Health, Mental Health

Blogging and Mental Illness

depression flikr light shadow darkness black dog

depression flikr light shadow darkness black dog

In the last 6 months, as I’ve been through some rough times, I’ve been thinking a lot about the link between blogging and mental illness. Or, rather, whether or not there is one. There is a lot of talk that people who blog tend to do so in order to reach out, especially those who begin blogging soon after having children when they are feeling isolated, and I wonder if that isn’t part of it – but I’ve been wondering lately just how many people who blog suffer from mental illness.

It seems every way you turn someone is talking about mental health. That’s a fantastic thing, and it feels like mental health is finally get the exposure it deserves, at least in blogging circles, but it does make me wonder if the percentage of people who have mental illness among those who blog is not higher than those who don’t. Which has led me to wonder if it’s people who suffer from mental illness, specifically depression, who seek out blogging as a means of connection and fulfilment, or if blogging, in its own way, lends itself to exacerbating mental illness.

Bear with me here.

Blogging, as well as self-branding and other behaviours linked with blogging, lends itself to introspection. Introspection encourages self-searching behaviour and what if, just what if, this introspection is making those of us who suffer from mental illness feel worse?

It’s not uncommon for someone to have a break from blogging because they are experiencing a depressive episode. Not simply a break from blogging either, but a break from all social media. And it makes me wonder if those of us who have taken to blogging as a means of understanding ourselves better, and opening up ourselves through blogging and social media, so others feel less alone, are not hurting ourselves and opening ourselves up for the black dog to find its way in.

The fact is, I don’t have the answers.

The fact is I’m no mental health expert, nor am I a researcher, or anyone with any data to back up a claim one way or the other. Nothing but the niggly feeling in the back of my mind that when I’m not feeling well, blogging seems to make it worse.

What do you think? Does blogging make it worse when you’re in a depressive episode?

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  • Hayley Ashman

    This has really got me thinking. For me, when my mental health isn’t where I want it to be I notice that I stop writing. I find that this is when I should be writing the most because it helps me to feel better. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s an outlet or if I just like feeling productive. I actually joined Kiki & Tea when I was at my worst and having something to push me to write is part of what helped me to feel better. In saying that, I understand how it could do more damage. I think what you are blogging about is a key factor. To live in a world where you are constantly examining yourself and how you feel may not always be healthy.

    • An Idle Dad

      Mine is the opposite. When I’m unhappy, the creative juices flow (and the output might not even be angry). But when I’m content or happy IRL, output is a struggle.

      • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

        When I was at the bottom I was still writing, but it wasn’t anything that could be published. It was too depressing to read. JJ read one of the pieces and would agree I’m sure, even though he’d tell me to run it anyway. But I didn’t write as much. This week has been a good week for me, I hit some goals at work and I’m feeling really great. As a result yesterday I wrote 4 posts. That’s kind of how it works with me.

        • http://johnanthonyjames.com/ John James

          It was an amazing post, but I think you were right not to publish (now – I thought differently a few months back…)

          Sometimes it’s good to write, but not share…

          I’d also suspect that T’s experience writing that post wasn’t a pleasant one – if it isn’t pleasant to write, maybe not a good idea to post – that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to write challenging posts… but I suspect that if you don’t feel better after writing a challenging piece, your readers are not going to get anything from it either….

  • Gary Lum

    I hope social media and blogging are not going to enable or initiate a problem for my own mental health. I can see your point. For me though, at the moment, social media and blogging especially make me feel happy.

    • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

      I don’t think it’s possible for it to initiate a problem with your mental health. So you’re safe :)

  • http://johnanthonyjames.com/ John James

    Short answer? Yes.

    Long answer? No.

    Even longer answer? Maybe…

    I don’t think you can strictly say I suffer from mental illness… I’ve never been diagnosed as suffering from mental illness, and I’ve never been treated for mental illness – but I will admit that the Black Dog has always been part of my life. I’ll also admit that social media gives me the shits. I’ve grown to dislike it and have reduced my participation is social media to a bare minimum. I feel much the better for it.

    Blogging, on the other hand, is still something I’m interested in – or rather, writing about how I see the world is still something I like to do.

    I write for myself now. Writing is good for me. I enjoy it. It helps me articulate things that worry me. I wrote over the weekend about how I don’t know who I am anymore. It felt good to admit this, and it was good for me to get those feelings down on paper (so to speak). I think it was good for me to publish that post on my Tumblr.

