Managing PTSD Through Creativity
Why I Stay Busy with Projects
They say idle hands are the devil’s workshop. I’m not sure about the devil part, but I do know that when my hands aren’t busy, my mind takes over—and it’s not always pretty. Creativity isn’t just a way to pass the time for me; it’s a lifeline. It’s how I manage PTSD, find meaning, and carve out a little bit of peace in a world that can feel overwhelming.
While others have criticized me for having over ten working projects at a time, it has brought me more peace than I can explain.
A Mind That Won’t Sit Still
PTSD feels like living with a mind that’s always spinning, like a washing machine stuck on the spin cycle. Quiet moments aren’t really quiet; they’re loud in a way that only people who’ve experienced them can understand. Memories sneak in, and anxiety barges through the door like it owns the place. I try to explain it to those closest to me as a tornado or a whirlwind, my mind spinning out of control and my lack of ability to stop it.
For me, staying busy is how I keep those unwelcome visitors at bay. Creativity became my shield—a way to channel all that energy into something productive instead of letting it eat me alive.
Finding My Flow
When I’m deep into a project, the noise quiets down. Whether it’s writing an article, sketching out ideas for my greenhouse gardening game, or brainstorming the next step for GalaxGlass, I lose myself in the process. It’s not about running away from the hard stuff; it’s about finding a way to work through it. Creativity demands focus, and focus doesn’t leave much room for spiraling.
Take my greenhouse game, for example. It started as a simple concept: a relaxing simulation where players grow plants on Mars. Plants have a special part in my life post trauma, as plants and nature are much more predictable than the human world. But as I poured my energy into it, it turned into something more. It became a metaphor for my own journey—planting seeds of hope, nurturing them, and watching them grow, even in the harshest conditions. There’s something incredibly healing about creating a world where growth is always possible.
Turning Pain Into Something Meaningful
Writing has been one of my most powerful tools. There’s something magical about turning thoughts into words, about taking something raw and painful and reshaping it into something that makes sense—or at least tries to. It’s not just cathartic; it’s empowering. I can’t rewrite the past, but I can shape the story I tell about it. I always loved writing, but post-trauma I felt even more connected to the words flowing out of my mind and onto the pages.
GalaxGlass is another example of turning pain into purpose. The stars have always been a source of peace for me, representing clarity and connection in a way that nothing else does. When I couldn’t see them clearly anymore because of light pollution, it felt like a loss. GalaxGlass isn’t just about reducing light pollution; it’s about reconnecting with something that reminds me of my place in the universe. It’s deeply personal and incredibly motivating.
The Flip Side of Staying Busy
Let’s be real: staying busy isn’t a magic cure. There are days when even the most creative projects feel like too much. Sometimes, I use productivity as a way to avoid the harder stuff, and that’s not always healthy. Balance is tricky, but it’s something I’m learning. Progress isn’t always a straight line—sometimes it’s planting a seed and waiting longer than you’d like to see it grow.
And that’s okay.
My Creative Toolbox
Over the years, I’ve built a kind of mental toolbox for dealing with PTSD. Here are some of my go-to tools:
Writing: Whether it’s a blog post, a poem, a song, or a random thought in my journal, writing helps me externalize what’s in my head.
Game Development: Creating my greenhouse game has been a mix of challenge and joy. It’s a way to focus my energy and see tangible progress.
Gardening (Even Digital): There’s something incredibly grounding about growing things, even if it’s in a virtual Martian greenhouse.
Music and Songwriting: Music has a way of expressing what words alone can’t. Sometimes, I’ll play with melodies or lyrics to work through emotions.
Each of these tools serves a different purpose, but together they’ve helped me build a system for navigating the ups and downs.
Creativity Connects Us
One of the most unexpected gifts of creativity has been the connections it’s brought into my life. Sharing my work—whether it’s a blog post, a game update, or an idea I’m excited about—has opened the door to conversations with people who understand, or who are inspired by the work. Creativity reminds me that even when I feel alone, I’m not.
The Journey Continues
Managing PTSD isn’t about finding a quick fix; it’s about learning to navigate an ever-changing landscape. Creativity has been my compass, guiding me toward moments of clarity and peace. It’s not always easy, and there are days when the storm feels like it’ll never end. But every word written, every project started, and every little thing I create is a step forward.
If you’re struggling, I hope you’ll find your own creative outlet.
Whether it’s painting, gardening, coding, or something completely unique to you, let it be a place where you can breathe, heal, and grow.
Because even in the darkest moments, creativity has a way of reminding us that there’s always a little light to be found.
