Ryan Kenny, a poet from Walsall, has been writing about mental health for years, covering issues of depression, anxiety, the effects of physical illness on mental health and much more. But he has also written poems about the brighter side to life, with many of his poems sharing an insight into how he copes with his demons. He has shared help through his poetry in the form of encouraging resilience, being open and talking about your issues, and other techniques to battle mental health struggles.

Today is World Mental Health Day, and Ryan has shared a poem about hope, expressing how important it is to stay strong and to remember that things can and often will get better.

He has said that his own journey through the ups and the deep-downs of life have helped him to realise how important it is for everyone to openly talk about their thoughts and feelings. “We just don’t talk enough”. Ryan went on to say, “It’s just expected that people, particularly men, will just crack on with life, regardless of how hard they are finding it, regardless of what trauma they have experienced.” He also said “I struggled a lot, and still often do, to understand or express what’s going on in my mind. Fortunately, I have great people around me, who got me the help I needed at my lowest point, and I found love, friendship and poetry. Writing and performing has really helped me to understand myself, and to have the confidence to openly express myself. Some people don’t have that luxury, but everyone should have access to someone to talk to, to the help they need.”

A big advocate of talking therapies, whether with a professional, a support group, or with close friends and family, Ryan hopes that his poem will inspire at least one person to grab onto hope and seek the help they need, rather than to give up on themselves.

Even on the darkest of days,

One bright light remains;

Hope.

Hope that tomorrow will be brighter than today,

Hope that the shadows will eventually go away.

Even when you feel totally alone,

One other voice remains in your home;

Hope.

The voice of hope telling you that everything is fine,

The voice of hope telling you to just give it time.

Even if you feel completely lost,

One thing will find you, no matter the cost;

Hope.

Hope will point you in the right direction,

Hope will guide you home and offer you protection.

Hope is the only thing in life we cling to,

Hope is the only light I can bring you,

But when you feel like life is too much and you can’t cope,

I beg that you search within yourself and rediscover your hope.

Ryan Kenny

If you need help, or know somebody that does, you can contact the following:

Mind – 0300 102 1234 weekdays between 9am-6pm

Samaritans – 116 123 always open

Campaign Against Living Miserably – 0800 58 58 58 open 5pm – midnight