people
I Live With Demons I wrote this poem in some of my darkest times dealing with my anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I thought I could never beat it and that I'd never get better. It took a long time to understand that others didn't hate me like I thought they did, that I was my own worst enemy and I had to stop vilifying myself and get help. I'm still struggling to remember that there is nothing wrong with me and I don't have to resent myself.
I live with demons, and when they play, they rip my limbs and slice my face. Their laughter rings like poison flames. It rises up and swallows day. I live with demons, and when they laugh, their cackling voices rise and attack. The noise decays, but intent still stays; a tacit reminder of better days. I live with demons, and when they cry, their violent weeping splits the sky. They set my mind to burning flame, they cradle my conscience and lay the blame. I live with demons, and when they sleep, I dream of the ways that I’ll run from these beasts. They’ll devour my mind until I see, the only demon left is me.
Rebecca is a 2014 graduate of Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, a local titleholder in the Miss America system, and a mental health advocate. She holds two bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Sociology with a track in Criminology. In 2012, she was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and panic disorder. Rebecca hopes to change the way that people view mental illness and help make it easier for those in need to receive comprehensive mental health care. The photograph is Rebecca with her dad! Follow Rebecca on www.instagram.com/rebeccapotts2309 or www.youtube.com/cloudyheaven2309 bmhmag.com
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