    I think it’s all about motivation. If you’re writing to be popular, or build a following, or for ego – then blogging can be a dangerous and disillusioning experience. I’m guilty of all of that. But I think writing (as opposed to blogging) can be a liberating experience. I don’t blog anymore, but I still write. I firmly believe there is a difference. A difference in attitude. A different motivation. I will continue to publish my writing, but I will never blog again.

  • An Idle Dad

    I’ve never been diagnosed with a mental illness, but I do know that my online presence was highest between the death of my first son and the birth of my second. I had very intense grief and while I didn’t blog too often about my experiences (though there were one or two landmark posts) I reached out and found support and understanding and friends.

    It didn’t leave me to be more depressed, but I do miss the writing. Like John says, writing about how I see the world is something I like to do.

    • http://johnanthonyjames.com/ John James

      For me personally it was never the writing that got me down… I love the writing process, the way the words fit together, the things I learn about myself when writing, learning to be open to my feelings and being brave… that’s why I like to write…

      Writing to see how many hits I get? That’s the kind of writing that got me into trouble. I hate that kind of writing. I never want to be that person again. That selfish kind of writing is what depressed me…

      I had to stop writing as “KiKi”… I needed to separate myself and start writing as “JJ” again. It’s a big difference… (and that’s not a criticism of KiKi & Tea – I still LOVE this site, and it’s posts like this that make me love KK&T so much…)

      I’m writing a story about all this at the moment – a big fat complicated emotionally bare kind of story – not a fiction – a true life story – I’m not sure it will ever see the light of day – but I’m glad I’m writing it… “KiKi” would have turned it into a life-porn blog… Instead, I’m trying to write something truthful and meaningful to myself.

      I think you know this when you write. If you’re enjoying the writing experience, then the results will be beneficial to you. If writing feels like a chore – something you HAVE to do – then it’s going to suck the soul out of your life… If that’s what blogging is doing to you, then stop. STOP! Don’t do it anymore. Do something else.

  • Carly Findlay

    I love this post T and I think it’s a brave discussion. So much I want to say about it – will write more soon. Love you x

    • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

      Thank you my darling. Can’t wait to hear the rest of what you have to say. Love you xx

  • Maryann

    I don’t have a social media profile as I think it is unhealthy for me. I do not have a mental illness but I think that as someone who my nature is an introvert I do not need to be more focussed on me which is what Facebook, Twitter and blogging so often boils down to. I choose to read blogs like Kiki because they are interesting and offer me a different perspective on life. On occasions they afirm my own beliefs & ideas.

    • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

      I am very glad you read, and I love the comments you leave. I’m fascinated by the concept of not having any social media profiles. I don’t think it’s possible for me to do and run this website, but if I ever gave up this website I think I would consider giving up all of the profiles. To some extent, anyway.

      Out of interest – how did you find the site?

      • Maryann

        HI T, I used to read Mamamia and I liked JJ’s comments.

        • http://johnanthonyjames.com/ John James

          You have a very good taste in commenters…. 😉

          I miss the old MM back when there was a sense of community :(

          • Maryann

            It is unfortunate but I think Mamamia lost what made it interesting to me when it became so well known. The editorial direction is a little too like Cleo/Cosmo for me especially when mixed with continual outrage.

          • Olympia

            For me, it’s been all downhill on Mamamia ever since Rick left/was fired (never quite worked out what happened there – if anyone knows, please share!)

          • http://johnanthonyjames.com/ John James

            Rick left MM to go back to journalism. I don’t think that’s a state secret.

            I ran into him a couple of weeks ago and had lunch with him. He’s looking great, enjoying his job, enjoying life.

            There’s no conspiracy…

          • Rick M

            It’s me! Yes, that Rick. I know it seems like I slipped away into the night (and I kind of did, it was a Friday and I was drinking wine) but JJ is right, I spoke to the folk at MM and let them know I wanted – nay, needed – to go back to newspapers as it is what I love, digging for news stories and watching them appear in print. And I’m doing just that, I promise!

          • Olympia

            Thanks all for the replies! – wow, even one from Rick himself! Sorry I didn’t make myself clear – I knew that he left to go to The Australian but I meant that I found it very odd the way Mamamia handled it. The ‘send off’ (on the website) was strange, especially compared to the fanfare accompanying Lana’s recent departure. It definitely left a bad taste in my mouth and had me wondering whether all was not well. But maybe my imagination was just working overtime.

          • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

            That one’s easy! Rick is shy and doesn’t like fanfare!

          • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

            If you go back to this post: http://bit.ly/11gcnVm You’ll note there’s a photo of Rick in it :)

  • http://www.averyblendedfamily.com/ Eleise Hale

    I think blogging has helped me explore issues and avoid future breakdowns. I also think that we can get overwhelmed with social media and we need to keep a tight handle on how much we use them and share our story. I do think bloggers tend to be people who think and talk, therefore opening up discussions and honesty, which would lead to an openess of mental health issues. I am not sure if this comment even makes sense.

    • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

      It does make sense.

      I am strongly in favour of those who openly share their experiences, which is why I have done so, even when the experience is hard for me to relive like my posts about being abused, or my very raw post about being a stepmother, and for me I blog purely because I like to talk, I like to share.

      But I do think I get overwhelmed sometimes. And I do find that sometimes I don’t want to write, I don’t want to think, I don’t want to look at myself. Self exploration can be hard.

  • http://www.VeryJane.com.au/ Very Jane

    Such a brilliant post T xx

    I’m not sure of the answer, but seeing as I am a researcher with a psych background, I would really love to respond to this post with another post from a researchers perspective after I do a bit of research :)

    I must admit, I have this very same inkling. Sometimes I become to wrapped up in the speed and excitement of social media and I put too much of myself out there. And then in the days that follow I often lament my overshare. For me, it’s not just blogging, I think it’s social media in general. And I always feel better when I back off… so what does that tell me?

    xxx

    • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

      I would love to run your response! I think it’s really valuable to have a continued conversation on these things, especially from a professional background like yours. As I said I’m no expert and I don’t really know, it’s just a niggly feeling and a question in my mind.

    • maree Talidu

      Very Jane, read my piece on here, it’s called ‘The link between creativity and mental illness.’ It was part of my graduate essay from uni.

  • http://somedaywewillsleep.com/ Veronica Foale

    I don’t think blogging contributes to depression, and I think it’s short sighted to think introspection makes mental illness worse. What if people who back away from blogging during a depressive episode are doing so because they’re backing away from all things they enjoy? I don’t see the correlation being drawn and I find it narrow minded to assume that cause and effect are the same for everyone.

    I understand why people might think this way, but there’s a reason anecdotal evidence isn’t used as the basis for research papers.

    • http://somedaywewillsleep.com/ Veronica Foale

      Also, huh, that comment might be worded a bit more strongly than I expected it to come out. I must be sensitive.

      • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

        It’s a very sensitive topic and one I hope I have handled delicately. I don’t disagree with your original comment, in fact I think it’s very valuable to have different sides to the discussion – otherwise it isn’t a discussion. And people are passionate about things they feel strongly about. I know I am. So don’t even worry about it, no harm done :)

    • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

      Your point regarding anecdotal evidence is extremely valid, which is why I’m more asking the question than anything else. I have a feeling, but I have no research, no expertise, nothing but a feeling.

      I hadn’t thought about people backing away from blogging because they’re backing away from things they enjoy. It’s an extremely valid point, and I wonder if that is why. Although I do find when I am experiencing a depressive episode, I don’t enjoy blogging or social media, I find it high pressure, which I don’t when I’m feeling well.

      Food for thought, thank you.

  • maree Talidu

    This piece links straight to a piece I wrote on here about the ‘link between creativity and mental illness’. History has shown that the most prolific writers, artists, musicians, have nearly all had experience with mental illness or have suffered trauma. Hence they use their writing (and art making) for catharsis. I personally find I DON’T like blogging when I’m experiencing extra levels of anxiety.

  • Mrsceeeceee

    I don’t think blogging contributes to depression. There are many, many causes of mental illness and some include experiencing trauma.
    Some people have clearly found that writing about their mental illness (as they do on my blog for Mental Health My Story) is cathartic.
    I think a decrease in mood can happen around all social media, not just blogging. For example, writing a status update on Facebook that does not garner the response you hoped could make someone feel worse. Saying that Facebook is responsible, however, is a different thing entirely.

    • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

      Yes, I agree that a decrease in mood can happen around all social media.

      I intend to send you a Mental Health My Story, and I will report back with how I feel afterwards. How I have felt after sharing my stories surrounding mental health so far has been cathartic, but it’s not so much blogging about mental health that makes me feel worse as writing in the midst of an episode, often about something else entirely.

