Meet Syd Carter West

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Syd Carter West a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Syd, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Throughout my teenage years as well as my 20s, I struggled immensely with mental health which included anxiety/social anxiety, depression and ptsd. However, I’ve never been the type to fully succumb to those dark moments and give up. With the help of my very supportive parents, I spent time in therapy and other healing sessions that helped me learn more about my mind, body and spirit as well as specific tools that can relieve or better control those moments of vulnerability.

Here’s my top 10 tools that have been a game changer for my mental health:

1. Take a walk somewhere quiet outside (leave the phone at home)
2. Focus on your surroundings in the present moment. Distract your mind from fuelling negative emotions. Let thoughts pass by without holding onto them.
3. Observe physical sensations (example: breath)
4. Say mantras out loud (example: I am safe – I am worthy – I am strong – This will pass – This is temporary etc)
5. Allow emotions to release. Don’t suppress! (example: cry – scream in a pillow etc)
6. Cold showers/ice baths. (helps shut off the mind from spiralling)
7. Self-soothe: give your body what it needs. (example: skincare, baths, stretching, exercise, water/tea, essential oils, lotions etc)
8. Take the day to focus on nurturing yourself. Don’t make any immediate decisions or act on emotions until you feel more calm.
9. Participate in activities that bring you immediate joy (example: practicing piano, hiking, kayaking, writing, reading, photography etc)
10. Write a list of things you’re grateful for OR attributes you admire about yourself.

I believe life is about perspective and intentions. Through my pain and suffering, I have gained inner wisdom and humility. At the end of the day, I can either choose to do nothing, see everything “half glass empty” and continue to suffer OR I can do something with the unmoving belief that there’s purpose here and rise above the turmoil.

Life will always come with hurdles and obstacles – it’s inevitable. But with that is the significant reminder that all pain and suffering comes and goes – it doesn’t have to be permanent. I have spent most of my life finding ways to make it a little less miserable, and I continue to do so. Persistence has been a huge motivation for my healing process as well as my passions that keep me focused and grounded.

I’ve been a singer pretty much my entire life, starting at age two humming to the radio, to my first vocal lesson at age six, followed by finding deep interest in writing poetry, training in opera and music theory with The Royal Conservatory of Music from age 12-20, to writing/recording and performing my own music as a solo artist.

I truly believe I was born to create and work in the artistic and musical realm, and that untouched passion keeps me driven – regardless if there are good or bad days.

Hiking, kayaking and exploring the outdoors not only inspires healing and peace of mind, but allows me to create with a clearer head. Nature has been a wonderful muse for my creative process, and the more I find ways to channel that creative energy, the more purpose I feel to keep fighting through those shitty demons and come out as the warrior who conquered her internal battle.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For awhile I identified myself as just a singer/songwriter, but the more I get to know who I am as a creative, the more I realize I’m an full-blown Artist.

Most of my childhood consisted of competing nationally in opera performance, studying and completing my music theory and voice exams as well as taking one-on-one painting classes with Vancouver painter James Picard. I also dabbled in acting, photography and makeup artistry, receiving my diploma as Freelance Makeup Artist through Blanche Macdonald Centre.

With the extensive creative background, it has complimented my passion in music and allows me to dive into every project or performance with complete enthusiasm. To me, music is another form of storytelling that allows listeners/viewers to experience and even relate to the story being told. That being said, my number one goal is to have my music and art inspire, connect and perhaps expand the possibilities of a person’s journey.

Recently, I finished writing and recording the demo tracks of my first full-length album called “Letters to a Narcissist” and I’m super excited to get it finalized and ready to share to the world. The album reveals my personal process of healing from a past relationship with a narcissist, unravelling painful experiences and finding my own form of closure and peace through each song.

While I finish the album, I’ve been releasing cover songs/videos and staying present on social media. My most recent cover of “Missing You” by John Waite is out on Spotify, honing in on the deeply emotive lyrics by creating my heartfelt ballad version.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Top 3 things I wish I knew when I was younger:

1. Don’t rush the process. Be patient with yourself and stay present. There’s purpose in every stride – enjoy the ride!

2. Stop comparing yourself to others. Focusing on what everyone else is doing or where they’re at in their careers will only distract you from your journey and individuality. (I avoid scrolling through social media for this reason!)

3. Your vibe attracts your tribe. If you want to connect and network with the right people who will help you achieve your goals, you need to have clear intentions and be in a focused/healthy mindset to manifest those people. It all starts with YOU!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My parents – my rock – have invested in my passions and constantly cheer me on at every show or song I put out. They have seen me at my best and at my worst but never give up on me. Their unconditional love is something that keeps me motivated, strong and driven when I days get dark.

My songwriting partner, producer, creative collaborator and brother-from-another-mother Kaj Falch-Nielsen, owner and audio engineer of Blue Light Studio, has always believed in me and my music. For the last seven years he’s shown passion and mutual understanding with my creative intentions. He’s connected me to talented musicians and industry professionals who have helped shape my art and move me closer to my goals. I’m forever grateful for Kaj!

My energy healer, naturopathic doctor and close friends continue to keep me grounded, healthy and supported while I pursue my career-path. They remind me of my worth and capability of creating a life that I can be proud of.

Having a support team is so important for achieving goals and gaining success. I’m honoured to have my Dream Team of people who have my back every step of the way.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Nathan Isings Maddy Cristall

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