My name is mental illness
I have been around since man was created
Many different names have been given to me
In the past - Loony, Nutter, Village Idiot, and so forth were used by society.
To describe WHO I AM
In modern times - I have become sophisticated.
I am now labelled Depressive, Manic, Obsessive, Schizophrenic.
By people who have not lived with me.
To know me, and my capabilities.
You have a life that you think you own.
But I would like to remind you.
When I strike I pay no regard to who you are.
Or what you have achieved in society.
I take you Rich or Poor.
I take you Young or Old.
I take you Beautiful or Ugly regardless of colour or creed
(Extract from poem published by the Association for Pastoral Care in Mental Health Newsletter)