Is there a correlation between possible mental illness and music ability?

Question

I am 17, and mentally I am a wreck. I have been depressed for years, I feel lost in my head, lethargic, insecure, mostly feel miserable and my moods go back and forth so quickly, talk to myself, socially isolated from the world, pretend I am other people, etc. One minute my mood's pretty good, next minute, I might be suicidal. After doing some searches, I find myself suffering from some symptoms of schizophrenia, but I don't know. My question is this: according to everyone, I always hear how I have an amazing musical gift. I have perfect pitch (hear notes and know what they are instantly without reference), taught myself piano in 3 weeks when I was 11 and can play several instruments, can produce and everything. I'm not the greatest at most things, but when it comes to music, I can do it easily and the only thing I know how to express myself in. My question: could a possible mental illness attribute to any musical gift in someone? Have there been any studies to show a connection?

Answer 1

You speak too clearly to be schizophrenic. Be careful with self-diagnosis. If you'd like a more probable assessment, read about bipolar disorder. If you'd like some inspiration, here is a partial list of famous musicians who suffered from the disorder:

James Taylor
Jimi Hendrix
Kurt Cobain
Ray Davies
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ozzy Osbourne
Trent Reznor
Axl Rose
Phil Spector
Robert Schumann
Scott Weiland

I'm not saying that you need to be a rock musician, or that you have to be unhappy to be brilliant. The fact of that matter is that what you consider to be a problem can also be considered by many to be a gift. You have the ability, and the talent, I would say, to experience your emotions far more deeply than most people, and that is why they affect you so greatly. I hope that you will stay safe, take care of yourself, and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Answer 2

God gave everyone a plan and gifts for a reason, there is no Schizophrenia it is just a gift same as many others. You probably can make people cheer up and smile, are full of peace and hope and bring joy to the world along with your music. I hear voices and all that but am gifted with knowledgeable and creative abilities, yet I am not so good in sport and music type things. I wish you luck and God bless!

Answer 3

I think that many forms of MI "mentally interesting" can push people to discover necessary outlets that might not have otherwise been necessary. Sometimes people do complain that when treated, their creativity is squelched, but I personally noticed I just need to try a little harder (I write). And, frankly, when I try a little harder normalized, I write better technically speaking anyway.

Answer 4

It has a adverse co-relation. The greater atheistic one is, the least probably that's for him/her to be bothered by psychological illnessnes; getting depressed, suicide-services or turning out to be schizophrenic. although, there's a favorable co-relation between theists and psychological ailments. You ok?

Answer 5

Stay away from drugs. They may enhance your emotions, which can be very bad. I would seek professonal help.