IndexIntroductionRealism periodRomanticism periodModern timesConclusionIntroductionGreen, brown, red and blue are colors that at an early age humans have learned to associate with certain objects. When we think about grass or leaves, our mind tends to paint them green. Over the years art and its influences have changed the way people see things. One group of people who have always seen the world differently are those who suffer from mental illnesses. Today, mental illness is defined as a disorder that affects mood, thinking and behavior. Depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors are all types of mental illnesses. Scientists don't know the exact reason behind the causes of mental illness, but research shows that the conditions are caused by a combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors. In the study “Causes of Mental Illness,” scientists demonstrate that “some mental illnesses have been linked to abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathways connecting particular regions of the brain. Nerve cells within these brain circuits communicate through chemicals called neurotransmitters.” Although it may not seem like it in some cases, mental illness is treatable. Humans suffering from mental illness today are able to control it by expressing their feelings, thoughts and actions or through creativity such as paintings, sculptures and drawings. To what extent did mental illnesses in different time periods have an effect on paintings, drawings and sculptures? Humans have learned to cope with mental illness by using different types of art as forms of communication and ways to express themselves. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Realism Period Artists of all kinds turned to creative outlets to combat their mental illness. Vincent Van Gogh was one of many artists who suffered from mental illness. He was born on March 30, 1853 in Zerdant, Netherlands and is also known for his paintings and drawings. Due to his illness, he cut his left earlobe with a razor blade. In the article “Art for the Soul and Mind” by Abida Chowdhury she wrote “Vincent van Gogh's struggles with mental health issues are no secret either. Gogh, who cut off his ear after an argument with his friend Paul Gauguin, and then killed himself, oscillated heavily between genius and madness." Due to Van Gogh's mental illness, he was hospitalized forcing restrictions on his creative influences. While in hospital, he created one of his last works known as The Starry Night. Today we believe in freedom of expression. Painting was the only way Van Gogh could express the thoughts that ran through his mind, but while he was in the hospital, his creative vision was limited. Van Gogh was not the only artist to suffer from mental illness in the period of realism. Edvard Munch is also an artist who suffered from an illness. He is known for his paintings and graphics. Munch was born in Adalsbruk, Norway in the year 1863. In the article “Creativity and Mental Illness II: The Scream” Albert Rothenberg, MD, writes “The diagnosis of bipolar disorder with psychosis is based on his diary descriptions of visual and auditory hallucinations". there is a man standing on a bridge. The man's face has an oval shape and his eyes arevery large. Facial expressions show that he is hearing or seeing something that isn't actually there. The Scream is a painting representing Edvard Munch's hallucinations. Decades ago there was no technology or science like there is today. When a human would say they heard noises or saw images that didn't actually exist, others simply thought they were crazy. Thanks to the technology that scientists have today, humans know that when people say those things, they are hallucinating. Romanticism Period Going even further back in time, another artist who suffered from mental illness is Francisco De Goya. De Goya was born on March 30, 1746 in Fuendetodos, Spain. In the article "4 Artists Who Suffered from Mental Illness (and How It Affected Their Art)" by Rute Ferreira, they state "The most current speculation suggests that Goya suffered from Susac Syndrome, an illness that in addition to causing the loss of hearing and vision, it also causes problems with the brain and balance.” As a painter, vision is something that is relied upon a lot. Since De Goya was blind, this was a challenge for him creating a work of art that has spanned the centuries and is still recognized today is extremely incredible considering his illnesses Just like De Goya, Richard Dadd also had mental issues. Dadd was born on August 1, 1817 in Chatham, United Kingdom He is known for masterpieces such as The Fairy Feller's Masterstroke Karen Stock wrote: “Richard Dadd, a young, academically trained artist who exhibited at the Royal Academy, suddenly fell into madness in 1843 and killed his father who he believed was an impostor. . Dad spent forty-two years in institutions for the criminally insane. During that period he was encouraged by his doctors to paint and continued to produce works of art that included a large series, Sketches to Illustrate the Passions (1853–57).” Richard Dadd was an artist suffering from schizophrenia which led to disturbing incidents in his life. Dad believed that his father was the devil and because of this he stabbed him to death in the throat with a razor blade. Not long after, Richard Dadd killed his father, traveled to France where he also killed a tourist with a razor blade. Schizophrenia occurs when humans have a false perception of life and can cause problems like those caused by Richard Dadd. Knowing whether or not someone has schizophrenia is important because if people know, then there is a possibility that it can be cured, while if no one knows, then certain things will not go well.Modern timesUnderstanding if someone has a mental illness it is still highly important today. Scientists have been able to create technology that benefits humans in better ways. The technology we have today can identify the cause, the solution and what medications are needed for a mental illness. Treatments for these mental illnesses are affecting creativity. For example, my older brother, Dustin Delaune, suffers from anxiety and takes medication for this illness. Dustin loves to perform, but his anxiety often prevents him from doing so. By taking the drug, he is able to leave the anxiety behind and focus on the thing he loves, like performing. Humans around the world who suffer from mental illness are still able to function and do the activities they love. According to studies, “Nearly one in five American adults (19%) suffer from some form of mental illness.” “One in 24 (4.1%) has a serious mental illness.” “One in 12 (8.5%) has a diagnosable substance use disorder. "Remember: This is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Conclusion It is important to note that to.