Much of my life has been driven by creativity. It was there in the jobs I’ve had – typesetter, graphic designer, service dog trainer. I’m a writer (books and blogs), teacher, photographer, public speaker, and artist. Even my volunteer gigs required creativity.
Here’s an example of creativity in my volunteer work. My chocolate lab, Murphy, was an ace therapy dog. I trained him to the same level as a service dog – to be bulletproof wherever he went. Then it was my job to come up with creative ways he could help the people who needed him most. Picture a 90-lb. lab in a hot pink boa and fairy wings. That was his getup when we visited the little kids at the domestic violence shelter. While their moms were in group therapy, they got to hang out with the big brown dog. In that room, nothing bad could happen to them.
Now retired, I’m building my next chapter. I rely heavily on therapy. I see my psychologist weekly and will for the rest of my life. As a life-altering experience, therapy continues to help me understand why I never fit in, why I prefer to be alone, why I’ve had terrible periods of depression, suicidal thoughts, mania, etc.
I started this blog with the encouragement of my therapist. I’ll share how my neurospiciness has framed my life. If you’re unfamiliar with neurospiciness, learn a bit about it here. I’ll share stories about the people and places and adventures I’ve had. I’ll talk about my devastating lows and crazy highs. And as I learn more about myself and what makes me tick, I’ll share that, too.
For now a quick overview of my psychiatric self. I’ve been diagnosed with lots of stuff but the big three are ADHD, PTSD and Bipolar II. I’m on a regimen of meds that keeps me pretty stable. Not surprisingly, I still experience periods of fight, flight, freeze or fawn. Follow this link for a clear explanation of these four stress responses. More on all of this later.
By sharing my art and stories, I hope to help others understand how creativity and mental wellness can collide and make for a richer life. As my favorite t-shirt says, blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures. Welcome to mine, y’all.
The painting up top is called “self-portrait”. It represents me in the same way that some Native American tribes describe “two spirit” people – those folks considered to be of a third gender. How enlightened is that?! And it falls squarely into my neurospiciness.
DB Armstrong, they/them
creativity, mental health & dogs 