Say it's ok

It's not easy dealing with close friends and family when they have mental health issues. Facebook is full of lofty statements like:

'If you called me at midnight, I'd be here for you.'

' Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Will you share this?'

'My door is always open, and my kettle is always ready.'

And, you know, these things do annoy me. Thousands share and like and say 'yes, I'm all about promoting mental health', but when it comes to it, I mean really comes to it, most people can't help, or cope, or even understand someone else's mental health issues when they really 'show up'. And that's ok. We are difficult, insufferable and we have a problem for every solution. I speak from years and years of experience.

I'm one of the lucky ones who has 'an other half' who can and has dealt with my very worst mental bouts of depression, panic and anxiety, and I am often surprised (and thankful!!) that he stuck around. He doesn't always know what to say or do, but I know he is on my side. I wrote this poem to explain what I mean.

***************************************************

Say it's ok

When I ask

Again

If you mind

That I ask

If it's ok

Again.

~

Say it's ok

When I push and shove

And test

And run

And sigh

And cry

Again.

~

Say it's ok

When I can't

Tell you

What's wrong

That it's just

A sheet of fear

Again.

~

Say it's ok

That you love me

And you know

And you care

And I'm still cute

And worth it

Again.

~

Say it's ok

You're staying

Despite

The fear

And panic

Again.

~

Say it's ok

I believe you

I know

It's hard

And it does

Make a difference

Always.

Thanks for reading. I have a few other pieces on mental health issues, challenges and triumphs. Just click the link to my profile page.