It depends. I do not believe Steemit likes artists and wants creativity be rewarded, not even be noticed. But I know some want to and there are a few witnesses voting for art, but their SP and time is as limited as ours plus they also expect you also are active and promote yourself.

Like you, many artists and creative writers go through depressions, but next to that they/we also laugh and share our (sarcastic humour).

If you never reply, people will give up on you. Your silence also effects them.

Steemit night nit be good for artists, not good for art but those few good commenters definitely are.