Creativity and depression seem to go together.
In a 2017 review involving 36 studies and thousands of participants, researchers found a clear relationship between being creative and having a diagnosis of a mood disorder, like depression. They did not find, however, that people diagnosed with a mood disorder were more likely to be creative.
In other words, it seems creative people are vulnerable to developing a mood disorder, but we have little evidence that a mood disorder makes you more creative.
Why creative people may be more at risk for a disorder like depression is a difficult question—one scientists are still trying to answer. Meanwhile, if you’re struggling with serious depression, it’s important to check with a psychiatrist, particularly if your thoughts become negative enough that you consider self-harm.
But what if you, like many creatives, are simply going through a depressive time and need some help to regain your energy and creative motivation?
Scientists have now confirmed that the right smartphone app may be just the solution you need.
How a Smartphone May Help a Depressed Writer
Australian researchers reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials on 22 different smartphone-delivered mental health interventions. Altogether, the studies involved more than 3,400 men and women between the ages of 18 and 59 who had some form of depression (mild to major), bipolar disorder, anxiety, or insomnia.
Results showed that overall, smartphone apps significantly reduced depressive symptoms, which is good news for those who may not have access to other forms of treatment, or who have more mild or moderate forms of depression.
“Combined with the rapid technological advances in this area,” said lead author Joseph Firth, “these devices may ultimately be capable of providing instantly accessible and highly effective treatments for depression….” He added that smartphones could help people manage and understand their own mental health.
Which Apps Work Best for a Writer’s Depression?
The researchers stated that the applications work best for mild to moderate—not severe—depression. The apps haven’t been studied as thoroughly in those with major depression, so if you’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder be sure to work with a psychiatrist to manage your symptoms.
If you fit into the mild to moderate category, though, you may wonder: Which application is best?
The researchers checked on that and didn’t find any major differences between those tested. They did find, though, that entirely “self-contained apps” that don’t require doctor or computer feedback were more effective than those that did, surprisingly enough! The researchers thought this was probably because the self-contained apps were more comprehensive.
They didn’t suggest that apps are better than standard psychological therapies, but they did suggest that people can experience good results if they choose to use one of them.
ADAA Rates Several Mental Health Apps
We can find some tests on mental health apps from other sources.
The ADAA, for example, has a list on their website of various mental health apps, with ratings on each one indicating ease of use, effectiveness, personalization, and interactive/feedback.
They list “MoodKit,” for example, as a highly rated app that helps individuals with depression and anxiety disorders to identify and change unhealthy thought patterns.
“MoodTools”—a self-help app targeting only depression—is another good one. It provides education about risk factors, a depression symptom questionnaire, a thought diary, and videos that include meditation guides.
“Healthline” also has a post rating apps for depression, with Daylio Mood Tracker and Youper receiving high marks. Daylio, a free download, is like a quick diary that allows you to see potential patterns in your moods throughout the day.
Youper, also a free download, actually has an artificial intelligence that helps you analyze your thought patterns and behaviors, walks you through helpful techniques, and then summarizes your interactions to help you gain insight into your own well being.
Sanvello, which used to be Pacifica, offers a more meditative approach, helping to relieve depression and anxiety. According to their website, their application was proven effective in a randomized study of 500 people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
You can find more apps by researching online. You may want to give one or more a try. They couldn’t hurt, and they just might help.
Have you tried a smartphone app to help relieve anxiety and depression?
Sources
“Smartphone apps reduce depression,” NICM, Western Sydney University, [Press Release], September 22, 2017, https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/nwsu-sar092217.php
Taylor, C. L. (2017). Creativity and Mood Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(6), 1040-1076. doi:10.1177/1745691617699653
I like Daylio and have been using it for several months now. (I also color in a “pixel” in a physical notebook to represent my mood, which is a quick & simple bedtime routine.) Plus I really like the Calm app, which offers guided meditations, sleep stories and more. Some of the narrators voices are wonderfully soothing.
Congrats on surviving your website tribulations – never fun!!
I’ve used Calm a little too, Pauline–pretty cool. And thanks on the site! :O)
Very helpful information. I use Insight Timer to help calm my mind sometimes. I’ll look at these, too. Thank you!
Thanks, Lori—and for the tip on Timer. :O)
The site looks great, Colleen!
But no smartphone for me because I dislike texting and find it stressful to read stuff on the tiny screen. I have my TracFone flip phone which is fine for travels and emergencies. I love periods of solitude and quiet. If I’d keep the smartphone turned off all the time, what’s the point of spending all that money?
Thanks, Pat! And definitely understood on the smartphone–we all need time away from it. But the studies are definitely interesting. Some of the apps actually did look like they could be helpful.