The Mask..

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, I have penned this poem highlighting the stigma associated with depression.

How do I say that I’m not fine?

I don’t want to complain, I don’t want to whine

A cheerful attitude attracts vibes positive

Therefore under a false facade I Iive

Sometimes that facade does help me beat

My depression temporarily, the respite is sweet

But then it returns, with a vengeance profound

I dare not mention it to anyone around

To admit my shortcoming, to seek help for it

Can cost me my livelihood, get me labeled unfit

My depression needs to, in the closet remain

By admitting to it, I would be inviting more pain

Further alienation from the world of people doing fine

Potential loss of income- all these cross mind

Each time I try to reach for professional help in some way

(Did I mention therapy is beyond my capacity to pay?)

I wish I could exchange the emotional pain

For pain in a body part, to avoid the disdain

That mental illness seems to receive

I am weak- this is how I think I’d be perceived

If I were to say I am depressed- I would probably hear

Be strong, snap out of your depression, dear

Believe me, it’s not like flipping a switch inside

Exercise, yoga, meeting new people- everything I’ve tried

But it is a lonely journey for me

Hiding my depression is not easy…

**

Empathy for my depression is not an easy ask

Therefore I readjust my metaphorical mask..