Why do we cut ourselves?
A simple question.
A complex answer.
We cut because it hurts,
but that hurt, can feel good.
The body releases endorphins.
They can feel addictive. Yet more,
we deal with mental illness. We hurt,
deeply and intensely, all the time.
It’s a hurt that no one can see.
We can’t all explain where it comes from,
we can’t all explain why,
but our souls cry out in hunger,
we don’t know what for.
Many of us were taught to self loathe.
Depression and anxiety are real.
As are so many others.
The combinations of issues unite us.
We cut to feel control, of something.
We cut to distract, from overwhelming emotions.
We cut to keep going, through the days.
But it is not healthy to do so.
We must try and seek help.
We must try and stop.
Believe me I know how hard it is.
But know that you are loved.
You are not alone.
We are not alone.
We are together,
bonded by pain.
Poetry
Comments are closed.
Thank you for your honest and vulnerability. You are writing about important, relevant issues, and that takes courage. It is heartening to realize that gradually conditions like depression and anxiety are becoming destigmatized; for example, like when NBA star Kevin Love recently opened up about his panic attacks. And you are doing your part by being open about your own struggle. We need more poems and people like you.
I appreciate all of your kind words very much. And as always I am so glad you liked the poem. I do hope to spur dialogue about it, in large part because I’ve had so much trouble finding people to talk to about it. I’ve got good therapy now but not everyone has that. I’m just hopeful that some people will feel less alone by reading it. Thank you again very much! 🙂