Depression and anxiety
Encompass more than sadness,
Fumbling hands,
and racing heartbeats.
It’s missed deadlines,
Canceled plans,
drawn blinds to block the sun,
prayers to make it to dawn.
It’s silence
after breakdowns,
Bruised knees
From praying
for peace.
It’s lying in the fetal position,
drowning in a sea of tears.
It’s succumbing to grief
And the lies it sometimes tells.
It’s heartache
holding you down.
It’s searching for answers
at the bottom of the bottle
when you sometimes hate
the taste of air.
But it doesn’t have to be permanent.
Your strength is stronger
than that which holds
you down.
You know the taste of
resilience and perseverance.
It’s as sweet as
the sun when
You finally step outside
and she kisses
your face.
You have touched hearts
with your bravery,
Unknowingly healing
others’ wounds
when they realize
they are not alone.
The stigma is fear’s best friend.
Don’t let it paralyze you.
This world has
hands to hold,
With journeys and
breakdowns
Similar to your own.
You, beautiful soul, are never alone.
© Sarah Jean Bowers 2017
Sarah Jean Bowers is a poet, old soul, and resilient warrior.
At the age of eight, she lost her mother in a tragic car accident. She self-medicated with poetry and began to put words to the feelings that held her down. Twenty years later her father died in an accident. She attempted to soldier through, but PTSD and anxiety forced her to take a step back, slow down, and start to heal her wounds. She listened to her body and finally took the time she needed to find steady ground and a purpose to live her life to the fullest.
She has turned her tragedy into poetry with the intention of empowering and healing others with her words. You can find her poetry on Facebook and Instagram.
Nicole Lyons 
Sarah, you have written a beautiful poem that explains exactly how I have felt but could never put into words, and I thank you for allowing me it here. You are incredibly inspiring and empowering and you give people hope. I thank you again.
LikeLike
Thank your, dear friend, for putting this out there for others who may be suffering alone. I am honored. Xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sarah Jean for this, and Nicole for sharing it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for you kind words!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
Nicole brings the voice of Sarah Jean Bowers – beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bob
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Brave and Reckless and commented:
The words of Sarah Jean Bowers ring beautifully true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Christine
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truly my pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sarah, you have written the pain of depression is a beautifully visceral and vivid way. Thank you for seeing our pain, articulating our struggle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. Thank you for your kind words. They mean so much to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sarah, standing ovation. You describe the pain with such exquisite prose. I admire your strength and stand in awe of your talent. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my dear friend. Your words mean so much to me.
LikeLike
You are a beautiful soul. You bring kindness and a dose of reality to all who are blessed to know you. So proud to call you a friend. You are a warrior of life!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Dear friend!!!!! I am so blessed to have you in my life.
LikeLike
❤️❤️ Beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, My dear friend.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on slheaton.
LikeLike
This is beautiful! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This came at a moment I was feeling very alone. Thank you for sharing your journey.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing. I hope you find peace in knowing you truly are not alone. It’s hard to believe that in the moment, but there are so many who are feeling the same way. Take gentle care of yourself.. You are worthy.
LikeLike