Many highly creative people are sensitive, empathic, caring and giving. We feel and love deeply and while these traits bring light to the world they can also attract darkness.

We often talk about some of the most gifted creators in history as being “tortured souls” and it’s well know that people like Van Gogh, Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway and Ludwig van Beethoven suffered from a variety of mental health conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to bipolar and schizophrenia. Research hasn’t given a definitive answer for why so many creatively gifted people suffer mentally but as a highly sensitive person I know I struggle to switch my deep emotions off and when those emotions are painful the suffering can feel unbearable.

However, I’m also aware that I can create some of my best work when I’m highly emotional so it’s a double edged sword. There are days when my heart is full of joy and wonderment and my brain fizzes with a multitude of ideas which isn’t conducive to relaxation or sleep! I’m thankful, though, that I’ve never really had any mental health issues other than those temporarily caused by life events such as grief, and I’m possibly one of the least anxious people you’ll ever meet, but I can fully appreciate how mental health might be affected by being highly creative.

I’ve written before about my experiences of jealousy in respect to my creativity, which became evident as my success as a photographer grew. At the time I thought this was unique to me but having now spoken to several other successful female photographers, some of whom have also been bullied out of their Camera Clubs, I realise it’s actually quite common. I was desperately disappointed at my Club’s response to my being bullied but console myself with the fact that they lost one of their best photographers who helped them achieve success in competitions, and my talents are now being celebrated by a rival Club. If you want to cut your nose off to spite your face that’s the way to go about it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Highly creative people, particularly if they are sensitive and empathic, can often be a magnet for abuse. In particular we need to be alert to narcissists, who are drawn to our deeply loving souls and ability to nurture.

I’ve had experience of narcissists both in the workplace, within family structures and in romantic attachments. Overt narcissists are fairly easy to spot with their arrogant, entitled, dominating personalities although they are often also charming, gregarious and successful which is how they lure people into their orbit. Covert (also called vulnerable) narcissists, on the other hand, are much more subtle, and can often appear humble, philanthropic, introverted even shy. Their ability to deceive and manipulate is insidious and can be hidden for a long time, which can make identifying their abusive behaviour difficult especially as sensitive empaths can instinctively sense their deep longing for connection and their innate loneliness.

Knowing that as highly creative and sensitive souls we can be very attractive to dark personalities allows us to be on our guard. It’s important for creatives to trust our gut instincts and to recognise that if a situation or relationship feels ‘off’ it probably is. We have a tendency to fight to maintain relationships and to want to ‘fix’ people, however it’s important to bear in mind that the biggest predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour and without therapy narcissists will continue to control, manipulate, deceive and abuse.

We need to look after our mental and emotional health and practice self care, particularly as our tendency is to put the needs of others before our own. In order for our creativity to flourish we need to be around genuine people. Those who cheer us on, lift us up and show us unconditional love, care, support and kindness. I am so thankful for the people in my life who do just that – you know who you are.