The Dark Shadow – a poem about depression

Last Updated: March 9, 2014

My Dark Shadow

-original poem by Julie Ryan

My dark shadow is creeping up from behind.
It puts a hand through my heart
and clouds up my mind.

My dark shadow sits on my shoulder
It whispers in my ear.
It tells me to lie down,
because I have everything to fear.

My dark shadow says it loves me,
but it wants everyone else to go away.
It wants all of my attention
It says it loves me always.

My dark shadow will consume me if I let it.
It will eat my soul.
I can’t hide from it, I can only drown it with
the light of my friends.

Image via 9gag.com/gag/4779450

This poem was inspired by this image that I originally saw on twitter. It struck me at how true it felt. I’ve fought depression off and on through my adult life. The only thing that helps me win is surrounding myself with people who love me.

Depression and fibromyalgia go hand in hand, as depression is common for those who have live with any chronic illness.

About Julie

Spoonie. Fibro Warrior. E-health advocate.

Julie Ryan was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2010 and endometriosis in 2012. She's lived with chronic migraine most of her life. In 2019 she was diagnosed with inter-cranial hypertension.

Julie has a degree in Psychology, and works as a freelance writer and marketer. Freelance work allows her to work when she can and not be tied to a desk or a schedule. Julie believes in living an inspired life despite chronic illness.

"I have chronic illness, it doesn't have me."

More about Julie

Blog title inspired by The Spoon Theory, by Christine Miserandino, an excellent explanation of what it's like to live with invisible illness.

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Spoonie. Fibro Warrior. E-health advocate.

Julie Ryan was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2010 and endometriosis in 2012. She's lived with chronic migraine most of her life. In 2019 she was diagnosed with inter-cranial hypertension.

Julie has a degree in Psychology, and works as a freelance writer and marketer. Freelance work allows her to work when she can and not be tied to a desk or a schedule. Julie believes in living an inspired life despite chronic illness.

"I have chronic illness, it doesn't have me."

More about Julie

Blog title inspired by The Spoon Theory, by Christine Miserandino, an excellent explanation of what it's like to live with invisible illness. Read More…