Ohio men use music to educate about brain disorders, mental health

From LimaOhio.com:

LIMA, Ohio - In a shed in Bill Boutin's backyard, he and friend James Woten get together a few times a week to play music together, Boutin on the keyboard and Woten on guitar. (Both are pictured.)

They named their duo Out of Silence and this is no ordinary musical collaboration. The men use their music as therapy and public education for mental health and brain disorders they have. Boutin has Asperger's Disorder, a mild variant of autism, and also battles depression. Woten has schizophrenia.

"It comes with a lot of isolation, anxiety and depression. The relational stuff is extremely important," Woten said. "All my life, I thought I'd be in a band. I think God reserved my music with Bill. God knew it would be therapeutic."

Both men are Christians and say their faith helps them in their daily struggles.

"I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ," Boutin said. "It's human beings I don't relate to."

The men met nearly 10 years ago at a mental health center when Woten heard Boutin playing and liked what he heard. They became fast friends and musical partners.

"I feel like our brains mesh a little bit," Woten said.

Through the years, Boutin has appeared in multiple therapeutic art productions and advocates the idea as a way for people with mental illness and brain disorders to earn a living with dignity and create public awareness about people with illnesses.

Woten agrees, saying that art therapy, whether through music or another art form, can be critical to helping those with illnesses.

The two recently performed and talked about their illnesses and disorders at a Trinity United Methodist Church service and believe such engagements help build better communities and understanding.

Boutin has written music for 40 years, much of it about getting along in the world.

"What are you Looking For?" explores his struggles.

The cobwebs in your head, they weren't there before

Lazy bones, get out of bed, what are you dreaming for?

Are your dreams out of reach, like a cat in a tree?

Frame of mind, left behind

What are you looking for?