Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring a series of poems written by Brenda McDonald, a 53 year old mother from Ontario who has lived with mental health struggles since she was 14 years old, specifically anorexia, OCD and depression.
In her poem "Claws of Depression", Brenda eloquently describes the wraths of depression and the significant impact it can take on one's sense of meaning, their relationships, and their overall function and view of oneself and the future.
CLAWS OF DEPRESSION
Smiling to the world around
Sadness tears her up inside
Claws of depression dig deep
Purpose and hope denied
Mary notices the wildlife scurrying all around
Feels the warmth of the sun's rays on her face
Admires wildflowers blossoming in springtime
Listens to song birds singing with such grace
But her vivacious energy has left her body
It's a struggle to get out of bed each day
Fatigue follows Mary where ever she goes
Hard to keep the negative thoughts at bay
Smiling to the world around
Sadness tears her up inside
Claws of depression dig deep
Purpose and hope denied
Mary cheers at soccer and ball hockey games
Listens, empathetic and caring, as friends share
Daily walks with her beloved dog, hiking on trails
Even sings in a choir, every song is like a prayer
But self- esteem and self -confidence are really low
Irritability and total frustration pierce through at home
Happiness and joy replaced by all- consuming loneliness
Always searching for wholeness, fulfillment... shalom
Smiling to the world around
Sadness tears her up inside
Claws of depression dig deep
Purpose and hope denied
Writing poetry is a positive creative outlet to express herself
Mindfulness helps Mary be in the moment, a healthy place to be
Chatting with others about the weather is a fun Canadian thing to do
Singing along with the radio while doing dishes, so what if she's off key!
But personal guilt consumes her as she fails to climb out of the darkness
An emptiness inside leaves Mary wondering why she should even bother
Alone and scared, she cries behind her sunglasses, hoping no one will see
Hating this feeling of helplessness, will Mary ever be strong and prosper?
Smiling to the world around
Sadness tears her up inside
Claws of depression dig deep
Purpose and hope denied
In her poem "Claws of Depression", Brenda eloquently describes the wraths of depression and the significant impact it can take on one's sense of meaning, their relationships, and their overall function and view of oneself and the future.
CLAWS OF DEPRESSION
Smiling to the world around
Sadness tears her up inside
Claws of depression dig deep
Purpose and hope denied
Mary notices the wildlife scurrying all around
Feels the warmth of the sun's rays on her face
Admires wildflowers blossoming in springtime
Listens to song birds singing with such grace
But her vivacious energy has left her body
It's a struggle to get out of bed each day
Fatigue follows Mary where ever she goes
Hard to keep the negative thoughts at bay
Smiling to the world around
Sadness tears her up inside
Claws of depression dig deep
Purpose and hope denied
Mary cheers at soccer and ball hockey games
Listens, empathetic and caring, as friends share
Daily walks with her beloved dog, hiking on trails
Even sings in a choir, every song is like a prayer
But self- esteem and self -confidence are really low
Irritability and total frustration pierce through at home
Happiness and joy replaced by all- consuming loneliness
Always searching for wholeness, fulfillment... shalom
Smiling to the world around
Sadness tears her up inside
Claws of depression dig deep
Purpose and hope denied
Writing poetry is a positive creative outlet to express herself
Mindfulness helps Mary be in the moment, a healthy place to be
Chatting with others about the weather is a fun Canadian thing to do
Singing along with the radio while doing dishes, so what if she's off key!
But personal guilt consumes her as she fails to climb out of the darkness
An emptiness inside leaves Mary wondering why she should even bother
Alone and scared, she cries behind her sunglasses, hoping no one will see
Hating this feeling of helplessness, will Mary ever be strong and prosper?
Smiling to the world around
Sadness tears her up inside
Claws of depression dig deep
Purpose and hope denied
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