The Creative’s Mental Health
Editor’s Note
BY FAITH NWANI
Dear Reader,
When I received the invitation to be the guest editor for the inaugural issue of Theory of Craft, I asked myself: What is the common thing that creatives suffer from? The answer came easy: Stress, depression, burnout. This is why I am pleased to present an edition focused on mental health to explore the vital connection between mental wellness and creativity.
In this edition, Monisola Badiru, youth and family counsellor at Wood’s Homes, Canada, contributes an essay on how to deal with stress as a creative titled “Refilling your Creative Jug”.
You will also read an interview from the author of Ogadinma, Ukamaka Olisakwe, on how she prioritises mental health and self-care as a creative. Finally, we have a mindful exercise on journaling to mitigate stress when the pursuit of excellence impacts your well-being and mental health.
The goal of this edition is to shine a light on mental health issues faced by creatives in Nigeria: editors, writers, artists, etc., and offer insights and resources to support them. I hope that you enjoy and are informed after reading this newsletter.
Thank you.
Faith Nwani
- Growth through innovation/creativity:
Rather than be constrained by ideas for new products, services and new markets coming from just a few people, a Thinking Corporation can tap into the employees. - Increased profits:
The corporation will experience an increase in profits due to savings in operating costs as well as sales from new products, services and ventures.
- Higher business values:
The link between profits and business value means that the moment a corporation creates a new sustainable level of profit, the business value is adjusted accordingly. - Lower staff turnover:
This, combined with the culture that must exist for innovation and creativity to flourish, means that new employees will be attracted to the organization.
