In this episode of 'The Creative Kind,' I’m joined by Rachael Mayne, a psychologist and painter based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to discuss the intersection of anxiety and art. Rachael explains that anxiety is a normal, protective mechanism but can become problematic when it impacts daily functioning. We explore how anxiety manifests for artists, and how tools like journaling, mindfulness, and therapy can help. We touch on issues of imposter syndrome, the impact of social media on self-esteem, and the challenge of staying inspired. We also discuss our personal experiences of navigating the "ugly phase" in paintings, recognizing it as a natural part of the process rather than a sign of failure. Racheal offers practical strategies for managing creative anxiety, including having multiple projects at different stages and recognizing when energy levels allow for experimentation. 

You can find Rachael here on instagram:

And her website here

Mentioned in this episode:

The links to the books/resources that I mentioned are:

- The Centre for Clinical Interventions - Resources for looking after yourself:

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself

- The Happiness Trap - How to stop struggling and start living, By Russ Harris (book)

We discuss topics related to anxiety and mental health in this episode, including how these experiences can affect artists. While we approach this conversation with care, some parts may be sensitive for certain listeners. If you find this topic distressing, please take breaks or skip this episode if needed. If you’re struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek support from a mental health professional or reach out to someone you trust. 

📞 Additional Mental Health Resources:

• New Zealand: Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counselor anytime.
• Australia: Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
• International: Visit befrienders.org to find helplines in your country.

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