Mental Illness: A Poem From Its Point of View

Editor’s note: If you experience suicidal thoughts, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), thoughts of self-harm or an eating disorder, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741. For eating disorders, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “NEDA” to 741-741. For a list of ways to cope with self-harm urges, click here.

I’m the awkwardness that fills the room

When death is mentioned, the fear, the gloom,

I’m the look of pity upon their face, I’m the outcast from the human race.

I’m the pills you swallow, no “one for all,”

Blue ones to fly and pink ones to fall.

I’m the stench of bodies that lie unwashed.

I’m the nightmares of all your dreams I’ve squashed.

I’ll steal your family, I’ll reject your friends.

I have a beginning but you’ll see no end.

I’m the stigma hung around your neck,

So easy are the lives I wreck.

I’m the vomit when you won’t eat.

I’m the awkward looks down to their feet.

I’m the scars you try to hide.

I’m the thoughts you wish you’d died.

Im the house you won’t stop cleaning,

“Touch taps 3 times” I know its meaning.

I’m the voice inside your head,

That whispers “You’re better off now dead.”

I’m the one who will make you weep.

I’m the one who steals your sleep.

Yes late at night amongst the stillness,

You can call me mental illness.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you struggle with self-harm and you need support right now, call the crisis hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. For a list of ways to cope with self-harm urges, click here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.

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Thinkstock photo via Artem_Furman