NatashaElizabethpatty

  Is mental illness a creative superpower—or simply a reality many writers live with? The “tortured artist” myth might sound poetic, but it’s more harmful than helpful. I live with paranoid schizophrenia, and while it shapes my stories, it doesn’t define them. And no, I don’t create because I suffer—I create despite it. In my last article, I explored what it's like to write through brain fog as someone living with mental illness. This time, I want to dig deeper—not into the pain itself, but how living with paranoid schizophrenia has influenced the way I create stories, characters, and emotional truth. Breaking the “Tortured Artist” Myth For years, I believed that pain was necessary for powerful writing. High school me thought suffering was a rite of passage for poets and storytellers. But the truth is: romanticizing pain is dangerous. It leads people to believe they have to stay broken to stay creative. Worse, it can make them afraid to heal, fearing recovery will take away the...

  Struggling to write while navigating mental health challenges like brain fog is a reality for many writers. The blank page can feel daunting when your mind feels clouded, unfocused, or overwhelmed. As a writer living with mental illness, I’ve faced these struggles firsthand—staring at empty pages, grappling with unfinished projects, and battling self-doubt. In this article, I share practical strategies to write through mental fog and keep creating, even on the toughest days. What Is Brain Fog? Brain fog, also known as mental fog, is a state where your mind feels fuzzy, slow, or emotionally heavy. It can make focusing, generating ideas, or even stringing sentences together feel impossible. For writers, brain fog can stem from mental health conditions, stress, or external triggers, leaving you stuck and frustrated. I’ve spent countless moments staring at a blank page for 15 minutes, unsure where to begin. Other times, unexpected setbacks cloud my focus, making writing feel like nav...

  Impostor syndrome can be paralyzing, especially for writers struggling with mental illness. The fear of not being "good enough" or being "exposed as a fraud" often holds talented writers back. If you’ve ever doubted your abilities, you’re not alone. What is Impostor Syndrome? Impostor syndrome is the persistent belief that your success is a fluke—that you’re not actually talented and that one day, people will “find out” you’re a fraud. Many writers, even the most accomplished ones, experience this self-doubt. 5 Ways to Fight Impostor Syndrome as a Writer with Mental Illness 1. Recognize the Lies Your Mind Tells You Your mind may tell you that you’re not good enough, but challenge those thoughts! Keep track of your achievements, no matter how small—whether it’s positive feedback from readers or an increase in engagement on your work. 2. Accept That Self-Doubt Never Fully Goes Away Even renowned writer Maya Angelou once said, "I have written 11 books, but each ...