Personally, I find that music helps me a lot and I prefer music written in minor keys, perhaps because they feel more reflective. I do sing in a show choir and find that the pieces I like least are the happy, happy Broadway tunes and stuff from the 40's and 50's. I was in grade school in the 50's and I think songs from that era just bring back bad memories, plus the words to most of them have always felt so shallow. But when I'm singing, it helps me to be in the present because I can get lost in the music, plus I get to be with a group of great people.
I thought for a while that I would do a lot of writing when I retired and I worked hard on a piece about my grandparents that I thought might be part of a bigger work. However, I did a lot of grieving during that process and shared it with some people and I've not felt the need to do any more of it, at least for now. So I think the writing was therapeutic for me.
Hello Jerry
I have always thought that there is an association between mood disorders and creativity. Perhaps it is a way to cope. Maybe in some instances...people with depression rely on creativity to solve problems. It can be a way out of the box so to speak.
Absolutely...writing helps me. And singing too.
It is interesting...I copied the same quote from your post as did Donna.
Ely extends her assertions by saying, "the most insidious and common manifestation of repressed creativity in women is depression."
Then I am damn creative! 
Great topic to explore. It makes for some good discussion.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Ely extends her assertions by saying, "the most insidious and common manifestation of repressed creativity in women is depression."
This may be true. When I was married, my husband made fun of all my creative endeavors and forbade me to hang any of my paintings in "his" house. This made me feel like a bad person. Worthless. Not legitimate. In turn, this added to my depression. But, oddly enough, once I was depressed, no amount of creativity seemed to lift me out of it. I think that's because I was expressing myself in a dark mode -- painting rather bizarre self-portraits, writing poetry about failed relationships, composing music that sounded more like dirges than anything else; thus, enhancing my already low mood.