  • http://www.zoeymartin.com/ Zoey Martin

    I think that as uncomfortable as it is, most of the time there is no reason for depression. Of course there are triggers or trauma but a lot of the time there is no reason at all. And looking for one, some place to lay the blame for it, while completely natural also I think misunderstands the nature of the disease.

    I’m a person who blogged through my depression (and still do) sometimes not always in words, but mostly I found it cathartic to get it outside of myself.

    But to say blogging or social media exacerbates or causes depression? I don’t see it. The disease of my mind was so great that nothing was capable of making it worse or better. And in moments more wretched and more horrific than I would ever care to write about when I was sobbing on the kitchen floor contemplating my own death, being able to reach out to certain people in private facebook groups gave me a bit of a thread to hold on to that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

    • https://kikiandtea.com/ Tamsin Howse

      Only one thing causes depression: A chemical imbalance in the brain. This can be triggered by external factors such as trauma in some places but I have enough Mental Health First Aid training to know that mental illness is physical illness, it’s a physical illness of the brain. And there is no cause of it just as there is no cause of many other illnesses except for organs not working as they should.

      Please don’t misunderstand me, I was never trying to say blogging causes mental illness. I wouldn’t.

      Does it exacerbate the symptoms? I don’t know. And it’s important to have your side of the argument contributed. Very important. I think having someone to reach out to is important, and I would say that in these very low moments I’ve had lately, Twitter has been important to me. The friends I have made in the blogging world have been incredibly important to me.

      But writing made me feel worse. And that was what got me thinking.

    • maree Talidu

      I think that “most of the time there is no reason for depression’, is incorrect. There are many reasons people suffer, whether it’s genetic, a chemical imbalance or as a direct or indirect result of some type of trauma. The ending of a relationship, deep grief after losing someone, substance abuse: these can all cause depression.

    • Ribbons

      ‘But to say blogging or social media exacerbates or causes depression? I don’t see it’

      It depends if you are blogging about depression or just blogging in general. When I talk about depression when in it my friend says I can ‘spiral’ – I start talking about why one thing in my life is bad and then it spirals from there – and then this is bad, and then that. That’s best done in person with a qualified therapist. So, talking about current depression online can be a risk of becoming lost in it.

      Also social media in general can make a person feel sadder – I’m sitting here sad and lonely, look at the all the pictures of people having fun. Even happy people get sad sometimes when they see other people having fun on social media – even though we all know these ‘fun’ profiles are carefully curated.

  • Carly Findlay

    On reflection – in my studies and also my personal use of social media and blogging, I feel that there’s a chance of becoming very introspective and dwelling on difficult periods through writing about them. Which isn’t to say writing isn’t therapy (because I believe it can be in my experience). The times I have blogge through difficult periods have been both cathartic and draining.
    Additionally, I have found that blogging can attract support from like minded people. This can be fantastic, but sometimes these like minded people can feed off your own difficult situation, which may bring you down further. At one stage I blogged about a difficult time I was having supporting someone I loved through their dark period. I received some wonderful messages of support that I am so grateful for, but I also received stories from others about their own troubles because I guess they feel comfortable enough to share their story with me. And I felt that this was too much for me to take on, on top of what I dealt with at that stage.
    It’s such a sensitive topic and I don’t feel I can have quite the public opinion on this as I’d like to because I sense a strong “ownership” of issues in the blogging community at times.
    Great post T, and I hope you are ok x

  • Ribbons

    I don’t blog but I interact online in various ways. I back away when ill or attempt to be extra cautious about my my behaviour. You know how you can feel sorry for your depressed real life friend(s) but they can eventually just be hard work or you don’t know how to help them/they can only help themselves/wait it out to get better. Now imagine that person isn’t a friend you know beyond a screen name, can’t really help and well, it’s a pain for people in the end, there is a limit of understanding and sympathy and that’s normal and ok. Not everyone has to be a saint for depressed people.

    I don’t want to bring up Mama Mia on Kiki and Tea but the best example I can think of is when someone going through a rough time dominates Best and Worst for a period of time and other people get shitty eventually. I don’t want to be that person.

    Does it make it better or worse? Blogging/interacting about not yourself f (i.e. talking about a TV show) can be good. It can be hard to interact in person with people when depressed, online limits isolation when you can’t leave the house, chatting about the new royal baby can take your mind of your sadness. But I haven’t seem many people blog/interact about their depression/mental illness when actually experiencing it in a way that seems to be helping them. Post-illness reflection writing seems to help though.