i’m living in a shell of a house

sometimes i think the neighbors can hear my shouts

the walls are made of paper, as thin as my patience

i’m trapped in this cage, no hope of escaping

police sirens roar and dogs beg for love

the street is worn down; the sky’s grey above

the nights creep in fast. i’m aware i’m alone

i feed the cats and distract my dog with her bone

my room is my ring, my rage bangs it up

my fists fill with pain; my arms fill with cuts

i cry and i scream; i panic and suffocate

i beg for a way out; i hide and i medicate

my tongue begs for liquor. my skin begs for wounds

my brain plays tragic memories. my stomach wants food

my toilet fills with bile, my hands shake in terror

i sleep for 12 hours, my dreams say, “let’s scare her”

i wake in cold sweats, i ask my dreams for a break

i get dressed for work and put on my happy face

– I’ve learned so much about mental health and about my diagnoses. I am passionate about learning as much as I can and helping those around me. Even with healthy coping mechanisms and a good support system, I still have bad days or bad weeks. If you or someone you know struggles with mental health, please reach out to a healthcare professional like a counselor, therapist or psychiatrist. –

Stay lovely, stay beautiful, stay human. 🌹❤️ – M