I’m terrified
that is all
but it’s not enough
you do not leave me
you follow me like I’m your prey
you’re a ghost from my past
terrorizing my waking dreams
holding me back in fear
I’m terrified
but that is not enough
to break me like shattered glass
because I am no porcelain doll
And when I rise
I question if you will be unmasked
and when you will stop hiding
because I won’t cower, I won’t flinch
what I fear won’t haunt my forward march
whom I fear won’t weigh me down like Atlas and the world
because: how do I change? how do I grow? how do I know?
March 21, 2019 at 3:56 pm
PTSD was apparently reserved for EMS, First Responders & Military. When will symptobs in others be recognized, as Goverment fourced us into this economical and political battle for our own lives.
March 21, 2019 at 8:01 pm
Generally that is true, and I’m sure those first responders and military personnel struggle so much more. Historically too, it’s been called different things too.
I think it depends on the situation too. It is probably in part because of shame. Thank you for sharing!
March 25, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Deep and terrifying…
March 25, 2019 at 6:27 pm
At one point I was terrified of being followed because of an incident of online catfishing. Writing has always been my outlet to express my feelings and thoughts.
March 25, 2019 at 6:42 pm
Aw man I’m sorry to hear that friend! I know and understand that fear all too well though. Writing is a great cathartic experience for me. I’m glad you found a constructive coping mechanism. It’s sad how many people are destroying themselves just trying to cope 😞
March 25, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Yeah, I also felt so much safer in Europe and Norway specifically. Like I’m almost stuck here.
The incident has made me trust Americans less, despite the deception coming from an international profile. I’ve debated writing an anonymous article on Thought Catalog on it as well.
I do plan to write more on mental health issues too and will make another poetry collection out of it.
March 25, 2019 at 7:11 pm
I look forward to seeing that!