The Van Gogh Blues

Acclaimed singer Alanis Morissette, promoting her album Jagged Little Pill in 1995, reported feeling a "dissonance in the midst of all the external success.. I was expected to be overjoyed by it, and at the same time I was disillusioned by it."

This kind of "crisis of meaning" - which many highly talented and creative people experience - is addressed in the book as a key element in depression.

Psychotherapist and creativity coach Eric Maisel acknowledges that medication or biological treatment, as well as therapy may help in alleviating depression, but he emphasizes that "Creators have trouble maintaining meaning... Not creating is depressing."

In addition to a number of perspectives and insights by artists, the book provides information show more and cognitive behavioral strategies from a variety of psychologists and creativity coaches to help deal with meaning crises that can erode creative expression and mental health. show less

While there are parts of this book I really enjoyed, there were other parts I did not. Treatment of audience is a little uneven. I have been working my way through this book with a neighborhood friend. I found the first four chapters interesting, the next few a little more exciting, the chapters about brokenness and addiction less helpful or interesting than I hope for, but the last two chapters were worth the price of the book.It uses case studies and suggests resources and exercises. Some are excellent.