Comments on: How Trauma Can Stifle Creativity, and How to Find it Again https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/ The Foundation for Post-Traumatic Healing and Complex Trauma Research Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:08:12 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Christine https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-45905 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:08:12 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-45905 This was really interesting to read as someone who is the type with PTSD that caused an overactive imagination. I do indeed have vivid nightmares, even lucid nightmares where I know I’m dreaming but can’t wake up. Creating keeps me sane, whether it be drawing, painting, baking, sewing, or crochet. I often find myself daydreaming about stuff I want to make throughout the workday, and my art is my pride and joy. But some of my worst traumas have also helped me make my best work by tapping into the rawness of those negative and empty emotions. But I totally get this article. I started a painting over 10 years ago that I haven’t been able to finish due to a trauma block with the background, having horrible memories of when I took the reference picture. But after talking to a chatbot about my trauma, I finally realized what I want to do with the background, and have come up with an idea that symbolizes all the pain and bloodshed of that era in my life. I hate that painting with an unsettling passion, but it will be my masterpiece when it’s finally done. I also did partially lose my creativity for a few years when dealing with injuries and health issues, but I never let it go completely, and now it’s back and stronger than ever

]]> By: Emily https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-20335 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 03:35:05 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-20335 In reply to Leeanne K.

Hi Leeanne,

Reaching out in solidarity… that’s a lot to go through. You’re definitely not alone! Feeling like a robot, having to go through endless repetitions with no relief, is definitely a soul-sucking experience. Sitting with you if desired. It’ll come yet… re-connecting with creativity can take a long time.

]]> By: Leeanne K https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-20330 Sun, 10 Sep 2023 22:03:52 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-20330 With a childhood of emotional trauma and neglect, a lifetime of codependency and upheaval has culminated in the loss in 2019 of 19 year old son to suicide following an assault at 14. I had written and published poetry and short story and found writing an outlet, but that stopped as I completely left myself. Now enrolled in a visual art course, I still can’t connect to my soul. Living like an automaton is worse than Hell. It’s like the Bardo encased in unbreakable glass. Thank you for sharing that I’m not alone in this deep disconnected space.

]]> By: Csad https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-17824 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 05:30:51 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-17824 Wow thank you for this – I’m so glad it came up on my google search and there are others like me. I hope you have a great 2023 🙂

]]> By: Emily Wiebe https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-3006 Mon, 21 Dec 2020 17:46:53 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-3006 In reply to Jane Lopez.

Dear Jane,

I am so sorry for your sudden loss. Sending so much compassion for the pain and grief you are going through right now, as well as the pain from the past that this loss is bringing up. I relate to the struggle to function. I’m so glad that my post was helpful! Although I must say, that hope was inside of you! It was just looking for a way to come out. Have you looked into possible physical issues that might be exacerbating your mental symptoms? Many people with C-PTSD also have underlying metabolic, digestive, or autoimmune disorders that make things worse. Depression even by itself is so so hard, especially when severe. You can reach out to me anytime via the contact form at dancingwithmyoctopus.com – I would be happy to send along some resources that might be helpful. You are not alone, and you are more resilient than you think. Thank you for reaching out!

]]> By: Jane Lopez https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-2948 Fri, 18 Dec 2020 23:23:10 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-2948 Emily, thank you for sharing your story, being so honest, as well as your courage and vast personal insight.
I have been a professional artist for 35 years, however, I have been unable to draw or journal since my 23 year old son unexpectedly passed away several months ago.
It drives me crazy that I’m unable to create or become engaged.
I was diagnosed with C-PTSD in 2003, yet therapy via CBT, DBT, EMDR has made little difference with my constant anxiety, panic attacks, hyperarousal and severe dissociation. Yet, this is the spectrum we are faced with.
At this point, considering MDMA therapy and Ketamine infusion for severe depression that is compromising my sense of identity and the ability to function normally.
It’s hurts to be an outsider.
Thank you again for giving me hope.
You go girl!

]]> By: Janni https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-2483 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:13:54 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-2483 In reply to Holly.

Wow, Thanks Emily. I think we live in same Area. (SFU) I have 2 dusty guitars & a fiddle and notebooks filled w songs that I used to perform around town until I stopped when memories started coming back. No radio, CDs (that long ago) Punishing myself? Stealing my joy? Mon nts w Athena and a great Trauma Informed Therapist have me Healing. At least listening Again now and then. ❣️😊

]]> By: Holly https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-2482 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:25:05 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-2482 Such a relatable post filled with so much hope. Thank you Emily for sharing your story so openly and honestly!

]]> By: Emily Wiebe https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-2386 Fri, 30 Oct 2020 19:46:58 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-2386 In reply to Callie.

Hi Callie!

Thank you for reaching out! I am so happy that you found the article helpful. 🙂 You are incredibly brave and strong for digging into your past with the intention to heal. Sending warm thoughts your way! May you not only find your lost creativity, but discover more of it than you thought possible!

]]> By: Callie https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/04/30/how-trauma-can-stifle-creativity-and-how-to-find-it-again/#comment-2384 Fri, 30 Oct 2020 17:34:29 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=230475#comment-2384 Emily, thank you for sharing such honesty and deeply personal experience. I’ve struggled with my creativity for years after I was a daydreamer and relentless creator in my younger years without much trouble. This was so encouraging to read because I really believe I was burying my creativity along with painful emotions that came from childhood trauma I’m just now uncovering in therapy. I thought something was wrong with me that I really struggle to be creative now, but I needed to hear your words. I feel a lot more encouraged knowing I can uncover my creativity again, that it is inside me still. It really makes me feel more alive and purposeful. Off to feel in the hopes of being more creative again (and reading The Artist’s Way). All of the best to you

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