especially due to not being able to muster the energy to move from bed let alone creating something. But your advice has really resonated with me, and i hope it can help me both in my art and with my road to recovery with my mental health. Thank you so much for speaking up on these subjects, bc there truly is people out there who need to hear these things, who need this advice. I know you're struggling through life too and I'm so sorry to hear that, especially with da babes. But truly you've helped me out of a dark place, even if it's just a little bit and I have something to look forward to that can hopefully help things get better! Truly thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope things improve for you too Emily!
YES, I’m a very creative person and art such as writing, drawing, photography, videography and my mind has so many ideas. As a person who’s gone through a very dark time this year I can say I let myself get lost a don in turn lost myself. I got all consumed in fixing my mind and forgot myself as a whole. This video...thank you
Emily, I just want to thank you. Especially for this video. I’ve been through the ringer lately. My fiancé passed away earlier this year, and before he passed, I found your videos extremely helpful with everything. Whether it was improving my art, or even reminding myself not to be too hard on myself, you’ve always brought a smile to my face or tugged on my heartstrings in the best way.
I haven’t been able to find it in myself to draw as I’ve been in a pretty dark place since his passing. This idea of a “diary sketchbook”, and this video in general has sparked a little bit of that passion back, and I can’t thank you enough. I truly look up to you and the way you view the world. So thank you. Thank you for being you. ❤️
I’m so glad you made this video. I’m a writer who battles depression. All these ideas could work for anyone in the arts. Looking forward to hearing more of your stories. Take good care.
This was a good video, I am glad that I managed to get around to watching it today. I'm also glad that I'm not the only one that gets frustrated with the broken artist being so revered. I like your art journal idea, I'll have to consider one for that purpose. What I've done is when depression sticks a block in my creative expression is to switch to another outlet type ("Mom, why are you suddenly crocheting that selkie mask you've been meaning to do for months?" a recent example). I used the repetitiveness of the stitch pattern to work on "stitching" myself back together enough to function. It might not work for everyone but it was a desperate matter.
I recently discovered your channel and stumbled across this video in particular at just the right time. Just hearing someone say it's okay and that I don't have to feel guilty about struggling or not having the desire to create is exactly what I needed. Thank you. Looking forward to giving the sketchbook a try
I’m happy there’s a video posted talking about this, sometimes I feel like I’m the only one that experiences depression messing with my art work. Thank u Emily for bringing it to light and giving some tips that might work for those that experience it.
Thank you, my depression has given me an extremely hard time to create art!
This really struck a chord with me. I've been struggling with depression for years now (due to chronic illness and past traumas) and it's only been this past year where I've started doing the hobbies I love and enjoy (creating art being one of those). Things are slowly getting better and I've got things in place that help me cope if I feel myself slipping back into a state of depression.
My heart goes out to all of those who also suffer from depression and also to those who know someone who is suffering from depression 💕
I'm a full time artist because my severe depression, anxiety, and OCD make regular jobs really hard for me but of course they all still affect my artistic progress. When I'm feeling depressed I switch up mediums, it helps me jump start my brain. When I'm feeling anxious, I just grab a big piece of paper and write down emotional keywords and create patterns and colors, sometimes I cry during this process. I definitely second all the advice you gave, it was amazing.
Switching mediums is a great idea! Sometimes just sitting with my son, making little ducks and trees using crayons crayons can make a world of difference.
Hey Emily. This was really inspiring. I’ve been so sad and unable to draw. but this video gives me hope that i can get out of this block of time