I'm Not Okay Poem by Lisa Knipe

When I took my first overdose & started self-harming at 14/15. Life was so hard, I can promise you.

I wasn't coping with my Granddad being ill with cancer, I couldn't deal with being bullied, I couldn't deal with the world war 3 at home. Especially with a parent who was there but not emotionally or loving.

Suicide & self harm felt the only thing I had control over. It was mine & was it wrong? Yes. Did it numb what was going around me? Yes. Did I stop? No.

I didn't stop trying to end my life until 13 years ago this week. It would be the same for self-harming but I relapsed a couple of years ago.

Did it help at the time? Yes

I didn't plan on it. I'm not ashamed to say I did it.

Life got tough but I got tougher and proved that I can stronger than what it throws it at me.

The thoughts will never disappear. I will always be that 14/15 year old girl but I hope my 14/15 year old self will see/understand it does get easier.

Just give it time.