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Arash Javanbakht, Wayne State University
(THE CONVERSATION) In the U.S., anxiety disorders affect about one-third of the population. So it’s no surprise that a good number of artists and writers also suffer from anxiety and depression.
But whereas some critics see Vincent Van Gogh’s striking paintings and Sylvia Plath’s confessional poetry as the direct result of their psychosis and depression, I tend to be less romantic about this subject. I see their brilliant output as having happened in spite of – rather than because of – their mental anguish.
In my new book, “Afraid,” I explore the interaction between fear, anxiety and creative work.
They’re more intertwined than you might think: Depending on the situation, fear and anxiety can either inspire or impede. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming, creative work often stalls.
Anxiety as a roadblock
The most basic way anxiety can hinder creative work is by shifting attention away from that work and toward fears and worries.
If a writer is worried about losing her day job, it’s harder for her to focus on her writing. Excessive anxiety bypasses all nonthreat-related…