Mental Health and the Hobby

[@Reindeer911]

Wow... I can definitely relate to your story. Was in a severe auto accident a number of years ago, suffered a concussion as a result. I too had that sensation of you wanting your body to do something but it won't answer its helm. It was model building and playing strategy games like X-com that brought me back. Glad you've recovered from your issues. Subscribed!

[@charlie418791]

Had to retire at 52 in 2012. Without this hobby, I woulda put a bullet in my brain 11 years ago. Glad you're ok.

[@TexJester-no8th]

Holy cow - driving in and out of the Bay Area in a truck would stress out God!!! I'm a long haul flatbedder; I've got 40 years out here, 35 as a flatbedder. Four years ago, I fell on ice and shattered my left knee. Recovering from surgery, I started building cars and trucks - and LOVED it! End of June this year, I fell AGAIN and injured the SAME knee AGAIN, and been off since. Bench time has saved my sanity. In the meantime, my company got bought out and suffered a hostile takeover. Most of the drivers have quit - I'm looking at it as well, as soon as I get the rest of my stuff out of the truck (which is sitting in my driveway). Gonna call new owners and tell them that since I can't drive right now, they need to come and get the truck .... And I'm looking at retiring on disability - in any case, I am hanging up my keys - I can't continue trucking for the same reasons you list! ADHD - yeah, what you describe sounds about right. I was diagnosed in 1972, before there was any "disorder" label on it; they called it "being hyperkinetic". In the late 70s, mom found a diet that eliminated ALL artificial ingredients from food; really helped me. One thing to consider - behavioral allergy testing - NOT THE SKIN TEST!! This involves food drops put under the tongue and observing the results. I can't have artificial ingredients; my some can, but wheat, beef, and tomato sets him off. One interesting point that I've discovered and is starting to be researched - apparently ADHD is closely related to autism. I noticed it with "too much input" - too many people, too many lights or sounds, too much traffic. I shut down - I can't handle all the input. It's like I have no filter from my eyes and ears..

[@JHartModelworks]

I'm glad they found the tumor and got it treated, and it's good to hear you are recovering. Oh the ADHD... I hyper-focus whenever I'm not having executive dysfunction. Thanks for sharing.

[@styrenerelics]

John, your story hits home with me. I've had surgery for cancer as well. I've been a truck driver since 1981. I get what you're saying about "flip flop wearing drivers" that don't need to be behind the wheel. Glad you are now a part of this community.

[@TexJester-no8th]

I've been at it since 1985. I'm hanging up my keys ....

[@TerryWilsonModels]

Dang JD, thanks for sharing. That is quite the journey. Nice to see you made it and you are building models and having fun. I share your same feelings about the truck driving industry. Keep building buddy.

[@TexJester-no8th]

I'm hanging up my keys as soon as I get the rest of my stuff out of the truck (that's in my driveway).. I've been out here 40 years now. I share y'all's opinion of today's drivers....

[@kidmack3556]

You think you have coworkers that are turkeys?!... Billy Crystal: DON'T GET ME STARTED! However because I work for my best friend/"brother from another mother" I get to work on my art and crafting while I am actually at work!!! Finishing up a 3 inch MacFarlane NFL figurine at the moment. I converted the factory made 2005 emmitt smith to a 1960's Forty Niner fullback. Last week I built the late 1920's Henderson motorcycle from the "Gangbusters" kit. Yes, you are right! Once I get my art under my powerful portable machinist's work lamp I am in the land of "Lilliput" Also, I have benefitted from working on miniatures for over fifty years, since grades 5 and 6 in that my nearsightedness is still pretty good as long as the work light is bright enough. I can work without glasses nor magnification and I will be 63 in a few days. And thank you for your encouraging video.

[@TexJester-no8th]

Being nearsighted is a BOON in this hobby/obsession!! My focal point is about 4 inches from my nose. (I'm 61..)

[@DizzyDean1069]

I totally understand, I have been diagnosed with Ataxia SCA6. I now have on permanent disability, because of my fine motor skill’s coordination & my speech….

[@ScaleSpeedworks]

Thanks for sharing John. Glad you’re a part of this community 👍

[@Scottrik1]

My modeling IS my mental health any longer. When I have my magnifying visor on, my entire world consists of the one cubic foot in front of my face...nothing else exists, certainly doesn't matter. It's pure escapism. Here's to you finding more time for it soon!

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I do a lot of that kind of thing when I go see live music.

[@LeftCoastModelCarBuilds]

I am glad you are doing better and the hobby is helping you out 🙏

[@blueoxmodelshop3405]

Thank you for sharing your story!!!

