Hard Times and Writer's Block.

As helpful as writing can be when I'm going through a difficult spell with my mental health, occasionally there are days when something weighs so heavily on me that it crushes all my creative mojo. On these days, writer's block is the least of my worries. These are the days when I can barely bring myself to move from the sofa; the days when the smallest household task feels like Everest.

There have been a few of these days over the past week or so, caused in part by the effects of social isolation. I know there will be countless others who feel the same way right now.

I'm pleased to say that, for now, I seem to be through the worst of it and feel like I can put pen to paper again. Having lost a few precious NaNo days, I've got some catching up to do, but I feel positive about my ability to get it done.

Still, I was quite hard on myself while I wasn't managing to write anything. Even when I'm feeling rubbish, I do normally try to get something down on the page, provided I have the time to do it. They do say that the best way to cure writer's block is to write something- anything. The trouble is, on the worst of days, the only thing I'd manage to get on the page would be a large, angry scribble or a sad face. When you can barely find the words for general conversation, finding words for your story/poem/article can feel impossible.

I read something yesterday that's been put out there on the web; just another generalisation made by someone who clearly doesn't understand how circumstances affect each person differently. The words were: 

"If you don't come out of this quarantine with either: 

1) a new skill,

2) starting what you've been putting off like a new business

3) more knowledge

You never lacked time, you lacked discipline." 

Wow.

The original poster probably thinks he's being motivational, but this is not done in a positive way. Instead, it reeks of judgment and privilege. Even if a person is off work; even if they have all the time in the world, they may well be struggling with their mental health due to the radical changes made to their lives. To expect some amazing completed project from someone who's struggling to get through each day is unfair. To make sweeping generalisations, saying that a lack of achievement right now equals a lack of discipline, is unkind. 

If you are managing to be productive, that's great! Good on you! Please do share. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I love to see people's work. But, you might feel unable to do anything at the moment. You might be struggling with guilt or frustration with yourself for not achieving as much as you'd like. If that's you, I want you to give yourself a break. Be kind to yourself, because we all have times like these. Just because you don't feel you can do something now, it doesn't mean you never will. You may just need to be in a more positive frame of mind, and that time will come. Until then, please take care of yourselves.

Be safe, be kind and be patient. You'll get there.

V.