This poem tries to put into words the seemingly invisible struggles of those battling an anxiety disorder. I write this, thinking about a close friend, with whom I would have weekly check ins once we moved to different cities. In wildly different walks of life, professionally, we both were united in our experience of being human and feeling things too much at times.
I wake up each day, thinking this time it would be different
That this time, for once, I wouldn’t have my mid-week meltdown
That I wouldn’t call in sick when really, it’s my mind that’s ailing
That it isn’t the flu, it’s my anxiety
That this is not a disease, but a disorder
Which orders me into this cycle of hiding, fighting and failing
Falling flat on my face and dignity
On the pillow, muffling my sobs
Each time I stay in, give in and sleep it off
Are You Looking For
Mental Health Support?
Get access to counsellors, support groups, events in your city, and resources that could help you cope with your experience.
Access HelpBut then, there are small victories
Strewn apart, like wildflowers on dank crevices
Maybe this time it wouldn’t be so different
Maybe I would still have my midweek-meltdown
Maybe this time it would be different, but just a little
And that’s okay, for now
Recovery is not a race, lapses are not relapse
Your life wouldn’t start afresh
But it wouldn’t end this way either
The article above is a guest
post written by
The Mind Clan. If you’d like to contribute to our resources
through illustrations, stories or poems around mental health or self-care, reach out to
us here.
The opinions expressed & links embedded in this post are those of the authors. They do
not
purport to reflect the opinions or views of TheMindClan.com or its team.
Information on the Site is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice, whether toward diagnosis or treatment of a psychological or physical health problem, or for prescribing medication.
We are constantly adapting and evolving our style of writing and manner of conveying content through processes of feedback, learning, and growth. If you have any thoughts about the article or would like to flag an inaccuracy with us, feel free to write to us on our email address. We’re always open to receiving feedback and figuring out ways to make our content more respectful, relatable, and resonant.