Beneath the Painted Smiles

Beneath the painted smiles adorning my face,
Is a realm of plagued notions, a gloomy space.


Where darkness and light are deeply entwined,
An unseen battle, in the depths of my mind.


A constant tug-of-war within my soul,
As darkness and light battle for control.


Anxiety's tendrils coil around my heart,
Squeezing, constricting, tearing me apart.


Heart racing, palms sweating, unable to breathe,
As the world around me blurs and weaves.


A knot in my stomach, a churning brew,
As my body reacts to what I'm going through.


I cry I scream, I fight the urge to give in,
To the darkness that threatens every day to win.


But you don't see my tears, I laugh out loud,
I try hard to blend in with the blissful crowd.


"I'm fine," I say, with a forced grin,
But it's not true, I'm crumbling from within.


I long for someone to see through the disguise,
To notice the pain that lies behind my eyes.


But the weight of expectations, the judgment's sting,
Keeps me silent and I'm tightly locked from within.


So, when you see my painted smile, remember this plea,
Behind it lies a soul longing to be free.


Be the ally who understands the depths I hide,
And together, let's stand strong, side by side.


Let us shatter the stigma, break the taboo,
And embrace the truth: mental health affects me and you.


No longer shall we hide in silence and fear,
But speak with compassion, so our voices are clear.


I'm just like you, with hopes and dreams,
Navigating life's challenges, stitching the seams.


Reach out with kindness, lend a listening ear,
A comforting presence, someone to be near.


In this realm of shadows, let empathy be our guide,
Only understanding and support can fill up this void.


Let's create a safe space, where vulnerability can bloom,
Where stories of struggle find solace, not gloom.


Together we can lift the weight of despair,
With open hearts, showing others that we care.


No judgment, no shame, just acceptance and love,
A refuge for those seeking help from above.


Beneath the painted smiles, let's find a way,
To embrace our battles, and find strength every day.


For we are warriors, fighting an invisible war,
And with unity and compassion, we can restore.


So, let us break the chains that hold us apart,
And foster a world where mental health finds its start.


The End