Psychological Health Poem
Busy, busy, busy
Fast, fast, fast
So much happening
But still I gasp
I try to manage
I try to ask
But who can I trust
Where do I start
I live with shame
Guilt and disappointment
I’ve tried before
To seek my ointment
For the gaping wounds
From all that’s passed
Longing for connection
And comfort that lasts
Where is the solace
I so desperately seek
When all hope seems lost
And I can no longer speak
Where is the courage
To reach out again
To finally confront
My relentless pain
Where is the resilience
And my ability to love what’s wrong
To be vulnerably grateful
For the challenges that made me strong
Perhaps I can acknowledge
What I fear the most
And give it a label
So it’s ready to post
To send it away
Through conversation and tears
To cognitively process
What I’ve known for years
I’ll seek the ears
That will willingly listen
But I’ll start right now
With any one who’s human
The person walking a dog
The chatty neighbour
The smiling barista
The random stranger
I’ll list my problems
And solve them one by one
Hope is never lost
Because I’m not done
I’ll list my blessings
And count them up
There are so many
That can smooth the rut
The place where I’ve hidden
My doubts and shame
That have kept me from
Life’s glorious game
The ultimate one that allows
The wins and the losses
But ultimately claims
Whatever life tosses
Every challenge
Will pass with time
But I can truly be me
And still be fine
I could be bent or warped
Even filled with grief
But when I reach out
I move forward with belief
That every small step
Will light the fire within
It will fuel my healing
So I will begin
I’ll seek connection
Everywhere I go
I’ll listen and be heard
And get back into flow
My character will shine
My culture will rise
My community of support
Will expand in size
Then the waves of challenge
Will teach me to swim
I’ll be gratefully growing
With my chosen kin
On Wednesday 18 February 2026, I attended an online webinar on the topic of ‘Beyond Compliance: It Takes a Community to Save a Life‘ hosted by Steven Farrugia and Renee Giarrusso from Sharetree.
It was designed to help organisations understand their responsibility as an employer to provide a psychologically safe environment at work now that there is a ‘Psychological Health Compliance Code‘ that was developed by WorkSafe Victoria (WorkSafe).
I was particularly impressed by the range of information and advice shared during the webinar and organised a time to talk to Steven on 24 February 2026. I offered to write a poem and here it is! I hope it encourages anyone who feel psychologically unsafe to reach out and connect. With love, Sue Ellson 🙂
#psychologicalhealth #psychologicalsafety #SueEllson #SueEllsonPoem #poem #poetry
Photo was taken in the garden at Heronswood, 105 Latrobe Parade, Dromana VIC 3936 on 18 January 2026.
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