Even though the poem below is tongue-in-cheek, it speaks to a very real mental health struggle faced by many people in Aotearoa. We live in a beautiful country and enjoy many blessings of a modern, Western, First World country, but many people face daily struggles of many kinds in their lives. Depression is not a blessing, but this poem is. I sought Paula's permission to publish this poem on my blog and share it to Tuesday Poem because I think it speaks to a great bravery on Paula's part and a willingness to speak out about mental health. For so long, mental health issues have been stigmatised, but, in recent years, we are finally starting to have the conversation we need to have.
So, without further ado, here's Paula's poem:
Available immediately, one well used depression, no longer required.
Depression is 30 years old, but currently still working well. Or badly. I’m not sure which way around that goes. Well, let’s go with it’s had one not-so-careful lady owner.
No rust, no leaks, minor surface imperfections. One size fits all. Has had one year of psychologist decompressing it 22 years ago, plus counselling beginning 17 years ago and running for 3 ½ years (this timeframe included the use of antidepressants to maintain daily function). Has recently returned to psychologist and antidepressants (3 months ago), but daily functioning is unpredictable. This particular model also comes with the contact details for the mental health crisis team, which can be used in case of emergency.
Is currently producing crying bouts, feelings of pointlessness, tiredness and apathy, along with suicidal thoughts. Special bonus of poor quality sleep available with this model.
Would prefer it went to live somewhere far far away from me, as I don’t want to risk it wandering home when it gets lost and confused. So, please, no bidders from the same city as me.
Highly recommend that the successful bidder has the name of a good psychologist. And a group of supportive friends nearby. Trust me, I’ve been doing this with friends living distant from me, and it sucks.
Will include two boxes of its preferred tissues (boxes will be unopened and tissues unused) for the successful bidder. As an added bonus, will also include a recipe for chocolate brownies, as you’ll probably need it. It’s a really awesome recipe. You won’t have the energy to make it most of the time, even if you want to.
Bonus bonus: DVD copy of Schindler’s List.
Prescription meds shouldn’t be shared so, sorry, I can’t include the remaining antidepressants with this purchase. Besides, I’m not entirely sure these ones work that well.
Reliable and guaranteed to fuck you up or your money back. If you’re not happy with your purchase, then it’s working as expected. You’re welcome.
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| Photo Credit: Murray Wilson/Stuff |
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