Why does depression set in when I am not creating something?

Question

I love to write and I love to design (interior design, redecorating, etc.) I find myself constantly bored when I am not starting a new project or making something. I will sit and sketch interiors for hours, and do as much design in my own house as I can with my budget, I write poems, stories, etc but it always seems when I have completed a project or have to stop for awhile due to budget, I get depressed. Not severely depressed, but very down in the dumps and sad about everything. Why does this happen, I hate these moods and I want to try to prevent them before they start.

I try to get past the moods by not letting them get the best of me. I get out of the house, do stuff, hang out with friends but there is always that little nagging emptiness inside.

Answer 1

well it's just in your nature to not just sit and do nothing. try doing something cheap in your time off

Answer 2

Keeping yourself constantly being busy may be a coping mechanism for you....it's sort of like alcoholism. If the individual is drunk all of the time, he/she is "good" but when the alcohol is gone, the sadness always seems to return.

Maybe there are underlying issues that you need help and support to work through...so when you aren't doing 500 things around your house and your body and mind are calm, the sadness won't find ways to crawl in.

This is from personal experience (and may not be relevant in your situation) but...I work and go to school and I constantly study, do homework, stay late at work, etc to avoid people in my life, and my depression. If I am working, studying, writing papers, researching...I don't have to think about my own life.

Hope this insight helps.

Answer 3

Because when you are at your best, is when you have a project staring you in the face. It's when you are happiest. And when that project is done then you are bored and that isn't what you want. You are the type of person, that loves to be busy doing something that you are good at and love.

There are people out there that don't really like to be busy and they just don't care what they accomplish and don't accomplish in life. You love doing things so keep your self busy, and then you'll be fine.

If you can try getting on a mild anti-depressant so that when you can and want to actually relax...then your also happy when you do.  

Answer 4

Maybe you crave letting your creativeness expand or maybe to keep yourself satisfied enough bc there's not enough of what you're doing.  Maybe it's those little things that make you feel alive that you hate being without. I could be wrong.

but remember: if you feel you're being "blocked" somehow, take those moments to be inspired by anything. You'll feel better. hope this helps.

Answer 5

try finding a hobby you can do on no bubget e.g. sports and get into that

Answer 6

You are creative and this is what brings you joy. This is who you are. So even if it's something little, you need to be creative everyday. Always have a sketchbook with you to jot down ideas, or do some sketching when the you want to. Most people whom are extremely creative tend to fell "lost" or depressed when they are not creating.

Answer 7

Whenever I have this nagging emptyness, I go crazy not being able to pinpoint what exactly it is.   The way I figure it out is by making a list of all the bad things in my life.  The one that pops out and hurts a lot when you read the list back to yourself, is usually the problem.  A nagging emptyness is usually a need that you had as a child that was unmet.

Most importantly, it is important to make a "count my blessings" list.  Create a list of blessings in all areas of your life.  This is the list that you need to carry with you and read on occassion and then give thanks to your Creator.

The fact that you feel bad when you are not creating has to do with you escaping in your art.  That is ok, but you still need to address reality too.  

Good luck to you.

Answer 8

You might want to see a doctor about this and bring up the subject of obsessive-compulsive disorder.  Just a thought.  You may also be a genius with exceptional talent, or both.

Answer 9

i love those feelings

Answer 10

maybe your filling a void with creating and when you stop you remember the void that makes you sad...

Answer 11

maybe u should speak to a therpasit.