When we experience anxiety, stress, depression or grief; we can often feel weighed down by what we’re struggling to work through. It can seem like we will break if we dare to release what sits so heavy on our soul.
Every so often this is the boldest voice we hear; distrusting our own ability to deal with what challenges us. We can allow ourselves to be vulnerable, but we must not fall into the loneliness of silence; we can (and should) speak up when we need it most. There are people around us with broad shoulders and boundless love ready to remind us of all the goodness and value we hold.
I composed this poem when I was working through some intense situational depression; a time where it became increasingly challenging to remember that beauty and joy are always present — and will flourish again. Many of us experience this (for a myriad of reasons); so no matter what you’re currently enduring — these words are for you.
What words of encouragement have helped you? How do you show yourself love during times of stress, anxiety or depression?
Further Info:
NAMI Helpline – a free, nationwide U.S. resource that offers experienced peer-support guidance and advice
CheckPoint – global (by country) resources for mental health support
How To Cope With Anxiety – Healthline
This is part of my M.T.N Poetry Collection. If you share my poetry on social media, please tag my Instagram and/or link to my Poetry Page; do not edit my work or remove my name or website. If you wish to use my poetry in any other way, please contact me to ask for permission so that information regarding terms of usage can be provided. Thank you.
transatlantic | notes 
This is a lovely poem. I’m going through grief and depression right now, so definitely need to read things like this occasionally!
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Read this as many times as you need; sending you love and strength!
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I live with PTSD and every day is a guess as to how i’ll feel emotionally, but the best advice i ever got was: you can’t pour from an empty cup!
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Exactly! That is great advice; and all so true!
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This poem speaks to me so much. I have had moments of intense anxiety and you’ve captured the essence of that feeling. The inspiration that flows from your words makes this a poem I need to remember. Absolutely beautiful.
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I am so glad you connected to this; sometimes describing what it all feels like can be so difficult. Thank you so much for reading!
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I really enjoyed this poem, Molly. The hardest thing is reaching out when you’re most in need. Sometimes it’s cultural and sometimes it’s because you don’t want to look like you can’t handle things. I love thee last sentence just before the poem, “There are people around us with broad shoulders and boundless love ready to remind us of all the goodness and value we hold” It’s something that we all need to remember. Great advice!
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I remember feeling this way and not reaching out or even talking about that was impacting me. I believed that nobody wanted to hear it or be burdened by what I was struggling with; I found quite the opposite when I finally did. There are many barriers to asking for help; not least the ones we put in front of ourselves, so it’s always good to have people around us who will know some of the signs to look out for and ask us how we’re doing. It should never just be on us to ask for help but I hope that this reminds people that what’s on the other side is not as bad as we may think. You’re 100% correct that reaching out is really hard; hopefully this becomes fully understood and people become less worried about looking out for each other. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
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These are some lovely lines, Molly. I used to work for a confidence coach and she always maintained we should speak to our self as if we were speaking to a friend, sage advice that’s always stuck with me.
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I love that advice; it’s something I have to do better with so it’s good to be reminded of this!
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I love this poem, I’m going to save this page for when I’m feeling low x
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I am so glad you like it; thank you for taking the time to read it!
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Lovely poem Molly, we could all do with listening to ourselves more often x
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I agree 100%! Thanks for reading!
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This is beautiful Molly, and I’m sure it will speak to so many of your audience (including me). Thank you for sharing your personal poetry
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I am so encouraged that this connected with you; thank you so much for reading!
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I listen to inspirational music when I go through stressful times. Music is one of the most powerful tool to help one’s mental health. Awesome poem.
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Music can be so powerful and a great way to help through stress for many people. I know when I struggle with depression I end up not being able to listen to it; but in that way it helps to signal that things are getting bad — which is itself a useful mental health tool (awareness). Thanks for reading!
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I love how empowering and beautiful this poem is! Reading it gave me reason to smile. ❤
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Thank you; that is so wonderful to know!
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I love this poem Molly. I have had many dark times in my life and at times have struggled to get through it. This poem spoke to me in many ways. To ensure I don’t relapse, I make sure I journal every day, meditate, pray and connect with nature. Thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeandMe
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I think journaling, meditating and praying sounds like a great combination of ideas; it’s very useful to sort through thoughts, feelings and experiences. Sending you love and strength!
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This is a beautiful poem, and I’m going through a challenging time right now, so it was a good time to read it.
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I am so glad you found this; wishing you well as you work through what challenges right now. You got this!
