This short book of poems/ prose has been written to help give the reader some insight into what it feels like to experience some of the mental health conditions patients present with.
As will become evident from the content of some poems, I have experienced abuse, both as a child and, as is often the case, as an adult.
The lasting legacy of this has been struggles with my mental health, particularly depression and anxiety. One coping strategy is to write, another is to read and gain knowledge to understand more, hence I have given short explanations for each one.
I am fortunate that I have the skills and ability to verbalise mental illness, hence I provide a voice to those who can’t. If my experiences can help inform and give insight to people working in health care, then that is a positive. I
f by describing my poor mental health, I can be one more voice challenging the ever-present stigma, then that is a positive. If writing about my thoughts and feelings can help someone identify and feel less alone, then that is yet another positive, therefore I see no reason not to write or share.
I refuse to be ashamed of my past or my mental health, it has made me stronger, kinder and more empathetic than you can possibly imagine.
You can download and read the entire book Deliberations here.