therapy is painful (TW for self injury, hopelessness and general poor mental health
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therapy is painful
(trigger warning, contains themes of self injury, hopelessness and poor mental health)
salt aggressively thrown into my wounds weekly,
to the point of them bleeding over again,
my mind fighting with burning desire
to make fresh cuts.
have YOU ever felt that heat?
of guilt and shame combined
with the pain of wanting to shed your own skin, but
not succumbing to the thoughts because people will stare,
concerned eyes burn holes in your limbs that almost hurt more
than the blade that you open yourself up with.
i never meant for this to happen, don't even remember where it began.
i'm swallowed by these things they call emotions,
to the point of outer silence
and inner screaming.
i put my walls up quicker than i can ask for help,
and reject the ink they print on tree remnants that feign my recovery.
agreeing to sit in a pure white room,
avoiding eye contact with a woman paid to care,
still feels like a mistake.
but then again,
i don't want to feel this way anymore.
© TJA 2024
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@tjashton777 This poem really hits hard. The way it portrays the pain of therapy and the inner struggle—it’s incredibly honest. You’ve captured a feeling that’s hard to express in words, and yet - it resonates so deeply. The emotional weight is felt with every line. I really appreciate the courage it takes to share something so personal, and I hope you know your words can connect with others who might feel the same way. Sending you a lot of respect and care for putting this out there.