“Created to be Creative,” Redefining Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs for Creative People and Why Creativity is Essential for Mental Health and Stability

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In my years of practice, I’ve seen how essential regular creative expression is for my clients and for myself—especially in times of personal or social upheaval. Personally, I’ve experienced periods of burnout and anxiety when I let my own creative work fall to the wayside. It’s easy to push creativity down the list of priorities, especially when life feels chaotic. But whenever I reconnect with my own creative practices, there’s a sense of relief, grounding, and clarity that nothing else provides. It’s like reconnecting with a deeper part of myself that I may have lost in the busy rhythms of daily life.

Clinically, I see this same need echoed in my clients. In today’s world, where political and social tensions seem ever-present, the need for stability through creativity has become even more critical. I’ve had clients describe how regular creative practices serve as their “lifeline”—their way of processing overwhelming emotions and feeling a sense of control. Some clients use their creativity to express complex reactions to current events; others find that creativity offers them the grounding they need to deal with personal stresses. The benefits are clear: when creative people make time for creative expression, they gain a sense of balance, perspective, and resilience that no other activity seems to provide.

That’s why I developed the Creative Vitality Theory. Creativity isn’t something creative people can leave for “when there’s time.” In today’s times, with the unique challenges we’re all facing, creative expression is a fundamental need. It’s what allows us to process, connect, and find stability in an unstable world.

Created to Be Creative: The Biological and Evolutionary Foundations of Creative Personalities

Creativity is not simply a talent or a hobby; for many, it’s a deeply ingrained part of who they are—a result of biological, neurological, and evolutionary design. Creative personalities often experience the world in a way that is fundamentally different, wired by nature to think divergently, notice patterns, and explore the world through imagination and originality. This intrinsic need to create can be traced back through human evolution, where creativity played an essential role in survival and adaptation.

The Biological Basis of Creativity

Research on the brains of creative individuals reveals distinct patterns of brain activity and connectivity that support creativity. Creative people tend to have heightened activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is associated with imagination, daydreaming, and introspection. This network often operates in tandem with the executive control network, which helps with planning, problem-solving, and managing complex ideas. For creative people, the brain’s wiring supports an ability to make unexpected connections, generate novel solutions, and envision things that others may not see. These unique neural structures enable highly creative individuals to perceive and interpret the world in original ways.

The Evolutionary Need for Creativity

From an evolutionary perspective, creativity has been essential to human survival and advancement. In early human societies, the ability to think creatively allowed our ancestors to adapt to new environments, develop tools, and solve survival challenges in innovative ways. Those with the capacity to imagine better ways of hunting, gathering, or shelter-building had a clear advantage, helping their communities to thrive. Over generations, this adaptability became a key trait, embedded into our genetic makeup and forming the foundation of what we now recognize as creative personality traits. In essence, creative thinkers are evolutionarily wired to innovate and problem-solve—a legacy that continues to fuel advancements in science, technology, and the arts.

Creativity as an Essential Aspect of Identity

For highly creative individuals, creativity is not a choice but a need—a deeply embedded drive to think, explore, and express. Creative personalities experience a fundamental urge to create, similar to basic biological needs. Just as hunger signals the body to eat, the drive to create signals the mind to produce something novel, meaningful, or expressive. Ignoring this call can lead to emotional distress, as creative individuals often feel incomplete or disconnected without a regular creative outlet. This intrinsic need to create isn’t simply about self-expression; it’s about fulfilling a part of their biological identity, rooted in both genetics and evolution.

Embracing Nature’s Design

Understanding that creative people are “created to be creative” emphasizes the importance of honoring this innate drive. By engaging in regular creative practices, individuals not only nurture their mental health but also align with an essential aspect of their humanity. In a way, creative personalities are carrying forward an ancient tradition, evolving it to meet modern challenges, and keeping alive the spirit of innovation and imagination that has driven humanity forward for centuries. Embracing creativity isn’t just about artistic expression; it’s about honoring an ancient, biologically driven design to create, connect, and adapt—a design that makes creatives an essential part of the human experience.

