Notes About The Poem

Mental Health Matters

quiet and withdrawn personality changes ... suicidal thoughts can’t cope with covid depression – silent killer you are not alone “how are you today” engage in conversation you could save a life Been reading about the dramatic rise in suicides and attempted suicides during lockdown 01/10/21
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kiser Avatar
January 19, 2021 at 12:39 AM
There's so many, I used to find people online that could bring me up; now I find that I spend more time bringing other's up. It's a good thing I remembered a few pointers. Well penned for our times.
Mcconnell Avatar
January 14, 2021 at 4:19 AM
Fine piece Jan, you bring up such an important subject that needs addressed. Indeed covid is having such bad effect on so many. Hope all is well with you, we're well here. Take care, Gordon
Koplin Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 11:56 AM
So sad, I'm glad you are raising awareness.
Allison Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 12:24 PM
Folk think of me as a humourist but i do surprise with the occasional serious poem and this is such a serious topic especially with people being so isolated during the pandemic:-( hugs jan xx
Kendrick Avatar
January 11, 2021 at 1:35 PM
They are saying that one of the symptoms of COVID19 is that some people are left with mental problems and have never had any problems before. We are somewhat stick at home but then the virus hits and we are sick for some sicker than they have ever been in their life. All this is bound to play on a person's emotions. Thanks for dropping by my page with congrats. Sara
Allison Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 9:14 AM
I just hope we don't get covid I hear the side effects can be with you for life, over time I think more people will die as a result of covid but not directly from it :-( hugs jan xx
Watt Avatar
January 11, 2021 at 10:18 AM
Not seeing friends and loved one face to face can keep us from detecting the signs of the downward spiral. Such wise counsel to keep reaching out and checking in. Thank you! Hugs ~ John
Allison Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 9:12 AM
I have tried to mail or ring friends, shame we cant see people face to face any more but we have the virus in the community and are back in lockdown:-( hugs Jan xx
Logan Avatar
January 11, 2021 at 3:48 AM
How awful that people have enough burdens to bear in what we once called 'life.' But now, such morbid thoughts are even more prevalent. Sadness.
Allison Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 9:11 AM
so true Jenna and sadly last year we went to more funerals than ever before, sadly one young lady took her own life it was tragic indeed:-( hugs jan xx
Buhagiar Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 10:21 PM
In Malta we do not report suicides not to encourage others to go for them. Great insight. ~~
Allison Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 9:08 AM
That only leads to speculation on how someone has died especially if it is a sudden death:-( hugs jan xx
Buehler Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 8:58 PM
Your fine poem has shed light on a troubling issue. People who were struggling with issues such as depression and loneliness, struggle even moreso now. Best wishes, Evelyn
Allison Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 9:07 AM
so true Judy:-( hugs jan xx
Canerdy Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 7:36 PM
Very timely and, sadly, true, Jan. The pandemic still has a stranglehold on so many! Janice
Allison Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 9:07 AM
thanks Janice our Island is back on lockdown after 6 months of being virus free, we can only follow safety guidelines . I ensure my husband doesn't go shopping as he is vulnerable with this health issues. take care, hugs jan xx
Ball Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 3:49 PM
It is a time of great danger for many. I hear a lot of young people are having problems with domestic abuse and anger issues. We need God now more than ever. God Bless, JB
Allison Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 9:04 AM
thanks Judy it is a big problem in society now:-( hugs jan xx
Wolf Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 3:37 PM
Great point, Jan. I think that because you so often write in a humorous vein -- that I take you all the more seriously when you don't! Take care, Gershon
Allison Avatar
January 11, 2021 at 11:05 AM
thanks GW I do surprise with the occasional serious poem:-) hugs jan xx
Cunningham Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 3:37 PM
You've highlighted a very important topic Jan, I've heard of people taking their own lives because of lock down. These restrictions are pushing people to the edge of their sanity, I just hope this vaccine works for everyone and a bit of normality returns to our lives. I know many are really struggling financially and see suicide as the only way out. Tom
Allison Avatar
January 11, 2021 at 11:03 AM
the lockdown has created so many issues as you say financial worries can tip people over the edge. hugs jan xx
Bauer Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 2:57 PM
jan - i hope people take your poem to heart and do reach out to others. i agree with you that it really can help in many cases. we're all suffering now so connecting with others is vital. excellent poem!
