Hanna shares that people suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are frequently portrayed as monstrous, manipulative people prone to violent outbursts and extreme mood swings. Sadly, she sees so much of herself in this stereotype that it’s hard to defend or deny it, but she is fighting hard to tame this monster in herself, although she is still struggling.

Julie Everson shares two poems from the depth of her pain and anguish, finally shining light on the darkest places in her. She feels her mental illness is trapping her in a cage and though she doesn’t know the level of recovery she can achieve, she is grateful for words to help her escape. She feels there are others suffering as she does, feeling alone in their own world. She writes to reach out to you.