The Spoken Word is Healing

Lauren [noun]:

• Diagnosis: Dysthymia

• Treatment: Psychotherapy

• Outlet: spoken word poetry

Dysthymia [noun]:

• persistent depressive disorder

• characterized by double depression

• a chronic mood disorder

Instructions for a Bad Day

Written and Performed By: Shane Koyczan

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sso4h7Gr3Pc

The first time I heard this poem, was when my high school Algebra teacher played it for the entire class, junior year. As the video played, with the classroom lights off, I found myself fighting back tears. When the video was over, lights turned on, I looked around the room to find I was the only one visibly moved by the words. I quickly reached for the restroom pass, and retreated towards an empty classroom, where I spent the remainder of fifth period.

The second time I heard this poem, I was lying in my bed, lights off, trying to figure out how to make it through the rest of the day.

Third time, willing myself not to cry.

Twentieth time, begging the sad parts of me to believe the words.

Fiftieth time, starting to.

Eightieth time, laughing along with the speaker.

One Hundredth time, tattooing the words on my side, knowing this is my anthem.

“Now is only a moment”

It’s so true, if you really think about it. Every moment has passed, aside from now.

Slowly,

Quickly,

Moments that felt like days,

Or moments that were fleeting.

It’s all behind me. I look back on those times, remembering the words,

“Every nightmare has a beginning, but every bad day has an end”

I know that every day presents itself as a new challenge, and I can honestly say that not every day ends up as a win, but,

“Everyone knows pain. We are not meant to carry forever. We were never meant to hold it so closely, so be certain in the belief that what pain belongs to now will belong soon to then”