Three Main Causes of Depression in Activities Like Writing:
1. Self-Downing: The key phrases Boice cites (from Ellis) are the shoulds, oughts, and musts. These can be counter-productive, I think, because they create unrealistic expectations in writers as the perceive others' views of them. I think this holds true, mostly because of the negativity spiral that can ensue. If I (or you or one) has unattainable expectations for himself, and constantly is comparing his work against those expectations, it is very easy to fall into the prolonged feelings of self-doubt and negativity. Not that those feelings will vanish if we avoid taking stock of others' expectations, but if we find a way to be more comfortable with our own production, a way to write for OURSELVES instead of something/someone else, I think it'd be easier to avoid those pitfalls.
2. Low Frustration Tolerance (LFT): This cause seems to be somewhat at odds with what Boice has been working towards throughout his book. LFT stems from the feeling that writing should be FUN, that writing doesn't have to be uncomfortable, and that any discomfort derails even the most fluent writing process. Perhaps Boice isn't actually saying that writing must be fun. Instead, he might be saying that even when it's discomfortable, that doesn't have to be the end of it. BDSs only last a short time. The longer we keep our routine, the more regular it becomes. This might be just enough twinkle to work through a LFT.
3. Hostility: And when the frustration rises, hostility becomes the necessary reaction. Or, if not the necessary reaction, at least an easy and common one. I think this might come from the belief that writing is a solitary activity, and not being able to see ones own writing in terms of a community. Hostility comes from feelings of hopelessness, anger, and negativity, all of which can be exacerbated by low frustration tolerance.
Honestly I think I've had all of these feelings- which is probably why writing was so depressing to me at first! I've did self-downing so much that it has almost become second nature! I agree with what you said about finding a way to write for ourselves instead of for something/someone else. The only time this is difficult is when you have to write for a course assignment. So I guess writing for my self with have to be something I do in addition to course work.
ReplyDeleteI've also had LFT problems, and become upset with writing no longer being fun. It's weird though, because this summer I've been writing letters to family members and it's actually been comforting to me. Make writing more interesting and exciting. What if it's more than just keeping the routine and making it regular, but doing something small like smiling with you're writing. I know this sounds so silly, but simply smiling and faking your mind into being happy is actually helpful! Try it out ;) good luck!