We are not sick

Mental “illness” has a stigma

Those with one are thrown into a box

Stuck with a label

Regardless of the type we are all called “sick”

 

Slicing your skin

“Sick”

Trying to die

“Sick”

Starving yourself or purging

“Sick”

Having any mental disorder

“Sick”

 

We are not “sick”

 

There may be physical manifestations

Yes we may take medication

There may be therapy involved

That doesn’t make us “sick”

That doesn’t make us “broken”

It doesn’t change who we are

 

In that stigma for us

There is pity

There is sadness

There is fear

All things that we don’t want

Or need

 

We are not “sick”

 

What we want is compassion

What we need is friendship

What we desire is understanding

All you have to do is love us

 

Don’t treat us like a child

Don’t feel sorry for us

Sometimes we are vulnerable

That doesn’t make us fragile

So don’t treat us that way

 

We are not “sick”

Reviews

[Wolfwind]

God that was one of the most powerful poems I've read in a long time. They way you brought the concept across was very well woven. It's view was not discouraging nor was it altering. It simply opened a window and allowed the reader to see another view that hadn't been seen before.

Being one that has never been to the far negatives of depression before, it's hard for me to fathom them and just how far people might fall. I think that's why this piece is so profound for me. But it does raise a question in my mind. What happens if one tries to reach out and show that compassion and friendship and understanding and get rebuked for trying to help or just acting out of pity?

What's the key that unlocks a viable door that someone who is on the lows of depression can connect with a hand who wants the help?

Great Ink! Thanks very much for sharing.
Wolfwind

[Ashes]

You put it straight out there, that you are a friend and want to be supportive. The key is honesty. Don't pretend like you know, ask them to explain. Tell them you don't understand, maybe even that you have never been there, and you want to help them. Let them know you can't scare them away. Constant reassurance may be necessary to get your point across. Someone who pities doesn't stick around, someone who cares does. Sometimes you just need to give it time.

[Annabella]

So so so so so powerful.
Thank you so much - for understanding, again, for saying the things we aren't always able to express. Thank you for your strength.

[Patrick B Vince]

Another great write, and being on the mentally ill side I commend you for your speaking out in a way people might understand.