Mental Health Poetry to Soothe the Pain of Depression
In a world of social media when everyone appears to be having a wonderful time, do we have unrealistic expectations and leave ourselves open to disappointment?
This is a question I was debating in my mind. when I wrote this poem.
In Mental Health Awareness Week I wanted to spread the message that when things look very bleak a little happiness can be found in the smallest of things. It might be a cup of tea, a country walk or a good book, just something to bring a smile.
This mental health poetry is designed to give comfort to anyone who is suffering from the pain of anxiety and depression
Inspiring Poetry to Soothe the Pain Of Anxiety and Depression
One Star
On these turbulent waters I steer
not knowing what is next from here
and every time I try to breathe
make the grief and sadness leave
the hammer looms and I retreat
to a world where loved ones meet
and all is quiet, tranquil, calm
healthy, fed, sheltered, warm
one star is all to make things well
a little light to calm the swell
a speck, a glimmer, a flicker, a beam
enough to allow the soul to dream
and a message slowly comes to light
“don’t always try to make things right”
Rise above the waves and fly
Life is hard don’t even try
to fix the shattered window pain
It’s all part of life’s game
because the window does reveal
that sadness is part of life’s deal.
Kate Hanford
Here is just a tiny glimpse of how it feels to be suffering from anxiety.
Inside An Anxious Mind
Hailstones stabbing a window pain
family, money, guilt, and shame
bees swarming, endless drone
colours dark and monochrome
bombs exploding, babies crying
fear of failure, sickness, dying
lightening flashes, here then gone
bringing panic and doubt upon
taps dripping, blackboard scratching
cheating, anger, problem thrashing
craving calmness, whimsical themes
oblivion, stillness, peace, and dreams.
Kate Hanford
This is a poem that I wrote for a friend who was going through a bad time, just to let her know that I’ll always be there for her. Maybe someone else will find the words comforting.
HOPE
You have to believe, that all will be right
In the longest of days and the coldest of nights
You may feel scared, tired and alone
But there’s always someone to carry you home
Someone who knows the pain that you feel
The raw and relentless, cruel and real
It comes like a cloud covering the sky
There are no answers, just why? why? why?
But we are strong together, and a day will come
When the clouds part and welcome the sun
So take hold of that sunbeam, don’t let it leave
Clasp it tightly, but let yourself grieve
Then slowly but surely release your grasp
Let the light enter and swallow the past
And then for a second, your heart will feel light
And strength will replace it, to continue the fight
Just like the sunbeam, you cannot hide
But weather the storm with hope on your side
Kate Hanford
If you are feeling depressed there is help out there for you.
Please contact Mind here.
Also by Kate Hanford A selection of Dog Poems
