Irrational Fears, Mistrust and living with no hope, mental illness may have a grip upon some members of your family, neighbourhood and community too. The trick is to recognize the many symptoms and act with kindness in your heart and a determined spirit. Intense anxiety can be dealt with, and resolved with hard work and personal self-exploration too. Having a guide or sympathetic person to help is always welcome.
A poem I recently read seems to tell the tale, so read it out loud and bear its message well.
I’m feeling so scared,
I can’t breathe but I must.
Thinking so many thoughts,
Trying so hard to trust.
These fears are irrational,
But I can’t make them stop.
I just wish that they’d leave,
That my heart rate would drop.
I can’t catch my breath,
My heart’s running a race,
Against my emotions,
Struggling to keep pace.
I struggle to breathe,
But each sound makes it worse.
My world seems so dark,
I’m trying to reverse it.
Away from the triggers,
Away from the pain,
All my muscles are tense,
Why can’t it be explained?
There is no good reason,
But I can’t press pause.
I don’t think this is normal,
I can’t find the cause.
Oh I need Help
I can’t live like this,
Where my fears are sewn
is this a question I must ask?
Why do they come?
What’s the cause of this pain?
I want to let go,
But I can’t just do the same.
I try to calm down,
But my fears just won’t quit.
I can’t find air to breathe.
I’m stuck in this pit of agony.
Written by Sima, a 13-year-old girl. No matter your age, economic status or race, we all can experience the powerful grip of mental illness and addictions. Our mind is searching for meaning, and emotional and logical attachment too. We can respond often in ways socially unacceptable, but you need to realize that you are shaping yourself daily, seeing and thinking thoughts perhaps new and different. We can find answers and solutions through our connection with one another. When you are frightened, stretch out your hand for assistance, and you’ll find a welcoming handshake, hug or kind word. We are only human after all.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
[email protected]
