I fight me

'I fight me' is a collection of inspiring poems which I wrote after observing how mental illness affects a reasonable number of people in our society. Many people may not be aware that mental illness is heavily present in our societies. Mental health foundation states that 'It is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a mental health problem.' People are afraid to speak up when they are going through a difficult patch and this goes on to affect all faculties of their life. 'I fight me' highlights problems that are common among people who suffer from mental illness in our societies. These include drug abuse, drug addiction, violence, eating problems, being short tempered among other problems. The poems include depression, stress, drug abuse, anxiety and bipolar. Many people are affected by these things but they may not be aware that they are. The first step of getting help is the realization that one has a problem. Mental illness faces a lot of stigma which affects efforts of organisations working in that field. Many people are afraid to speak up because they start worrying about what other people will say. People should be willing to help those affected because neglecting them worsens the situation. Interaction with such people helps to divert their attention from the problems they are facing. We should always remember that no one is immune from mental illness because it comes through many different ways like loss of jobs, financial problems, diseases, loss of loved ones and even substance misuse. Support is required so that we can all tackle mental illness. There are many causes of mental illness bearing in mind our different backgrounds, upbringing and life experiences. So many people have had painful life experiences and they would have gone through a lot. It only takes a listening ear and a helping hand to encourage such people to shape a better tomorrow. They do not need to feel unwanted because this may worsen the whole situation. They should be encouraged to see a reason to live. Words can destroy and words can build. The book encourages people to use their energy to build others instead of destroying them, to open and embrace instead of pushing away, to understand first rather than condemning. 'I fight me' is a title which shows how people affected by mental illness fight to free themselves from the grip of this illness. The book also portrays different scenarios to help readers understand mental illness. There are some who have lost hope but they require strong people to give them eyes to view the world differently. Hope is not always lost by choice but by circumstances. People around someone suffering from mental illness may help build or destroy hope. It is difficult to understand mental illness if we have not been affected by it but if we take time to support those affected, we will understand how bad a battle with oneself is.