This collection of poetry on depression, family, love, heartbreak, suffering and healing provides the reader with an authentic insight into the speaker’s struggle with a mental health issue. Sabrina Benaim’s poetry makes the reader aware of existing stigmata, stereotypes and discrimination of people with depression – also providing us with the notion that life and living must be celebrated, particularly during those ‘bad and dark days’ when one finds it the hardest. The book includes a performance poem that went viral on the internet: “Explaining My Depression To My Mother” was performed by the author on stage during a poetry slam in 2014 and outlines the speaker’s anxieties that keep her under control.

The poems are suitable for a cross-curricular project on mental health and taboo issues such as depression – however, teachers should carefully apply and prepare a controversial topic like this.

Poetry/Series · Canada