In previous posts I have written about my life experiences as a mentally ill individual. In this post I’m attempting to describe the symptoms of my particular illness, rather than just the results of the symptoms. I have done this in a poetic form. So here goes.
Schizophrenia and What it Means
Schizophrenia means a broken mind,
A mind broke off from the real world.
Unable to separate the delusional
from the factual truth.
It also means crippling depression,
Constant sadness,
And mourning for dead potential;
The loss of a life that never was.
Schizophrenia shattered mind unable to process
most kinds of stress or anxiety
without ghostly hallucinations chanting their condemnations,
Causing wave upon wave of unrelenting anxiety
to slam upon an already tormented, battle weary soul.
How do I explain to old friends,
family, and strangers I meet
I am not well, have trouble holding a job,
When on the surface I look normal and well?
Lurking in the depths of my mind
The monster schizophrenia causes havoc,
launching an all out assault on my mental senses.
My abilities to socialize, to handle stress, to live normal,
are crippled.
I’m not lazy, I’m not a freeloader.
I’d do anything to be rid of this silent monster.
A Life Of Mental Illness 
Well written and thank you!
You are such a good writer. It does help to make us understand what it is like. Wish we could just wave that magic wand to make it disappear for you & others who suffer this way. Hope it helps to know we care. Love, James & LIz
Thank you. Your concern and care is greatly appreciated.
Your writing is raw and heart breaking and I could feel your pain as I read your poem. You truly have a gift for writing!!
The poem grabbed my attention and helped me realize what it means to have this illness. Stay strong my friend and know that people who have never even met you do care. You are an amazing person! I wish you much success in your writings!
Thanks for the compliments. I try my best to inform as well as offer advice from my own experiences.