tortured soul

A tortured soul is someone who suffers deep inner anguish—from guilt, grief, creative obsession, or psychological turmoil.

The phrase often describes artists, writers, or other sensitive figures whose pain supposedly fuels their work: Van Gogh was the quintessential tortured soul.

It can be used earnestly or with mild irony for those who cultivate or exaggerate their suffering: He fancies himself a tortured soul, but he's just moody.