Can We Talk? By Poet Lorraine Brooks

Divabetic

Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her newest poem, “Can We Talk” on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from  singer songwriter, Sia.

Lorraine’s poem is helping us to shed some light on  the emotional side of diabetes. Unfortunately therapy seems to get a bad rap. For some reason people are hesitant about seeing a therapist when they need help dealing with mental health issues.

“People don’t hesitate telling acquaintances about a trip to their dentist or physician, but most stay quiet about their therapy appointment,” said Ryan Howes, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist and professor in Pasadena, Calif. That’s because even though progress has been made, he said, there’s still stigma attached to seeking therapy.

“Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms because our society places illogical taboos on mental health issues over physical conditions,” said clinical psychologist Nikki Massey-Hastings, PsyD.

To dispel stigma, Poet Lorraine Brooks tackles the subject with her wit, wisdom and words. Below is Lorraine’s poem, “Can We Talk”

Can We Talk? Is a phrase that

Joan Rivers would say

Because sometimes we need to be clear.

Some things need discussion

And sometimes it helps

Just to find a sympathetic ear.

Friends are not always

The best ones to try

Because friends are not always objective.

A therapist might be

The person to talk to

To get an outside perspective.

No, you’re not crazy

No, you’re not nuts,

And you don’t have to be on the border…

A counselor can help you

With any complaints

From depression to panic disorder.

The stresses and strains

Of a chronic disease

Can be hard to deal with, it’s true.

And having a person

Understand your concerns

Is a blessing for me and for you.

I wish we would stop

Telling each other

It’s bad to talk to a pro –

But there’s lots of things

That professionals have

That we cannot possibly know.

My therapist helps me

Stay balanced and straight

In spite of my worries and fears

She helps give me insight

And lets me express

My happiness and also my tears.

So don’t hide behind

Being scared to reach out.

It takes a village to cope.

Find a support group

Make a connection

And you’ll find fulfillment, and hope.

Therapy is anything but easy. As Ryan Howes PhD said, “When you consider the fact that therapy invites a distressed person to reveal, discuss, and wrestle with the most difficult issues in their life, the better question might be ‘why in the world would anyone choose therapy?’”

And there are many answers. But all of them have one key thing in common: Therapy can help you ease your pain and create a healthier and more fulfilling life with diabetes.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Sia. Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and Zippora Karz, a former NYC Ballet Solo Ballerina with type 1 diabetes and author of the memoir “The Sugarless Plum.”.

Tags: Lorraine Brooks, poems, poetry, therapy