creativity & Mental health

One of the things I want to say right off the bat is, I do believe there is a connection between poor mental health/depression and creativity, but in all my years, (with depression a constant shadow) my experience (my own stuggles, and others I support with their own mental health) and research (on causes, treatment, philosophy and other artists) what I believe is this :  
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you ARE not creative because you are depressed, You are creative because you're awesome!

​Artistry is not just an impulse, it is a discipline. It takes hard work, careful planning, and even if you pare it right down to basics, you still need the life skills to aquire materials, work on a project to completion and show people what you are doing. These facts alone support wellness as an asset. Now, just to be clear, if you are not well at the moment and you can't manage those things, then don't worry. This is not going to stop you, things can and will get better, and these are really good goals, if they aren't achievable right now. But all the things you need to thrive ​live in the realm of wellness, so investing in getting a healthy balance can only be good.