Those who have read any of my previous mental health blogs will know that I like to go on, and on, and on. In fact, I bore myself just writing the pieces. I decided to take a different approach to this blog, with a poem which highlights some of the things that I (and many others) live with on a daily basis. I warn you, I'm no poet, but I hope you enjoy reading my attempt anyway.
A is for anger and anxiety, why do these things always happen to me?
B is for benefits which I've tried hard to get, but ATOS have told me I'm not ill enough yet.
C is for counsellors with long waiting lists, I patiently wait whilst clenching my fists.
D is for depression which affects one in four, your mother, your brother or the couple next door.
E is for energy, something I lack, it feels as though the whole world has turned black.
F is for freedom to do as I please, without the constrictions of this nasty disease.
G is for get over it, words we hear all the time, as if our illness is just a theatrical mime.
H is for help which all of us crave, even asking the doctor is incredibly brave.
I is for isolate, something I do well, although being alone feels so close to hell.
J is for jitters which happen a lot, my hands get all clammy and I feel really hot.
K is for key worker who is supposed to be here, I haven't seen one in over a year.
L is for love from a partner or friend, their compassion can help your wounds start to mend.
M is for mind, where it all starts, an organ as important as livers and hearts.
N is for nutcase or crazy or mad, these words are so common and make me feel sad.
O is for one in four people a year, that will suffer this way or wake up in fear.
P is for panic and fearing the worst, my perfect world bubble has finally burst.
Q is for questions that need to be asked, is this something new or does it come from my past?
R is for respite, I just need a break, from the constant torment and the daily brain ache.
S is for stigma which we see every day, as if calling us crazy is really okay?
T is for therapy for which some wait years, and then they ask why we break down in tears.
U is for unsure about where to turn, answers to questions are all that I yearn.
V is for Valium which is prescribed too much, we can't all rely on drugs like a crutch.
W is for waiting lists, and as I've already said, you're not a priority until you're already dead.
X is for Xanax another overly prescribed drug, as if we have some easily curable bug.
Y is for yes to proper healthcare, although the chances of that are incredibly rare.
Z is for zany and fun and carefree, all of those things that I still want to be.