Terms like Creativity and Artist are often connected to tragic stories, struggles, and mental health issues. Yes, it’s a stereotype… but it’s not the first time I’ve wondered about the topic. It made me think about right-brainers and how that side of the brain controls those seemingly volatile and roller-coaster emotions.
Studies have shown that there is some connection between the right-brain and depression. If the left-brain was damaged and we only have the right-brain, the result is sickness. At least in mice anyway!
Depression is linked with a hyperactive right hemisphere, with evidence of selective involvement in “processing negative emotions, pessimistic thoughts and unconstructive thinking styles”, as well as vigilance, arousal and self-reflection, and a relatively hypoactive left hemisphere, “specifically involved in processing pleasurable experiences” and “relatively more involved in decision-making processes”.[18] Additionally, “left hemisphere lesions result in an omissive response bias or error pattern whereas right hemisphere lesions result in a commissive response bias or error pattern.” [19] The delusional misidentification syndromesreduplicative paramnesia and Capgras delusion are also often the result of right hemisphere lesions.[20][21] There is evidence[22] that the right hemisphere is more involved in processing novel situations, while the left hemisphere is most involved when routine or well rehearsed processing is called for.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateralization_of_brain_function
Of course, we all know that our creative work brings us good things. Our brains are complicated… I read another article that I think many people can relate to, how Art Saves! It’s obviously an oversimplification to think of our brains as left-sided and right-sided… you might be one of the other. Why resign yourself to one way of thinking?
I suppose the point is to create harmony between both sides of your brain or really, yourself. We need a whole brain or whole self to be living fully. Don’t you think so?
3 Comments
This is *very* interesting. My mind sort of clicked on with the possibilities and the responses….
Dearest sweet linda, this is soo instersting! I am always curious about our minds! It does make sense that we need both right and left side of our brain to make oneself. Thanks so much for sharing sweet friend! Happpy Easter!! I HOPE it was wonderful! Have a lovely merry happy week and love ot you!
I’m always intrigued by studies of the mind… science nerd in me!