yes van gogh did medicate and receive treatment and paint some of his most acclaimed pieces in the sanatorium where he stayed but he also very much did use art as a coping mechanism and work himself to near breakdowns due to anxiety and impostor syndrome. and maybe the practice he acquired as a result did indirectly contribute to the masterpieces he produced. and maybe we wouldn't have sunflowers or starry night had he found a healthier outlet for his suffering.
and maybe that would've been okay. maybe theo was more entitled to having a brother than humanity was to starry night. maybe there wouldn't be a van gogh but there would be vincent.