Hi, Creatures...
I'm Cydney!
I'm so freakin' happy you're here.
After reading thousands of generic blogs, I wanted to create a space full of raw stories, vulnerable moments and all the unfiltered emotions in between. Throughout my journey of life, there have been so many moments that I have taken to the internet in hope of finding an article to make me feel less alone. You know, those random things we google because we’re afraid to ask someone else and feel judged.
What’s the difference between mental and emotional health?
How do I manage my ADHD?
Does everyone have an inner monologue?
Whether you're looking for a new community or a quick read...
You're in the right place
The Departed Creature is dedicated to making the world feel a little less scary, one honest conversation at a time. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We’re here to explore the possibilities with an open mind.
“In a sense, my rebirth is happening in real-time. It’s a bit ironic, really. Because I’m not sure I’ve ever known who I was. How strange, to be reborn and simultaneously feel as if I never really existed.”
🖤 Cydney Nelson, Founder & CEO, Departed Creature
Mission
My mission is simple: to let you know that it’s okay to not be okay. Mental health is a part of life, just like any other aspect. Nobody should have to suffer in silence. Whether it’s my personal stories, travel tales or navigating the rollercoaster of pregnancy, I want to be a source of inspiration, a sense of community, and a valuable resource as you conquer your own journey.
Values
Vulnerability is our strength. We open our hearts and share our struggles because we know that in vulnerability, we find connection. I encourage you to do the same, knowing you’re safe here. You are worthy of love and acceptance, no matter where you are on your journey. I invite you to be true to yourself, embracing your uniqueness and imperfections.
Experience
In the midst of it all, I’ve navigated abusive relationships, battled PTSD and grappled with anxiety, depression and ADHD. Currently, I’m on the wild ride of growing a business & a child, all while juggling my mental health. Life can throw some serious curveballs, and I’m here to share how I keep swinging.
Explore. Connect. Belong.
"And then it hit me, our souls have been tied together for longer than either of us has been alive."
🖤 Cydney Nelson, Founder & CEO, Departed Creature
Where Passion Meets Business
Aside from being a world traveler, scientist and blogger, I am a full-time copywriter!
I absolutely love helping others in all aspects of their lives, including business.
If you’re looking for assistance dialing in your brand or curious about starting a collaboration, I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for .
Let's Be Friends
Cydney Nelson is a Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscientist turned freelance writer, copywriter, entrepreneur, mama and mental health advocate. After battling mental health issues in her younger years, Cydney has made it her mission to break the stigmas that isolate millions of people worldwide through authentic storytelling.
I absolutely love writing, traveling, spending time with my kitties, hiking, eating delicious foods and nerding out on learning new things. As someone who has severe ADHD, I've always found it difficult to maintain my hobbies. Honestly, this blog is probably the only constant hobby I've ever had in my life. I tend to master things and then never pick them up again (working on breaking this habit). I like to think of myself as a queen of versatility, a sorceress of all talents, a versatile virtuosa, if you will. Honestly, if it gives me dopamine (real dopamine, not the fake sh*t), count me in!
I'm born and raised in the Central Coast of California! Despite it being a gorgeous area, I totally took it for granted when I was younger. I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when I was 18 and lived there for 8 years before moving to San Diego. I'm now back on the Central Coast soaking up every moment with my lil' family.
My first trip was to South America in 2014. I was drowning in school so I took a semester off and spent three months backpacking through Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. As soon as school was finished I took my next big trip and spent three months in Southeast Asia in 2016. I started in Thailand and made my way through Laos and Indonesia. In 2017 I took a short trip to Belize, and then back to Asia in 2022. My recent trip to Asia was my first solo trip and it changed my life. It's actually why this blog was born. You can read more about that here!
Honestly, I came up with the name Departed Creature long before this blog was born. I was up late one night trying to think of a cool instagram name. I've always struggled coming up with punchy names for my own content. I'm really good at doing it for other people, but sometimes I get too close to my own work. Anyways, I digress. I landed on Departed Creature because I've always felt different. Even in a room of my closest friends and family, I have often felt like I was from another planet. Like I didn't belong in the world. Like a weird little creature just floating around in my own world. Thus, Departed Creature became my new alias. When I decided I wanted to start blogging a few years later, I very quickly realized I would never do it if I didn't just go with a name I already loved (ADHD paralysis problems). So, I stuck with it! And I'm really glad I did.
Oh, gosh. One of my biggest guilty pleasures is binge watching hospital dramas. Grey's Anatomy, The Good Doctor, New Amsterdam, Chicago Med.... you get the picture. I absolutely can't get enough. There was one point in college where I thought I might not graduate because I couldn't' stop watching Grey's during finals week lol.
I'm a cat girly, ALL DAY!
I sure did! I didn't know what I wanted to do fresh out of high school, and honestly, I don't think many people do. After moving to the bay area, I decided to go to community college and immediately fell in love with philosophy and psychology. I got my AA in Psychology and later transferred to the University of California, San Diego, where I majored in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience.
Photography and videography! I absolutely love taking photos, but I almost never know if they're actually going to turn out okay. I have a nice camera but I can't figure out how to use it so I always end up using my iPhone. And don't even get me started on the hours of GoPro footage that I'm sitting on. I get really frustrated when I'm editing videos because I want the sound and the video to match up perfectly, and it rarely does. One day, I will master it!
This one is easy for me! I was in junior college and in a pretty unhealthy relationship at the time. Him and I were going to see a therapist together and one day during our 1:1 session, she looked at me and said, "You should never have to take a step down for someone else to take a step up." It was PROFOUND advice for me, and something I have carried with me to this very day.
Get used to failure. Discomfort breeds growth. Learn how to be alone. Celebrate the tiny wins. And always remember that just because someone in your life makes you feel comfortable doesn't mean they're healthy for you.
Oh, yes, one more thing...
Sometimes, love isn't enough. And just because you're good at communicating, doesn't mean the other person is good at listening.
