My mental illness and me

a poem about mental illness

"My mental illness and me"

So I watched a programme, about mental ills

People getting stuffed with pills

 Diagnosed with this and that

A woman with a head full of chat

A young boy with ocd

A girl who just wants to be free

Someone else, suicidal thoughts

A man with his stomach in knots

Trying to end their own lives

A welcome release from their strives

That's not the answer

Why is so many people suffering this?

Surely it can't be right, somethings amiss

Is it in the food we eat, or the drinks we drink

Come on all your therapists, have a serious think

A chemical imbalance in the brain is the cause

but why so many, makes you think and pause

  I've suffered too, for most of this terrible year

Think I'm over the worst of it, remains a constant fear

Just when you think your fine, your not

Medical attention I sought

only to end up terrified

So when asked again, I lied

"I'm fine no problems", never again

will I admit to the doctor men

Bought books on CBT and taught myself

and regained some of my mental health

80% better than I've been, very nice

Just don't think, my sister's advice

Perfect plan, when your feeling great

but when it starts its much too late

to have control over thoughts that clatter

It's not a case of mind over matter

Ah well I'll continue reading self help theory

and meditate and keep myself cheery

exercise lots and eat healthy meals

stay away from those bargain booze deals

mindfulness exercises have helped a lot

colouring in like a child and doing dot to dot

**************

Reviews

[Michael G. Smith]

This hits close to home. Mental illness runs on my mother's side of the family. Her and her two brothers have committed suicide and the remaining brother has schizophrenia. Out of us five siblings my middle sister suffers the most. If it wasn't for my relationship with Christ and His gospel teachings I would never have the strength to make through those days when I recognize I'm not in control of the depression. For, I never want to succumb to the ideal of victimization. Writing has also been a great therapeutic tool. Thank you for sharing an intimate piece of yourself.

[KT-B]

I am so sorry to hear that, that is quite shocking and sad. God and are the most powerful source of getting through any hardships in life, I 100% agree. I read a book called "A life at last" by Paul Davis and it has really helped me with my anxiety, I would recommend it to anyone. Schizophrenia is obviously a more complex issue and prayer and faith should strongly take place in the healing of such an illness - thank you for sharing, I know it's not easy but maybe the more people who talk about it will make it easier for others who are suffering in silence - Writing is definitely a great tool for taking your mind away from unwanted thoughts :) God Bless

[Tannya]

Thank you for your very kind review on my first poem. You really inspired me to write some more! I can see that we have experienced some things that are quite similar and I adore your way of writing because it really expresses your feeling and perhaps others. Hope to be hearing more from you!

[KT-B]

Thanks Tannya, that's great your going to write more, you definitely should, far too talented not to and it's a great outlet. Thank you for taking the time to read and review, much appreciated :)

[Wendi A]

I like this too. I think we are the same person. I like how it reads chronologically and the rhythm is very nice. There are quite a few typos to fix. To me, the second stanza didn't quite fit - probably because the lines are a little longer than in the others. That's my only suggestion. Cheers!

[KT-B]

Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Yes, I am a careless girl most of the time, I should re-read and correct but usually up and submit without doing so, very lazy of me. If anyone reading has issues with anxiety I just finished a book by Paul David called A Life at Last - it was a fantastic help and I highly recommend :)