How Does Mental Illness Feel?

I wrote this poem over a year ago (for a mental health awareness poetry contest) but it still holds quite a bit of truth to me and I want people to feel less alone, especially if they are struggling. I did end up winning and got it published in a blog.

To my dear mother and father,

I know this may all be hard to hear.

Anxiety is really tough.

Having depression's super rough.

Both of those are very taxing.

All us suffering wish they were relaxing.

Anxiety is the fear you feel,

sometimes not knowing if the cause is real.

This feeling is chronic and captures all.

It can often feel like a brawl.

Anxiety isn't fear of one thing,

the intensity often clings.

Depression is the hurt within.

You never know when it'll begin.

Sometimes you may be mad.

Other times, you may feel sad.

It isn't just occasional sadness.

I really want to feel gladness.

I'm sorry if this information seems random.

Mental illness is not tandem.

I just want you to understand.

I'm sorry if this poem was bland.

While I wrote, my mind was in a whirl.

I will always love you, your baby girl.