@PaintedIsland

What a wonderful post! welcome to MSF. I'm fairly new, as well.

Love what your handle says: "Handed a lot, here to heal."

I have Major Depression with Psychotic Features. I had a breakdown about 8 years ago... it took me a long time to settle down and I still have times that are significantly challenging.

During recovery, I picked up the guitar (I played a bit when I was a kid) in order to engage and ground myself. It really helped and I was fortunate enough to have money at the time to take lessons. I've been wanting to pick it up again and your post has inspired me. I think I'll take a look at YouTube for some lessons... I imagine you might very well do the same for the recorder.

The recorder seems like an excellent choice given your love of baroque. I also love Bach, especially, and appreciated Liona Boyd playing BVW 645 on classical guitar. I'm into a lot of other music, too, and have been doing some singing which is helping me a lot: I'am actually having fun doing it and that is a marvel given the depths of hell to which I've been.

As for your drums, no rush to make a decision about them right now... one thing at a time.

Again, welcome to MSF... Best wishes in your journey...