Waves Crashing on the Shore

A poem

I live with a person who suffers from mental illness. The person is my daughter. Two years ago we received her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. We knew something was wrong because of her impulsive behavior but at the time we didn’t understand what was happening. She becomes a different child when her bipolar is triggered. The disrespect becomes acidic and her actions become detrimental. She disappeared from school several times last year. Searching for your 14-year-old daughter is a task I wouldn’t wish on any parent.

She tried to hurt herself several times. You cannot imagine what it’s like to watch your child struggle to the point of wanting to extinguish her own life. Watching our child saddled with a mental disorder, she didn’t ask for is heartbreaking. Still, in honesty, she is a victim of heredity. I have my issues with anger and depression, and when I go off, it’s like I’m another person.

She is currently being treated for depression and suicidal thoughts at this very moment. However, she came to us and explained how she was feeling. She told us she needed to be evaluated and wanted to be admitted for further intensive counseling. We were proud of her taking control of her mental health at the age of 15. We are seeing a glimmer of maturity, which gives us hope that as an adult, she can manage her condition and be a productive and healthy young woman.

Over the last two years love and faith has guided our family through the tough times. As she approaches 16, she is maturing rapidly and beginning to understand the importance of taking her medications consistently. We are anxious to witness the woman she will be a 18 and beyond. Great things are on the horizon for our baby girl and we shall continue to be a light and soft place to land when needed.

I wrote the below poem as a dedication to her and to all children suffering from mental illness.

I watched the struggle within her Mind playing deadly tricks As she suffers in the darkness of a breakdown Eyes yelling help But no answer returned Hands wringing Lips curling in distress Emotions crashing Like waves on a rocky shore Crumbling to knees Searching for freedom From the demons Plaguing her very existence Expanding her distance But the keys to salvation are peace and love Intermingled with clasped hands and hugs Dispersing pain into the atmosphere