Pariah

Photo taken by contributor Lori Goodwin who has fought a lifelong battle with severe anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. She has had many people in her family also struggle with mental health issues, including a mother with depression; father with anxiety, depression, and OCD; and an uncle with schizophrenia. Three of Lori’s four children also suffer differing combinations of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and/or chronic insomnia. Lori is a long-time single mother who’s had very little in the way of resources except courage and resilience. She feels like a sensitive soul trying to find a place in what feels like a loud, angry, cruel world.

About this photo: “This photo depicts the extreme isolation and loneliness I’ve felt much of my life, as I’ve tried to hide my fear out of shame.

Pariah:

One that is generally despised, rejected, avoided.

Outcast.


Outsider.


Rock-the-dysfunctional-boat rider.


Pariah:


One who speaks
 when no one else will.


One whose fear is great


but whose courage is greater still.


Pariah:


Shut out, cut out, you need to butt out.

Invisible.


Ignored.


Step aside, make way, can’t afford


to be seen with you.


Pariah:


One who is exiled by the tribe


because she told the truth


while they just smiled and lied.


Pariah:


Damned.


Feared.


Baffle-them-weird.


Pariah:


Anxiety.

Integrity.


I, myself, in league with me.


Victory.”

_____

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