I have suffered with mental health issues including depression, anxiety and OCD for the last 10-12 years. Although it’s been hard I now find myself in a much better place and have more “good days” than bad ones. However I have friends and family who are still battling with their issues and wish I could do more to support them. I’ve written this poem to honour where I was and where several people still are, in the hope that it will raise awareness of how important mental health issues are to today’s society.
How to stay happy when you’ve lived life in fear?
How to appreciate the things you hold dear
Mental health is important but easy to ignore
But how we are feeling is right at our core
How often do you question “How are you today?”
And receive the stock answer “I’m fine”, people say
But dig a bit deeper and often they’re lying
To you and themselves, as inside they are crying
The fears they hold close are quite often not real
And helping them see that can change how they feel
But they may need help to do that, they can’t see alone
So why not support them, in person or phone
They have a role too and should share how they’re feeling
It’s hard but there’s help there to help them in dealing
With all those black thoughts that need blasting away
So that love and life magic can enter and stay
How to stay happy when you’ve lived life in fear?
How to appreciate the things you hold dear
Mental health is important but easy to ignore
But pay it some attention and strengthen your core
Suzi Magic 