Creatives get sad too...
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Creatives get sad too...
Fid#004: dealing with loss and depression as a creative...
Hello K-reator!
It's strange that I mentioned how important it is to make this country a better place in the last newsletter, and then we got hit with yet another shocking piece of news last weekend. This was supposed to begin on an exciting note with some banter, but I'm feeling sad after witnessing what Owo, a peaceful community in Ondo state, had to go through. I wish the departed souls peace and hope you will pause for a few moments to wish the families who suffered this great loss the strength to carry on...
Have you ever wondered how it feels to deal with loss or depression as a creative ?
Most content creators create a bubble of happiness, joy, and peace for their fans, and many people immerse themselves in these contents to escape their current reality. This can be seen in the never-ending loops of TikToks, the endless threads of tweets, and the never-ending swipe on Instagram. Consumers of these contents become so engrossed that they forget those creating the bubbles are humans who may one day require an escape room or a bubble.
Pause…
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As a creative, consistently striving to make others happy while putting your own needs on the back burner is common. While these acts of selflessness are admirable, the end result is depression and a total relapse. Mental health is gradually being recognised in this part of the world, but there is still a long way to go. When you're in a bad state and your fans are clamouring for more content, it's tempting to fake a smile and get on that camera or create that amazing piece of art that shouldn't be.
Recognising that you are first and foremost human creates a kind of balance and protects you from the risk of a sudden relapse. Take breaks, mourn properly, see a therapist, and cry all you want because you, too, are human.
The struggle to meet the standards that fans expect of you can be dangerous and lead to identity loss, so adore your fans as much as you want, but always remind them that you are human, just like them.
Disappearing for a while and reappearing stronger will not stop your creativity or make your fans go away, but neglecting your mental health to stay relevant will cause you to disappear unwillingly sooner than you expect, and those fans will only be sad for a while before swiping, liking, and following a new favourite. Remember that you do not exist because of the contents; rather, the contents exist because of YOU.
Put you first, and take that break today!
love, light and laughter!
Your guy,
Philo🧡.