topic Poem - Men's struggle in Depression

Poem - Men's struggle

Chapin — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 04:34:04 GMT

Hi, I wrote this poem about how I was feeling being a man suffering depression. It's not meant to be a male only thing, but of course I don't know what it is like facing depression as a woman!

There are some of us who live our lives according to convention,
Knowing there's a part of us we don’t feel free to mention
To others we don't wish to hurt, or who wouldn't understand,
The daily inner struggle that in our lives was never planned

It happens to so many, different backgrounds, different ages
And unfolds just like a story, as we slowly turn life’s pages
As we battle with the sadness deep inside that’s always there
And at times it seems to reach the point we simply cannot bear

Loving husbands, caring fathers, in a never ending fight
As we struggle with our demons, ever present dark as night
And we hold it in, aware that it can tear our lives apart
Too frightened to reveal the truth, and share what’s in our heart

We think no-one can understand the pain and isolation
The complexity, the sadness with no easy explanation
And we ask ourselves, what have I done to end up with this life-
That delivers me such hopelessness and never ending strife?

We wonder how can we go on, get through another night?
And every day before us is the constant, endless fight
Why me ? what will I become?, how will this anguish end?
But we tell ourselves for now at least, “just continue to pretend”

Our depression seems so constant, causing conflict and divisions
And we worry that ahead of us are difficult decisions
For we are caught, just like a trap, we are not really free
And for some of us we think that is the way it has to be

But we need not walk this road alone, there are many who do care
And if we open up our feelings, and be prepared to share
We will find that there’s assistance, a friendly helping hand
From people who have empathy, who really understand

There is help and great resources, and we all should make that choice
But it does take strength and courage to release our inner voice
Remember we are decent men just living life the best we can
And our inner secret doesn't mean, we're any less a man.

Poem - Men's struggle

Guest_1055 — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 06:16:58 GMT

Oh wow, that is so so well expressed Chapin. I have no other words but tears were behind my eyes. Thankyou. And a big welcome to you..

Shell

Poem - Men's struggle

Ron_P — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 01:34:40 GMT

I love the heart-felt message in this poem. It comes from a deeper place than is willingly recognised by superficial manhood. Take the time to absorb the message. Ron

Poem - Men's struggle

therising — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 06:13:16 GMT

Hi Chapin

What a truly incredible and well articulated message. I am actually crying. I believe it was the last line that really set me off (And our inner secret doesn't mean, we're any less a man). As a mum to a 13 year old boy, it means a lot to hear you express this.

There is an incredibly long and sad history of depression experienced by men although it is only in recent times that parts of society have invited men to truly express the pain in such a heartfelt way. Society still has some way to go, for sure (it can be a slow moving creature as far as progress is concerned). It was not too long ago that returned soldiers, for example, were left to face such darkness alone in silence or women with post natal depression were institutionalised. As we add your personal expression/poem to the history of men's progress, in the way of mental health, it shall insight further unity among the unsung heroes in society; those who face the everyday battle in the war against depression.

Thank you so much for sharing