2019 JUPI MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT: 31 Literary Campaign in favour of Mental Health

Coordinators Highlight

This piece is just the reason you need to still hook on to life, no matter where the road leads you. JUPI will also hit the road on a health walk on the 12^th of October, 2019, at 10.00 am, joining Accra Psychiatric Hospital and a host of others from their main entrance and finally end with a health screening (diabetes, blood pressure and psychological screening) at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Join us and you will know why you should stay alive.   

It is the end of the road, the point of no return
I see nothing ahead
The picture?- all bleak and dim
Too much struggle in this life, I murmur
No essence of living, I groan
 
A dark shadow, opaque glasses
Poor grades, no one to hug
They pass by me, no one stops to hi
Empty belly, stressed mind, dry pockets
Home is cold, I detest the thought of just walking through the door
 
I need to end it, says I
After all what have I to lose?
NO, says he
You only see the darkness, though there is light around you
The good things in life, forget not
 
The little lilies that flutter by the riverside
The warm gentle sea breeze
The warmth of a cuddle, the sweet giggle of a baby
The gentle touch of a lover, the smile of a precious one
 
Look up, he says
Your head’s been down way too long
The brightness awaits, the rainbow above
A soothing word I give you, a helping hand to support you
Open arms to embrace you, a listening ear to hear you
 
You are not alone, NO!! says he
You are not forgotten, NO!!
Help is available, YES!!
Life is worth having and living it, YES!!
 
I mumble, what is this he says?
Life? Hope? Worth?
That I am not alone is soothing to the ears
That there is a whole campaign for my living makes me feel important
That I have something to offer makes my heart flutter
 
It is not the end after all
Now I live, preaching hope and bringing hope
Life is indeed worth living
Suicide is not an option

By Dr Ruth Charlotte Sackey
  Child & Adolescent Mental Health Professional
  Resident Psychiatrist
  Komfo Anokye Teach