Creativity flows out of Patrick McGowan. Between his writing and painting, he is surrounded by art.

His paintings adorn his walls. Binders containing his poetry and his original cartoons are within arm’s reach. It was these artistic endeavors that he credits with saving his life.

Growing up, McGowan was bullied. He started drinking as a teenager and was on his own by the age of 18. As a young adult, he frequented nightclubs. His drinking became an addiction.

That was when he first encountered Reliance Health. He has been clean and sober since 1985.

Years later, when McGowan lost both his life-partner and his mother within four months of each other, he was overwhelmed with grief. McGowan became isolated.

Over the years, McGowan had stayed in touch with Dave, his case manager from Reliance Health. Dave noticed he hadn’t heard from McGowan in a while so he stopped by McGowan’s apartment to make sure he was OK.

Dave soon realized that McGowan’s isolation had developed into agoraphobia. Going down the block was a challenge. Dave’s continued visits enabled McGowan to soon try going to a painting group led by Reliance Health.

“Reliance Health was a life preserver when I was drowning,” McGowan said. “Through them, and by being creative, I’ve learned to live in the present, and that I can’t live on memories.”

Creating art is a daily practice for McGowan, one that is important to his continued well-being. He sells his work at First Fridays in Norwich and through other opportunities. He generously gives his work to visitors, friends and non-profit organizations.

This creativity keeps him going. “I am in a love affair with the arts!” McGowan said. “Painting forces me to get out of myself and to listen outside of myself. I would be lost without the arts.”

McGowan thinks of the arts as a positive addiction. Rather than being destructive, his artistic endeavors contribute to his well-being. He, in turn, contributes his art to others.

“What you give out, you get back,” said McGowan, with a sparkle in his eye and a big smile.

Emma Palzere-Rae is associate director for Artreach Inc. in Norwich and founder of Be Well Productions, which focuses on the healing power of the theater. Located in Norwich, Artreach provides arts programs to people living with mental illness.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Creativity Heals is a new monthly column that will share stories of people who feels that participating in the arts and being creative played a part in their healing from a physical or mental illness, or from a difficult time in their life. If you have a story to share, contact Emma Palzere-Rae at emma.artreachheals@gmail.com.

Who: Patrick McGowan

Town: Norwich

Diagnosis: Agoraphobia and achizophrenia

Creative Outlet: Painting and poetry

Helpful Resource: Reliance Health, RelianceHealthInc.org