Mental Illness

In the United States,
One in five have one –
Plus more undiagnosed.
There are over twice as many
Suicides as homicides.

The person who has it
Doesn’t want it,
Has tried to stop it,
Tries to hide it, and
Fears to never be free.

No matter what kind:
It can’t be willed away.
Smiling doesn’t help.
“Bringing you down”
Confirms worthlessness.
Deriding “weirdness”
Increases helpessness.
Both build hopelessness.

Listen without judgment.
Fight impatience.
Offer kindness.
Empathize.