Check out the featured post and read more here: https://write2ignite.com/2024/12/27/5-tips-on-how-to-take-care-of-your-mental-health-as-a-writer-by-amber-ginter/
At 14, I felt a gentle prompting from God that I would someday become an author. It wasn’t a dramatic revelation, but a quiet assurance that, if I remained faithful, He would guide me on that path (Philippians 1:6). Now, at 28, that dream is becoming a reality. My journey toward full-time writing has been filled with unexpected blessings, yet I never anticipated the mental health challenges that would accompany it.
Growing up, mental health struggles affected both me and my family, and I never imagined I’d be writing about this topic. Yet here I am, navigating my challenges while trying to inspire others. Some days, I feel like a hypocrite—writing about mental health care while grappling with it myself. But perhaps that’s what makes me a relatable writer; I understand the struggles because I’m still in the thick of it, taking it one day at a time.
If you’re a writer facing mental health challenges, know that you’re not alone. As young adults, especially those of us aged 18 to 30, our minds can be a whirlwind of thoughts. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, seasonal depression, or the weight of imposter syndrome, these feelings are all too common among writers. From burnout to perfectionism and fear of criticism, the unique pressures we face can be overwhelming.
When I first felt called to this path, I was filled with encouragement. But as opinions from others poured in, doubt crept in too. We’ve all heard discouraging remarks: “You’ll be a starving artist,” or “You need a real career.” If any of this resonates, here are five practical tips to help you care for your mental health as a young adult writer.