Written by Arya Tondale
Edited by Maggie Huang
PTSD can really affect how someone reacts physically and emotionally in all kinds of situations, making everyday life harder. After a drowning accident, for example, a person might develop a serious fear of water, which can make even simple things like bathing feel stressful. They might also struggle with feelings of shame, mood swings, depression, anxiety, or even constant, unwanted thoughts about what happened. These effects can be tough to deal with and may make it hard to relax or connect with others. (Garshasbi, 2022)
This poem is about how PTSD makes the person feel whenever they are near any kind of water body.
It swirls and swirls this clear liquid
My guilt becoming ever so wicked
I drown beneath its crushing weight
Its kinda funny, “I think I should wait”
Wait to touch what took me away
In this abysmal abyss of bluish hues
Avoidance is what I always choose
How can it be the giver of breath
When it lures softly the promise of death
A mirror reflecting my deepest fear
Where’s the end? it's still unclear
An unfair price which I now payAlas I wait to touch what took me away
My toe hovers, trembling, near the edgeAbove this abyss where memories wedgeReflecting ripples, an unspoken scream,A giant whirlpool of a long-lost dream
Avoidance became my loyal shieldA shallow strength I dare not yield
Ripples speak of moments goneOf battles lost, and the will withdrawn.
Frigid memories remain still
Silently waiting for me to heal
References:
Garshasbi, S. (2022, December). Post-traumatic stress disorder after drowning. Journal of Injury and Violence Research. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9875099/#:~:text=PTSD%20often%20changes%20a%20person’s,stress%20after%20a%20drowning%20accident.
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