Allison Avatar
January 11, 2021 at 11:02 AM
It is so difficult to see behind the masks but just by saying hello to someone at a distance and making conversation can lift someone's spirits:-) hugs jan xx
Devonshire Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 2:09 PM
It's frightening that so many people are suffering from depression now and it's contributing to the suicide rate. How long can doctors and nurses keep working long hours? Surely a fave for me, Jan! Very important message here. Love, carolyn
Allison Avatar
January 11, 2021 at 10:59 AM
Thanks Carolyn depression and mental health issues are spiraling out of control it is so sad that lockdown is causing as many problems as the virus itself:-( hugs jan xx
Thomas Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 1:33 PM
A very important topic and very good advice Jan!
Thomas Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 2:16 PM
I can see the necessity of that one word.
Allison Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 1:40 PM
Thanks Flo I was looking at a site to see the best way to talk to someone who is suffering... if you ask how are you; they will probably answer fine... but adding 'today' seems to make a difference:-) hugs jan xx
Y. Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 12:40 PM
Hi Jan, These trying times have many folks sad and depressed. I know it's more challenging for those who suffer from depression. Good string of Senyru's shedding light on depression and suicide- Have a great day, my friend - Alexis
Allison Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 1:03 PM
Thanks for your insightful comment Alexis:-) hugs jan xx
Leffanta Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 11:25 AM
One huge difference is attitude, e.g., Americans spend their time thinking I could do this if only I had that, whereas Native Americans think, "What can I do with what I have now?" Fortunately, Manx poets quickly respond, "I shall write a prize-winning poem!" Aloha! Rico
Allison Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 1:01 PM
great comment Rico and we know attitude and a positive outlook can help. Prize winning i doubt it but its a step up from perceived porn i guess lol:-) hugs jan xx
Andresen Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 11:08 AM
- Yes, many people have a hard time ... - Unfortunately I think this situation will ruin a lot ... we must be better at contacting each other by phone or internet ... send a card ... bring flowers ...lockdown is serious and necessary right now, Jan :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Allison Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM
I think more people are relying on technology like zoom to keep in touch and sending e cards etc. butit doesnt make up for lack of actual contact. I've told hubby and son not to bother for cards for me this year as the shops are shut and we used to have to buy one for mum to 'give' me . I suspect our 21 day lockdown will last quite a few months but we have been so lucky having 6 months clear and know to keep an eye on vulnerable people in our friendship group especially as many are without their life partners now:-( hugs Jan xx
De Beaulieu Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 11:02 AM
Hello Jan, this lockdown is hard on everyone. I sense we will still be in lockdown next month. I hope i am wrong. enjoy your day my friend. Hugs.
De Beaulieu Avatar
January 12, 2021 at 12:12 PM
Hello Rico Leffanta, I hope things goes well. Aloha! Rico.
Allison Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 12:56 PM
Thanks Darlene we have just gone into lockdown again for the first time since June BUT we know last time we eradicated the virus and can do it again, the community is working together but I know the 21 day period will be extended. I feel for those who are alone and isolated, the use of zoom etc is brilliant but not everyone has access to it. Loneliness and depression seem to be coming to the fore during these difficult times:-) hugs jan xx
Leffanta Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 11:23 AM
The news reports that, at their current rate, it will take FOUR YEARS to inoculate all the people in NYC, so let us hope Biden has a better plan of distribution and Solitaire regains popularity! Aloha! Rico
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace