Ode To Mental Illness

Yesterday the house passed a bill to require insurance companies that offer coverage for mental illness to make it equal with that of physical illness. In other words, no more "coverage for a sick stomach-80 or 100%", and "Coverage for a sick mind- 50% or less" The senate passed a different version of the bill in September. This is long overdue in my opinion. People seldom, if ever, make a conscious choice to be mentally ill. It is simply ignorance to think so. While it may be true that some people bring certain things upon themselves, it is no more that way with mental illness than physical. Mentally ill people are some of the world's most needy, and often the most neglected. Here is a poem I wrote that has some food for thought.


No Man’s Land
Not understood, no helping hand,
Because I’m out in “No Man’s Land,”
I can no longer think so good,
If I had my wish, I surely would.

One breaks a leg or hit’s his head,
Friend’s come around and make his bed,
They bring a dish, they understand,
But not me, I am out in “No Man’s Land,”

I did not choose to be mentally ill,
I wish they could cure it with a pill,
Today is hard, tomorrow worse,
Some people think I have a curse.

I hurt inside, and no one’s there,
And it’s not really that they do not care,
It’s rather that they do not know,
Just how to help, concern to show.

Friend have no fear, just come and stand,
By my side, lend me your hand.
I’m still inside where I’ve always been,
Waiting for comfort from a dear old friend.

Just be there for me, as I would for you,
Be kind, soft words, loving and true.
Don’t say too much, I won’t understand,
Because I am out in “No Man’s Land.”

I may not even know that you are there,
I may not respond, as if you care,
But you will receive a crown one day,
For a “little one” you went out of your way.

You showed your love, as Jesus bid,
You helped me, more than you thought you did.
You took time to try to understand.
What it’s like to be in “No Man’s Land.”

It happens to more than just a few,
I pray it doesn’t happen to you.
Who knows just where tomorrow you’ll be,
Perhaps in “No Man’s Land” with me,

By David Courington