Hello Friends,
I have read in some of the blogs here that the writer feels they do not belong . . . .
I have, throughout my life, struggled with being different, often withdrawn and self-isolating. I have also been troubled by the world's flaws: war, famine, disasters, diseases, etc. My favorite artist is Vincent van Goh. The movie Lust for Life was made from the essence of Irving Stone's historical novel.
In the Song by Don McLean Vincent, there is one set of lyrics that haunted me for a long time:
" . . . Vincent, This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you . . ."
I went through an artistic period imitating Vincent Van Goh, and I felt those lyrics as if they applied to me. I have had a lifelong struggle with clinical depression, but finally, after many years, I was diagnosed with a bipolar condition; counseling, Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) 1 , and medication have brought me closer to a better balance. I can still be withdrawn at times and overly sensitive, but the good news is after I adjusted to all the therapy, I regained my creative spark. I had feared quelling my emotional challenges would also harm my creativity.
It turns out I am resilient and able to adapt and still retain my empathy and inspiration to express it. My high school creative writing teacher was the first adult to recognize my sensibility; he told me I was experiencing sadness for the world. Weltschmerz 2
1. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy. It may help you change unhelpful or unhealthy ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. CBT uses practical self-help strategies designed to immediately improve your quality of life. CBT can be an effective way to treat depression and anxiety.
2 weltschmerz \VELT-shmairts\ noun. 1 often capitalized Weltschmerz : mental depression or apathy caused by comparison of the actual state of the world with an ideal state. 2 often capitalized Weltschmerz : a mood of sentimental sadness.
Weltschmerz Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Websterhttps:// dictionary › w