[@TJsModelBench-jb4xt]

I’m still trying to record my video response to this question, but I feel ya Brother. I used to work in Customer Service in an aviation related capacity. Did it for 20+ years until I was furloughed. I got good at it, but at the same time, I hated it. People! Ugh! Now I’m a City Route driver for one of the major auto parts retailers out of our distribution center. Granted, I’m only driving delivery vans, but I actually love my job - idiots on the road included! I also ride a motorcycle, so I’m VERY aware of the stupidity of drivers on our roadways! I think some of these License Examiners need to start getting sued for passing some of these people! Hang in there buddy. Peace and love.

[@BillyStrangeAutoModels]

I'm glad that they found the issue and that you got back to model building. I also tend to hyper-focus and do exhaustive amounts of research. To the point where I will feel like I understand something and then not do it. (This is why I save the body paint until last, lol). And hey, if you have to get sucked into a game for four hours, Horizon Zero Dawn is not a bad way to do it.

[@cardzscaledreams3917]

Appreciate you sharing your story John.

[@gi_mechanicsscalemodeling]

Thanks for sharing your story JD! glad that they found the issue & were able to correct it glad you are doing better.! I understand about the idiots on the road being a truck driver myself. Model building is a great way to deal with mental health so are motorcycles :) have a great week ahead.

[@hortonshotrodshop2003]

Thank you for sharing your story. Glad you made it back to the table. Models can be a good stress relief.

[@michaelhintzmikesminiature1812]

Loved to hear your story. Glad your health is better. Thanks for sharing

[@littlewing5271]

I am glad that we got to know each other through music and that we became friends.

[@scaleffect]

That's a scary episode, glad the doctors were able to figure it out and get you fixed up initially, but sounds like your hard work and perseverance is really what has brought you to where you are today. That's something to be proud of. Glad you're doing better now, hoping works gets better for you too. Hope to see you at the Silicon Valley Classic if you'll be attending, would be great to say hello in person.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I should be going. That's the plan so far!

[@FrankMetzenbauer]

I'm a truck driver and my model hobby is my relief from the real world...I totally agree with you view of today's drivers...semi and cars...most cant read English and every time you go in the restroom the weirdos are wasting their feet...what's up with that. ??? All the new truck are all automatic...I can't stand that give me a clutch and a 10 speed...

[@FrankMetzenbauer]

Washing I meant

[@TexJester-no8th]

I've been trucking for 40 years myself. 4 years ago, I shattered my left leg; after I got out of rehab Bossman bought me a truck with a 12 speed Paccar 2-pedal auto. After around 37 years of mostly 18 speeds, it took some adjustment.... Once it's programmed right, it's not as bad as most people think. Due to my knee and the idjits behind other wheels, I'm hanging up my keys...

[@772ModelGarage]

Great insight and understanding of how you use modeling and music!

[@Ghank123]

Hey John, thank you very much for sharing your story. I stumbled across your vid by chance. I admire your stamina and strength to overcome your illness and courage to talk about it. I had ADD (nowadays also called ADHD) as a kid and I could cure it with 2-3 years of ergotherapy. So I can pretty much understand you and your frustation. I'm really happy that your hobbies are helping your mental health. I also subscribed to your channel so you don't have to be alone when building models. Much love from Germany

[@TexJester-no8th]

I was diagnosed in 1972 with "being hyperkinetic" - same thing. In 1979, mom found the Feingold Diet - it eliminated all artificial ingredients in foods. Really helped me. Each person is different; what works for one may not work for another. Glad you found what works for you!

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

Retired Mental Health and Addiction counsellor and also Cancer 3rd stage survivor. Paid a big price to survive that. I want to start doing models. I'm older at 60 so I would do better with mid to large scale. Where would be the best places to shop online? I am looking for retro, old models, including 50's, 60's 70's and pop culture models like maybe Batman, Partridge Family type of stuff. Thank you.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

@BlackbeanCatVC15 If you have a local hobby shop, I would try there. AMT makes a couple of larger scale kits, as does Revell. If not, I'm sure Amazon would have a selection.

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

@@JDsHouseofHobbies thx

[@Bubbasmodelcarshop]

Thank god they found the tumor and you are ok. thanks for sharing sir. god bless.

[@loadedfun4764]

You were excellent in ghost busters!!👻

[@williamfeather1753]

thank you for sharing your story with us from william

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

Oh man, that's sad news JD 😢 glad you're doing better. Well, I hope you are 🙏 we enjoy your channel. I agree with too many idiots, building models is a great stress release IMHO, watching bands is cool, like your Shirt 👕 😎 great to hear that JD, wishing you all the best 👍 Cheers KC 🍻🍻🇦🇺🇦🇺🦘🦘🌨🌨🏔❄️ Ps: Your blocking Mortisha 😮😂😂

[@jamesgannon8914]

Thank you.

[@toddd7444]

i am glad your doing better wheelchair larry