I Know

I've felt the grip of anxiety, a prisoner in fear, Trapped beneath an unyielding ceiling, panic drawing near. I've dwelled in the depths of depression, a void so vast, Shrouded in darkness, pain's embrace, with hope cast aside and surpassed.

Haunted by the echoes of past traumas, a relentless replay, Day and night, no respite, caught in an unending fray. Power stripped away by assault, a lingering stain, Forever marked, used, broken, as the shadows of the past remain.

Discrimination's bitter taste, a target pinned and pressed, Cornered, assaulted, beaten, in perpetual distress. Living in fear, uncertainty looming, a constant threat, Never knowing when the next wave of hate will set.

Isolation's heavy burden, feeling utterly alone, In the darkness, staring at the ceiling, tears silently sown. No support to grasp, a pillow clutched in despair, Crying until no more tears, a heartache too heavy to bear.

Summoning courage to seek help, only to be denied, Invalidated emotions, unheard pleas, a crushing tide. Chronic illness, a disabling force, life at a standstill, Dreams dissipating, relationships fracturing, an uphill battle uphill.

Watching everything crumble, unable to intervene, Losing it all, aspirations shattered, a painful scene. Soul consumed by guilt and shame, unable to forgive, Trapped in the past, the present, the future, unable to live.

In this nation over five million, suffer mental health's silent strife, 73,000 contemplate ending their own life. Approximately 4,500 find that tragic end, Yet, in the darkest depths, support may still extend.

No matter how desolate, a path to healing exists, Growth and transformation, as the heart persists. A chance for a happy ending, a glimmer in the night, Amidst the shadows, there is hope, a guiding light.

I know, I know, I know, A progressive mental health journey, let the seeds of resilience sow.

Penned by Christopher Halter, a testament to the fight, For those who've struggled, to bring mental well-being to light.