What Illness Took - Creativity Gave Back

 By Victoria (Tori) Martinez

I imagine that if you are ill like me, at one point you might have found yourself in the depths of despair and depression after a devastating diagnosis of a chronic illness. For me in that moment, it was as if the world was on fire. Suddenly we're left grappling with the reality of a new life, and this new body. But there's a lifeline that can pull you out of this darkness—creativity.

You are resilient. I know this, because you are here, reading this. Which means that you have the power to take this mountain of adversity and find a way to climb it. Creativity can become your lifeline. For me it was writing poems about my pain and healing, creating paintings that captured my journey, and helping others make that climb too, each creative act, each line of poetry was a step towards healing.

Out of necessity and because there was no other choice. You can claw your way through the illness, the barriers, and the burnout, just like I did, more than once. Because let’s face it, chronic means for life. You can choose not to quit but to build something bigger every time you get back up. Each step forward is a testament to your strength and determination.

Creativity, in all its forms, can pull you out of the depths of despair. Whether it's painting, writing poetry, journaling, or creating something with your hands like pottery or jewelry, or perhaps making music, to name just a few. Each creative act is a step towards healing. It doesn't matter what form it takes—what matters is that it allows you to express yourself, to process your emotions and let them out instead of holding it all in your mind and body, and to find joy in the act of creation.

It's my hope that sharing about my illnesses, disability, and the issues with access due to my rural area (through my blog and YouTube channel) can be connection points with you. Together, we can build a world where people living at the intersections of chronic illness, disability, and our various cultures are seen, heard, and valued—not despite of our differences but because of them. So that, like me, you can build something sacred for yourself, find your voice, and honor the beautiful parts of yourself.

We are far from perfect, we’re not invincible, but we can still be powerful as hell. By just showing up and being your full self, you're taking up space, making space for others like you, and challenging the dominant narratives of healing, chronic illness, identity, and power. Our journey from devastation to empowerment is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of embracing your true self.

In 2024 Kumar, Pavitra, & Bhattacharya researched the relationship between mental wellness and creativity. In 2025 Pierce and parker reported on the spiritual healing and liberatory benefits of creative expression. So, I don’t just speak from experience, there is science to back this up. This isn’t a new concept either, in 1997 the World Health Organization (WHO) put creative thinking on a list of necessary life skills.

You don’t have to face chronic illness alone; we’re in this together!

References:

Kumar, V., Pavitra, K.S, & Bhattacharya, R. (2024). Creative pursuits for mental health and well-being. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 66 (Suppl 2), S283–S303. doi: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_781_23

Pierce, R. & Parker, J. S. (2025). A single-session wellness initiative for Black college women: Integrating expressive arts, spirituality, and political resistance. Journal of Black Psychology, 51 (1), 107–143. https://doi.org/10.1177/00957984241290144

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This information shared here is based on personal experience and perspectives. It is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult A qualified health care provider for guidance tailored to your individual needs.