Researchers found that people with depression and mood disorders appear considerably more likely to be creative. It has also been discovered that creatives are 30% more likely to be have bipolar disorder. To fully understand the correlation between creativity and mental illness, one must consider the two forms of creative problem solving involved in the creative process: “little C creativity” and “big C creativity”.

Little C creativity is known as basic functionality and is used as an indicator for good mental health. Our environments, the people around us, or random social encounters can spark these moments of inventive thought. For example, you have a conversation with a colleague about their new exercise routine and you decide to incorporate one of the moves into your own workout. Or when you’re having drinks with a friend who you know can’t handle their liquor, you decide to stay sober enough to get you both through the night. (You’re a good friend.) Those small decisions that shape our day to day lives are all a result of “small c” creativity.

Big C creativity is the stuff that Pulitzer prizes, life-saving vaccines, iconic paintings, and musical masterpieces are made of. Just think of Michael Jackson’s entire career. These are creatives who’s works solve problems or majorly impact how people think. Their creations vary from books and essays, philosophical strategies, visual arts, and modern invention. Big C creativity is also known as creative genius and is relatively rare.