Depression feeds on a lifetime of ungrieved and unforgiven events and circumstances. Like poems, we have our favorite songs and stories we listen or read to overcome our depressed state.  The daily stressors of life are overwhelming for everyone at times. Depression poetry can be the inspiration needed to move forward when all other resources have been exasperated.  Writing your way out of depression often times is the antidote to allowing it to take over your life.  Poetry is an avenue for one to freely express one's emotions; emotions that have long been wanting to be expressed from the deep recesses of the psyche and from the soul.

I wrote my best poems in the darkest moments of my depression. In the spring of 2007 I had to stop working because I was suffering severe bouts of anxiety and panic attacks. At the time I didn't know what was going on so I went to several doctors, hoping they could explain my dilemma. I underwent every possible blood test, endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasounds for this, that, and the other thing. I had my ears checked because I was losing my balance all the time. They found nothing physically wrong with me. So, I went back home, curled up on the sofa and spent the better part of seven months there. At times I would be well enough to sit on my balcony. In those rare moments I wrote in my diary. At one point I was inspired to write a poem, so I wrote a piece titled "Alpha Bet Soup". During the following 2 weeks I wrote 54 more pieces.

It was not until November of 2007 that I was finally diagnosed with major clinical depression & bipolar disorder. It was a long time to spend down the rabbit hole without medication and treatment.

Writing poems, in depressed moments, allows one to introspect and let emotions flow through pen and paper.  Sadness from lost love or death of a loved one can hinder resilience and ability to handle daily stressors because of depression. Such poetry can help break one free from depression's shackles.

Depression poems can break away isolationist feelings and help in conquering mixed emotions;  such emotions that can grasp a person and cripple every aspect of their life. Depression poetry can also aid the mind and help better understand what the source of the melancholy is coming from.

Depression can paralyze and drain us, making it a very real and dangerous illness.  It is not easily described when there are so many forms that can ale us.  In every aspect of life, depression may challenge our lives.  There is so much going on in this world that it becomes too overwhelming with stress and struggles life seemingly generously gives us.  Depression eventually will distract us from our daily activities, leaving the illusion of being alone, even when there is a world of people around going about their own life's trials.  Poetry has been ranked as a top form of therapy and is an avenue for the seemingly impervious emotions, eagerly wanting a way out to relieve us of the burdens we hold.  

Depression is a confused and hopeless state that drives people to desperate lengths.  All I can say is don't be afraid to talk about it and try to be open if others are trying to reach out. If all else fails, grab a pen and write a few words.

PEACE - J RON GILDART

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