Should people write when they are depressed? Or, should sadness be described in

1. 84

   anusha15posted 12 years ago

   Should people write when they are depressed? Or, should sadness be described in the retrospect?
   
   When a person is depressed, s/he is sometimes biased towards negativity. Do you think writing in such state of mind can spread negativity/sadness/depression in readers? And even for the author himself/herself when s/he reads own writing at a later stage? What would you choose from the trade off? Channelizing sadness through expression in writing or not letting the negativity spread - waiting till you've achieved better poised state and then write  in the retrospect?

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2. 60

   ytsenohposted 12 years ago

   I think writing from either state of mind carries value.  If a person writes when in a state of depression, it can be cathartic.  Likewise, if that same person is feeling sad.  I think it's productive to write as a method of expression in either state as a way of release and since I view it as productive, I don't necessarily feel it's negatively perceived.  I think perception and the effects of same vary between individuals.  If the reader is empathetic, any sad language is going to be "felt."  I think if the person who is performing the writing revisits what was written, oftentimes, that person can either think, "Wow, I wrote that?" or can see how much self-growth took place since the time that person was sad, etc.  I say write all the time.

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3. 0

   Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

   Just write.  Look at it this way:  Do you only wait to write on sunny days?  Write when you can--no matter what.  It's the EDITING that counts.

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4. 68

   anupmaposted 12 years ago

   Most world famous poets are depressed from any ways. I mean read so many poets whether he is Eliot, Yeats, Keats, Shelley, Tennyson or any other great poet... They suffered from some problems and these problem inspired them to write. Actually writing is a therapy. So it really helps a lot to express sad views.

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   femmeflashpointposted 12 years ago

   I agree with ytsenoh, writing carries value whether the writer is depressed or not.  However, I tend to believe that negativity begets negativity and vice versa.  If I were a poet, I might write while depressed, but, I'd likely regret it later.  I would be worrying that I may have spread the depression elsewhere, which is something I would never want to do, bring another down with me.
   
   Thankfully, my depressive states are short lived.  I think that is mostly because I decide it has to go away.

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   Majadezposted 12 years ago

   I've written many poems whilst feeling a bit depressed. I agree that it's cathartic and not only you, but your readers see the progress too. I don't think you can actually spread negativity. It's not about being negative, but rather just expressing the feelings you have, whatever they may be. Others will recognize those feelings and you'll have a mutual understanding of them.  It shows in the writing if someone is just lashing out negative thoughts or sincerely voicing their emotions and opinions.  The first will often be met with disapproval (& yes, it might fuel negativity too) but the later is what I try to do.
   
   If you write about feelings in retrospect, it's not quite the same and as genuine as within the moment because you have to think back. Hence the writing won't be as passionate.

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   Attikosposted 12 years ago

   A writer should write in all his moods. The manuscript produced when he is depressed may not be his final edition, but it will be an invaluable resource for authenticity in later work.

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   vansh121posted 12 years ago

   Yes, great works always come when people are depressed. I think when we are happy, we are content. So a few of us start writing their happy experience, while when we are sad we want to be alone and then only our real thoughts come in the forms of words.

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9. 60

   trecords0posted 12 years ago

   I write whenever I feel like writing, and that may be during depressing times.  Sometimes I write when I'm depressed to find out why I'm depressed; my muse is my best sounding board.  I also write about anything and everything (editing is done later, and that includes the choice of whether to publish or not).

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    cre8ivOneposted 12 years ago

    I don't think you should ever stifle your emotions when writing, of course you need ot channel your emotions into creative writing and not lets say a work report.  I very often drawn on sullen feelings when writing some of, what I consider my best poetry.

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    stacyjwxposted 12 years ago

    Whether happy or sad, writing is about having an opinion. Anything that is well-written shows an opinion, takes a stance on a subject, and is biased in some way. Any expression in writing is better than waiting for a happier outlook on life. Some of the best works come about by feeling sadness, pain, or negativity.

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