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Such a great poem, full of feeling. Thanks for sharing resources for anyone struggling. This post will definitely help others feel less alone.
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Thank you — I appreciate you taking the time to read this!
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I’m going through bad times right now because I have a different opinion from my parents. I had a great time reading your poem 🙂 Thanks for sharing x
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I am sorry to hear you are going through a tough time with your parents; I hope things improve for you soon.
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This is a really thought provoking poem. I am sure so many people can relate to it. Thank you for sharing this piece.
Lauren
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Thank you so much!
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Such a good poem. A lot of people unfortunately are going through a hard time, thank you for spreading awareness and resources.
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Thank you — I hope this helps whoever needs it.
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We love this poem! Prioritizing mental health is so important to us.
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Thank you — so happy you like it!
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This is a beautifully written poem lovely, I’ve experienced all these things so I could relate to this poem x
Lucy |
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Thank you so much for reading!
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You have no idea how much I needed to read this post right now – specifically the poem, to send to a loved one who is struggling. Your poem is beautiful and made me teary.
Miriam | A Hygge Escape
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It was so beautiful to read your comment; I am so glad this is a piece that spoke to you and can be shared with someone you know. Thank you so much!
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This is such a great piece, and I can totally relate to how it fits in with depression. But for me, the opening section reminded me of intrusive thoughts and the strategy I use to deal with them. It’s also one I recommend the most. It was like you read my mind. I look forward to your next piece
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Thank you for sharing this; it’s definitely all related to what you connected to it (which is always my hope for what I share; that people find it meaningful on a personal level). Thank you so much for reading!
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Such beautiful and important words! It can be hard to live with anxiety and depression; a daily struggle for me. It’s nice to know there are others who are there for me.
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It can be so hard sometimes; it’s important we have people around us that know this and support us whenever we need it. Thanks so much for reading!
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I’m the type of person that keeps everything held up until it festers and starts to eat at my my mind. It’s like a poison. I hate it because I can see myself almost from the outside getting increasingly dour and yet there’s almost nothing I can do to stop it. I wish I were better at doing what your poem suggests. I think it’s one of the reasons I enjoy blogging. It lets me be more vulnerable.
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The fact you’re aware of this is what is so helpful; hopefully when it finally bubbles out of you there are people to turn too or who spot the signs that you’re beginning to hold on to things. My husband is much the same as you so it’s helped he explained this to me and I can spot the signs (most of the time). Blogging is a great outlet and your enjoyment for what you do comes through — finding something that does this for us is invaluable.
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Lovely poem! It really speaks to me because I have bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and PTSD.
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I am so glad this connected with you — thank you so much for reading!
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A great poem Molly, speaks to many. It not only offers encouragement but HOPE too which is what we really need in tough times. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you — I really appreciate your kind words here!
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This is such a beautiful poem Molly. Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement and reminding us that we’re strong enough to get through tough times.
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Thank you! I always hope a connection can be made to my poetry and that those reading find it encouraging.
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Yes mental health matters and is definitely so important. Thanks so much for shedding a light on this.
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Thanks for reading!
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Thank you so much for sharing this poem! I can’t even put into words how beautiful your writing it. A great reminder that through it all, we will survive. Sometimes my depression and anxiety overtake everything and I just want it to stop, but when I’m through the darkness, it feels like I’ve stepped into a whole new world of colour and beauty.
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I get this feeling too so I always try to remember to hold on because things do get better (even when times seems so dark and depressing). Thank you so much for your lovely words about my poem!
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Listen when you need it most. Love this poem and the introduction to it. Such an elegant way to address a powerful topic. It touched something inside that needed to hear this. Thank you
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Thank you! I am so happy that this resonated!
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Thank you for this beautiful, heartful poem, Molly. It’s so important to shift through the emotions, not give in to the quiet whispers of your negative thoughts and remember that there is light and hope for us still.
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I agree; I am so happy that you enjoyed reading this poem. Thank you so much for commenting!
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Definitely going to save this for any time I’m feeling down. Thanks for sharing this great poem!
TheQuietGirl
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I am so happy you liked this — thank you for reading!
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This is such an uplifting and comforting poem. I get anxiety sometimes and I think these words are so relevant and helpful. Thank you for sharing!
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I am so encouraged by the fact this connected with you — I get anxiety too so it’s good to have words that can uplift us!
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What a beautiful poem, Molly. I am struggling a lot at the moment with my MH so this read was definitely touching – did have a little cry, and that always helps!
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Crying always helps — I am sorry to hear you are struggling right now so I hope things improve for you soon. You’ve got this!
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