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.
