1. I am sick of being me.
BY Toyin Mafe

2. I often feel anxious, sad and angry. Many things are happening at home
I often feel anxious, sad and angry. Many things are happening at home. They are getting me down.

3. I sometimes cry in class. I bottle everything in and then I cry
I sometimes cry in class. I bottle everything in and then I cry. My teacher asked what the problem was. I couldn’t tell her.

4. I often feel detached from everyone, it makes me lonely.

5. Depression, sadness, fear, loneliness and frustration
Depression, sadness, fear, loneliness and frustration.. Most times, I can’t tell which one I am feeling each day.

6. I was in the psychiatric hospital for 2 weeks because I was suicidal
I was in the psychiatric hospital for 2 weeks because I was suicidal. My teacher was very concerned when I told her why I was absent for so long.

7. I am in the Honors program. I do well in school (when I am there. )
I am in the Honors program. I do well in school (when I am there!). My grades suffer when I am not in school.

8. Nobody notices when I am not in class
Nobody notices when I am not in class. When I come back, it is the same feeling. They don’t even know me. I am like the ghost of Christmas past, phantom of the class.

9. I have to take these medications that make me drowsy and I sleep in class. I don’t want to but I DO. The MEDICATIONS only numb me not cure me.

10. I wish I flew over the cuckoo’s nest but I didn’t
I wish I flew over the cuckoo’s nest but I didn’t. I am in the cuckoo’s nest.

11. I STILL NEED HELP.