Why Creative Block Might Really Be About Suppressed Emotions

Creativity can be an elusive concept: when we are in the flow of making music, painting or writing fiction, it can be a true source of joy and satisfaction. Our efforts often also bring happiness to others, which is even more rewarding. They don’t need to be extraordinary: even deciding how to plant the garden or preparing a new dish can be a creative act.

However, being creative can become more difficult as we get older, and this is a shame because we all need this kind of outlet in our lives. There is a general assumption that creativity is a talent you are born with, and only arty types or innovators are sprinkled with this magic fairy dust. 

Some people might have started out life full of creative ambitions, only to feel that they are unable to access their best ideas as life goes on. Others might not consider themselves to be creative at all, even if deep down they would love to be. Here’s a look at why creativity is not a character trait, but an active choice that is supported by emotional regulation. 

The link between emotions and creativity

The popular assumption is that creative people are more highly strung and spontaneous than the rest of us. This may or may not be true, but it is not the whole process that drives creativity: it also needs the ability to tolerate uncertainty, and this can feel uncomfortable. 

However, it’s what leads to making new connections: the courage to feel unsure and awkward, rather than always falling back on a tried and tested formula. This doesn’t require an artistic sensibility, but it does require emotional literacy. 

Common barriers to creativity

Being creative can be a joyful process, but along the way you will experience moments of doubt and vulnerability. If these get the better of you, fears can take over: will your work be harshly judged, dismissed as mediocre, or will you feel that all those hours of effort have been a waste of time and energy?

Our brains naturally try to protect us from emotional pain by suppressing uncertainty and directing us towards what’s comfortable and familiar, so we will have a predictable outcome for our efforts. Sometimes this can prevent us from taking the risks that are necessary to make new connections. 

How to use your emotions to support your creativity

People who seem to be effortlessly creative will usually have the self-awareness to identify uncomfortable emotions, and allow themselves to feel them rather than backing off. This might involve feeling scared, frustrated, unsure, bored, or just plain stuck. However, they have learned not to give up, but accept that it is a necessary part of the process. 

Yes, not all of your ideas will work, but you will have still learned how to get past the tried and tested, and this is how to eventually make the leap from the purely derivative to work that is genuinely affecting and original. 

Create a safe space for yourself where you have permission to fail: make art that is just for you, and not intended for an audience. Don’t set any time limits, even if you get bored and frustrated. If you have a harsh inner critic that is difficult to silence, meet the voice with non-judgemental curiosity: what, if anything, is it really trying to say?

Over time, your creative emotional literacy will grow stronger and more instinctive, as you realise the power of embracing difficult emotions rather than burying them. Don't worry if this doesn’t happen right away: it takes time to develop a true creative voice, but it’s a skill that can be learnt, rather than a talent that only certain people are blessed with. 

When you might need extra support

Emotions can be messy, and sometimes it can feel impossible to sort them out on your own. This is not a sign of failure: recognising that you might need help is the first step towards a stronger version of yourself. At our London clinic, we offer Internal Family Systems (IFS), a type of therapy that enables you to access parts of yourself that have become shut down. 

If you’d like some more information about how IFS works, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.