When Is A Need, A Need, And Not A Want

Knowing when to accept help.

Why is it

I can help others

Who find themselves

In need.

 

But

Find myself

Unable to do so

For my own needs

Until forced to.

 

If I do so

Feel like

I have failed

In a very important way

As a person.

 

Taking away

From other people

Whose needs are

Greater than my own

(In my opinion).

 

Like a parasitical creature

Sucking the life

From the host

Which it's attached to.

 

Refusing to use

My mental illnesses

Like PTSD

Chronic depression

And various anxiety disorders.

 

As excuse

To leach off

From the social system

And other people.

 

But I 'm mentally ill

It's part of my life

And whom I am.

 

Overcoming pride

And admitting need

Is one of the hardest steps

To openly accept this

Which I struggle with

On a daily basis.

Author's Note

Originally written, September 13, 2014.