This poem will discuss a specific young person’s experiences with mental health issues and may include references to diagnosis, treatment, or support. This should not be misinterpreted as specialized or medical advice for a particular situation you may be going through. The topic of experiencing mental health challenges may be difficult for some readers. If you or a loved one is struggling with their mental health, please seek support by accessing the following resources: Child Helpline International; Open Counseling Suicide Hotline Database; United for Global Mental Health. If your country does not have a national helpline please seek professional and community support from trained and experienced carers, especially before making any decisions on treatment.
I am a villain
Taking over silently.
Choosing my victims carefully,
From far and wide
Of all ages, from all backgrounds.
I make my victims numb
and drown them in waves of sadness.
I greet everyone differently
Slowly convincing them to hide,
from the golden sunshine
And make them prisoners in their own minds.
I gnaw away at their energy
And shatter hope into tiny shards.
Making sleep more appealing
is another trick of mine.
Don't be fooled,
For I come with many weapons.
Some don't see me as an enemy
But as a joke or a prentious liar
They only understand
the true depth of my darkness
When I prey on them.
They used to call me melancholia
But now I go by a different name,
Fearsome as ever.
