Poetry: I Hate Your Eyes

I barely remember writing this poem.  I don't know where it came from but I think it shows the confusion that mental health issues can cause.  I don't think it's about anyone specific in my life but rather life in general.  Maybe it's even how I feel about myself.

I Hate Your Eyes

I hate your eyes
When they look at me that way
I hate your smile
That has burned its way into my brain
I hate the things
I always put myself through
I hate these feelings
I feel no matter what you do

You pull me in
Entrance me
Then you pull away
Become a memory
You play with my mind
Time after time
That's why
I hate your eyes

I hate your eyes
The way they stare right through me
I hate my mind
And all the things you've made it believe
I hate the thoughts
That keep me up late at night
I hate myself
For letting you control my life

Poetry: My Eternal Dream

I wrote this poem when I was a teenager.  At the time, I wasn't aware that I was feeling suicidal.  I convinced myself that I wrote this poem purely from inspiration and not my true feelings.  Looking back, I realize that I really was feeling this way.  It's interesting what I've learned about myself from looking back at things I've written years ago.  Feel free to comment you feelings or share poetry of your own in the comments.  If you've ever felt this way, please know that you're not alone!

My Eternal Dream

I close my eyes in search of a sign

But all my thoughts make me feel more behind

No one knows the way that I feel

Not even I can tell what's real

I've lived in the past for so long

I don't even know what's right and what's wrong

I wish you'd tell me what to do

But you don't even have a clue

I don't know if I should run and scream

Or close my eyes and wake up in a dream

All my thoughts make me doubt my worth

Cause you're not here with me on Earth

I'll admit this decision was tough

But the way things are just isn't enough

So when I go to sleep tonight

That's when I'm gonna take my life

So please let me tell you what is real

Please let me try and tell you how I feel

Cause if you can't be here with me

I'll close my eyes and I'll be free

Poetry: You'll Never Win (Personification of Shame)

I wrote this poem a few years ago as part of my homework for a DBT group I was part of.  I was asked to describe a feeling that I feel a lot.  I decided to write about shame as if shame was speaking directly to me.  If you can relate, I'd love to hear your comments!

You'll Never Win
(Personification of Shame)

I creep into the depths of your soul
Tearing at your heart and your mind
There's no part of you that I can't control
There is nowhere for you to run and hide

That memory that you can't forget
Will never be erased and gone
I'll keep reminding you those words you said
And you will continue to be my pawn

I laugh at you when you're feeling down
I yell when you just need some space
Just when you think I'm no longer around
I sneak up from behind and win the chase

I keep you from forgiving yourself
It's my job to keep you confused
I should feel bad I know that I'm no help
But helping isn't what I'm here to do

I creep into the depths of your soul
Tearing at your heart and your mind
There's no part of you that I can't control
There is nowhere for you to run and hide

Three Tips for Conquering Social Media Anxiety

When it comes to posting comments and interacting on social media, anxiety can be a huge issue for some people.  If this is something you struggle with, you're not alone.  The good news is there are ways to overcome this anxiety.  Here are three ways to overcome your fear of interacting on social media.

Don't Overthink

One of the biggest causes of anxiety, especially when it comes to sharing things online, is overthinking.  People run things over and over in their minds and come up with the worst possible outcomes.  Of course it's helpful to make sure that what you're sharing is appropriate to be on social media; bullying, sharing private secrets or sharing adult content isn't advised.  However, if you're simply commenting your thoughts or experiences, there's no reason to censor yourself.

Start With Easy Topics

Begin posting about things you know a lot about.  If you're passionate about animals or music, share things about those topics.  Sometimes, people get anxious because they're not sure that what they're saying is true.  If you're posting about things you're passionate about, this won't be an issue.

Post Anonymously

A lot of blogs and sites give you the option to comment anonymously.  This can help if you decide that you don't like what you posted after the fact.  No one will know it was you.  You can check back on your comment and see what reactions you're getting without anyone saying anything to you directly.

I hope these tips help you feel more comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings on social media.  It can be a very good outlet for people struggling with all types of anxiety.  Why not start by commenting on this post and sharing something simple about your favorite hobby or TV show?

Have a great day and I wish you health and happiness!