Another Acrostic

Peggy Rice

When I opened the Writing201 Poetry assignment, I immediately wrote an acrostic about depression, hoping that I could make it say that depression is a gift (the topic for Day 2).

But really, it’s not. At least not during the walk through it. It’s only afterwards that I’ve found depression to be helpful. Helpful to me as I process the experience and look back to see God’s Hand in it. And I hope helpful to others as I share what I’m learning.

Going through depression – multiple journeys – has given me insight into the pain of this mental illness. And while each person’s experience is unique, they all have common components. So here’s my poem of the descent into a depressive episode:

Depression returns.
Every emotion feels familiar.
Pain. Worthlessness.
Rejection.
Each negative thought and I
Spiral deeper.
So burdened by darkness.
Irritable.
Overwhelmed with guilt.
No joy.

Return of depression:
Exhausted.
Lonely.
Apathetic.
Pressing on all
Sides is hopelessness.
Each day gets heavier.

16 thoughts on “Another Acrostic”

  1. kbailey374 October 6, 2015 / 5:53 pm

    Yup, you definitely gots what I got. THANKFULLY (Thank You God) it isn’t forever and always. xoxo

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  2. dawnlizjones October 6, 2015 / 5:45 pm

    Me again. So glad you’re doing the poetry. My husband is also into poetry, both reading and writing. SUCH an art form, and definitely not one of my skills. Hope you keep doing it. Thanks for the insights as you move through this both the highs and lows. Dawn

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  3. jgavinbergstrom October 6, 2015 / 4:54 pm

    I enjoyed your writing, although I don’t share your beliefs.

    Thank you

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    • peggyricewi October 6, 2015 / 4:49 pm

      I’m sorry. But it helps to not be alone, eh? To read others who walk there helps keep me encouraged.

      Liked by 1 person

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  5. Linda Kruschke October 6, 2015 / 4:34 pm

    You have captured the feeling of depression quite well. I also write about my depression quite a bit in my poetry, and even self-published a poetry book called “Light in My Darkness: Poems of Hope for the Brokenhearted.” I am glad to hear that you have found God’s light in the darkness of your depression. Without Him, hopelessness can take permanent hold of the soul. Peace, Linda

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    • peggyricewi October 6, 2015 / 4:47 pm

      You’re right. Hopelessness is one of the lies of depression, and if it weren’t for God’s truth and faithfulness, it could get a permanent grip. Thanks for bringing that out.

      Liked by 1 person

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    • peggyricewi October 6, 2015 / 4:45 pm

      Thank you. I can’t see it as a gift until after the episode, and even then not always. But I have had breakthrough insights…maybe that’s the gift. Not the depression, but the insights.

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  8. mentalbreakinprogress October 6, 2015 / 4:24 pm

    I think you hit the nail on the head with your acrostic poem. Everything you say here rings so true. Thank you for sharing 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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