Dr Armadillo
About Dr Armadillo
I chose an armadillo for a reason.... Years ago, my children and I watched one of these cute creatures trace the edge of its enclosure, steady and unhurried. When a threat came, it paused, pulled its sturdy armour over to form an impenetrable personalised fort and waited…… then unfurled and carried on.
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That image stayed with me.
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That little fellow never changed direction, always moved forward. If he became aware of a threat he stopped immediately and rolled himself into a ball, protecting himself, staying still, enduring the harshness until the storm had passed and then just picked up at the same speed continuing his mission.
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I watched the armadillo do this so many times. So resilient, such an infallible shell on the outside that you never would know there was a trembling, gentle creature on the inside just waiting for the trouble to pass.
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Mental Health is on the inside, hidden and we do our best to protect it or shield it from the outside world, waiting and hoping for better times, often enduring the turbulence alone.
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I often wonder what the armadillo thinks about when it’s curled up inside its shell. Maybe it’s just waiting for safety. Maybe, like so many of us, it’s just resting — gathering strength before carrying on.
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I’ve been a GP for many years, and I’ve had more than my fair share of storms. I’ve sat on both sides of the table. I have teamed up with a small team of kind people who believe in the power of listening without judgement and we continue to grow.
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The Armadillos
Each Armadillo brings empathy, understanding and time. We read every message you send. Sometimes we write back with words that might help you see your situation differently, or we may suggest trusted places to find further help.
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Some of these reflections come from my work as a doctor; or from the much more complicated task of being a mum, daughter, sister and general chaos co-ordinator.
Sometimes, we write short reflections or give gentle, practical ideas for days that feel heavy. We sometimes share stories, if given permission but we do not write lectures. It is honesty without spectacle. If any of this helps you feel a little less alone, please send in your thoughts.