Creatives as Catalysts: Protecting Original Thought in a Changing World

In today’s world, where information is endless but true originality feels rare, creative thinkers hold an invaluable place. Artists, writers, designers, and creators shape how we see the world, how we understand each other, and how we envision the future. Yet, with increasing political pressures and a fast-paced, often divisive media landscape, the very act of thinking differently and expressing unique perspectives can feel risky or vulnerable. Original thought—the ability to see beyond the status quo, to question, and to create something new—is sometimes met with resistance or even backlash. But this makes it all the more crucial.

Creative thinkers challenge conventions and bring new ideas into being, propelling society forward with fresh perspectives, empathy, and innovation. The impact of these efforts, however, relies on the mental and emotional well-being of the creators themselves. The pressure to consistently produce, coupled with the need to respond to today’s complex social and political environment, can take a significant toll on creative minds. Without protecting and nurturing their own mental health, creatives risk burnout, self-doubt, and even silence—outcomes that would be a great loss, not just for them personally, but for the society that needs their voices.

So prioritize your creativity, your mental health, and your emotional resilience. By caring for yourself, you’re not only strengthening your ability to create but also contributing to the vital progression of society itself. We need your originality, your ideas, and your courage to think differently. In the face of a world that may sometimes resist change, let your creativity be your strength, your refuge, and your gift.

Exploring the Creative Hierarchy of Needs with a Therapist’s Perspective

As a Creativity Coach and Person-Centered Therapist, I find that these two fields complement each other well. Both Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, foundational figures in psychology, were Humanists who believed in self-actualization as a path to reaching one’s full potential. However, while Maslow’s focus was on personal development, Rogers emphasized the critical influence of our environment. Today, amid a charged political and social climate, the importance of integrating creativity into daily life cannot be overstated. Artists are encouraged to embrace their creative identities not only to fulfill personal potential but to maintain mental wellness, stay connected with others, and to voice perspectives that need to be shared.

In this article, we’ll explore Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and adapt it to the essential needs of creative individuals—an adaptation that reflects the urgency for artists to prioritize their creativity today. In times of uncertainty and societal challenges, creativity is essential not just for self-expression but for a deeply-rooted sense of purpose and resilience. 

Revisiting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Introducing the Creative Vitality Theory

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a foundational concept in psychology, outlines five levels of human motivation, beginning with physiological needs and ending with self-actualization. In this model, creativity is typically seen as part of the self-actualization tier—something to be pursued only after other fundamental needs have been satisfied. But for highly creative people, delaying creative expression can have harmful effects on mental health and well-being. This is where Creative Vitality Theory—my theory—reframes Maslow’s model to reflect the critical role of creativity in mental health for artists.

According to Creative Vitality Theory, a regular practice of creativity is essential for mental health and stability in creative individuals. Through my years of research and counseling experience, I’ve observed that for creative minds, the act of creating sustains more than just personal fulfillment; it is necessary for their psychological stability and overall well-being. Creative individuals who do not engage regularly in creative practices often experience symptoms like anxiety, depression, and a decreased sense of self-worth. For them, creativity should not be reserved for times when other needs are fully met but should be a regular, foundational part of life—akin to sleep, food, and safety.

By integrating Creative Vitality Theory into Maslow’s hierarchy, we can shift the understanding of creativity from a “higher-tier” activity to a fundamental need for artists. Just as physiological and safety needs are crucial for survival, creativity is crucial for the mental health and vitality of highly creative individuals. This adjustment acknowledges that creativity plays a stabilizing role in the mental health of artists, providing a steady source of emotional resilience, identity, and purpose.

Understanding Your Creative Needs in the Context of Modern Psychology

Modern research on personality and creativity suggests that highly creative individuals share a unique personality profile that comes with distinct needs. My Creative Vitality Theory, developed through my own research and practice, proposes that creativity is a foundational aspect of mental health for artists and other highly creative people. Today’s environment—marked by social isolation, political turmoil, and rapid change—further amplifies the need for creative individuals to sustain their mental well-being by engaging in creative work.

According to this theory, artists need to create as much as they need food or sleep. This need to create becomes especially important during turbulent times, as creativity offers an outlet to process, express, and even protest circumstances that impact our lives.

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Creativity as a Form of Self-Care and Advocacy

In Maslow’s hierarchy, creativity traditionally appears in the realm of self-actualization, which implies that creative pursuits are reserved for those who have already met other foundational needs. For creatives, however, placing creativity in this upper tier can be harmful. In fact, today’s artists should view creativity as a fundamental self-care practice, integrated alongside physical needs for food, safety, and rest. Creativity is a vital, life-sustaining need. When it’s absent, creative individuals often experience anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Furthermore, with a world that seems to be in constant flux, creatives are uniquely positioned to use their voices to reflect, respond, and advocate for change. The therapeutic benefits of expressing viewpoints through art are powerful, helping artists process events while inspiring others. In many ways, art has become a social and political tool—a means for creatives to make sense of today’s complex world and connect to a shared humanity.

The Urgent Need for Connection with Other Creatives

As human connection is increasingly influenced by technology and social dynamics, it’s more important than ever for creative people to seek out supportive, like-minded communities. Isolation can be deeply damaging for artists, who often process their experiences and emotions through creative expression and social validation. Now more than ever, artists should prioritize finding spaces, both in-person and online, where they can freely express their ideas, share work, and support one another.

In Creativity Coaching and Creativity Counseling, I encourage clients to connect with other artists. By prioritizing these creative connections, artists not only reduce isolation but also find shared purpose, collective empowerment, and opportunities to amplify each other’s voices during challenging times.

The Transformative Power of Creativity: Building Self-Esteem, Stability, and Well-Being

When a creative person prioritizes their creativity, every area of their life benefits. Far from being just an “extra” or a “luxury,” engaging in regular creative work can profoundly enhance self-esteem, emotional stability, and even the quality of relationships. By committing to creativity, highly creative people create a solid foundation for mental health and personal fulfillment.

Self-Esteem and Identity

For many creatives, making time for creativity is an act of self-recognition and acceptance. When artists prioritize their creative expression, they validate an essential part of themselves, which builds self-esteem. Engaging in creative projects fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose, helping individuals to see their value through the act of creation. Creativity allows them to turn abstract thoughts and feelings into tangible forms—each finished work serving as a testament to their talent, perseverance, and unique perspective.

Safety and Stability

Creativity can also provide a comforting sense of routine and stability, especially in a world that often feels unpredictable. For many, the creative process itself offers a therapeutic escape, a place of focus and calm where external stressors fade into the background. Whether it’s a daily sketch, a weekly writing practice, or a painting project, the act of creating becomes a “safe zone” where creative people can find peace, express feelings that might be difficult to verbalize, and reconnect with themselves. This kind of stability builds resilience, which in turn helps individuals handle external challenges with greater ease.

Strengthened Relationships

Creativity enhances empathy and connection, helping artists build richer relationships. By exploring their own emotions and perspectives through creative expression, creatives often become more attuned to the feelings and experiences of others. They learn to communicate complex thoughts and feelings in ways that can foster understanding and closeness. In many cases, the creativity they prioritize also brings them into community with other like-minded people. Whether through collaborations, sharing works, or joining creative groups, artists who prioritize creativity build networks of support that reinforce their sense of belonging and connection.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

At its core, creativity is a powerful tool for mental health. Research and experience alike show that the act of creating can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Through regular creative practice, individuals have an outlet to process emotions, find a sense of calm, and experience a feeling of accomplishment and progress. The Creative Vitality Theory reinforces this idea, suggesting that highly creative people, in particular, require consistent engagement in creativity to maintain mental wellness. By honoring their creative needs, artists protect their emotional health, reinforcing their ability to navigate the highs and lows of life.

In every way, a creative life is a fuller, healthier life. When creative people make space for their unique talents, they enhance their self-esteem, foster inner stability, and build meaningful connections with others. By prioritizing their creativity, they not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to a more compassionate, vibrant world.

Creativity for an Artist's Hierarchy of Needs

If you are a creative individual, do not underestimate the importance of maintaining a creative practice, especially now. If you’re feeling drained, disconnected, or overwhelmed, ask yourself: how much space are you giving to your creative work? Reflect on moments in your life when you felt at your best; how present was creativity then? Creativity can fuel you in ways other activities cannot, providing a source of renewal and resilience that’s critical in today’s world.

Online Counseling for Creatives and Online Counseling for Creatives for a Healthy Hierarchy of Needs

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In times like these, creativity is not a luxury. It’s a necessity for self-care, community, and advocacy. Embrace it as part of your foundation. Let it be your strength.

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