Saturday, 22 February 2025

Overwhelming Darkness

I woke up that morning with a glimmer of hope—a tiny ember that whispered promises of a day filled with possibility. The sun was timidly peeking through grey clouds, and despite everything, I felt that today might be different. I met up with my support worker, whose gentle smile and warm words always seemed to light up even the darkest corners of my mind. We began our little adventure with a comforting stop at the Co-Op, where I cradled a steaming mug of cocoa in my hands. The rich, velvety warmth of the cocoa was like a tender embrace, wrapping around me with a promise of sweetness and care. Every sip was a small reminder that sometimes, even on the bleakest days, there can be moments of genuine delight.

Our next stop was the oil rigs—a place that, in its raw industrial beauty, held a curious kind of poetry. As we walked closer, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the towering structures rising out of the sea. Their rusted metal and rugged silhouettes were a testament to endurance and resilience. I felt both small and powerful at once, like a fragile human being standing in the midst of an ancient, unyielding force. In that moment, the world seemed to pause, and I allowed myself to be lost in the wonder of it all, feeling an inexplicable connection to the chaos of nature and industry.

But as life often reminds us, even the most promising days can take an unexpected, painful turn.

After our awe-inspiring visit, we decided to grab a bite at the Adventure Caff—a quaint little spot known for its burgers and fries. I had been looking forward to this, imagining a simple meal that would cap off the day’s gentle magic. We found a quiet bench outside, and for a brief, shining moment, I let myself enjoy the comfort of familiar food and easy conversation. The aroma of grilled burgers and the satisfying crunch of crispy fries made my stomach rumble with a longing for normalcy. It was a scene that should have been ordinary—a small pause in an otherwise perfect day.

Then something inside me shattered.

As we sat there, surrounded by the hum of everyday life, an overwhelming surge of emotion washed over me like a tidal wave. I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I remember the sudden tightening in my chest, the way my vision blurred with unshed tears that quickly turned into a torrent of pain. I began to scream—raw, unfiltered, desperate. I cried so hard that my voice cracked into broken pieces, each sob echoing my inner turmoil. In that moment, every sound around me was drowned out by the cacophony of my own anguish. I was not just sad; I was drowning in a sea of overwhelming despair.

My support worker’s eyes widened with shock and concern, and I could see the worry etched on their face. I felt exposed, vulnerable in a way that terrified me, yet I couldn’t stop the flood of emotion. I started yelling, my words tumbling out in a chaotic jumble, each one fuelled by a storm of frustration and hopelessness. Amidst the outburst, I remember threatening to kill myself—words that I uttered not because I truly wanted to end everything, but because they were the only way I could express the unbearable pressure building inside me. It was as if my heart was screaming for help, desperate for someone to understand the depth of my pain.

Sitting on that cold, hard bench with my support worker trying to reach me, I felt like a fragile vessel overflowing with a torrent of sorrow. I was crying hysterically, each tear a testament to the relentless, piercing pain I was experiencing. The taste of the salty tears mixed with the remnants of the meal, creating a bitter blend that I could neither escape nor ignore. I remember my support worker’s soft, cautious words—a gentle reminder that I wasn’t alone in that moment, that someone cared deeply about me, even as I unravelled right there in public.

Yet, in the midst of my despair, I felt a small, almost imperceptible glimmer of solace. The raw honesty of that moment, as painful as it was, reminded me that I was still here. I was still fighting, still breathing, even when every part of me wanted to collapse under the weight of my own emotions. I clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, this was a turning point—a moment when I could start understanding the deep, tangled emotions inside of me. Even though I was overwhelmed with despair, I also felt a desperate need to be seen, to be understood, and to be helped.

I am not proud of that day—nor do I wish for anyone else to go through such a harrowing experience. The memory of that bench, the taste of those tears, and the echo of my hysterical cries still haunt me. Yet, as I write this now, I also recognize that this day, as terrible as it was, is a part of my journey. It is a chapter in my life that I cannot rewrite, but one that I can learn from. My support worker, with their unwavering compassion, stayed by my side even when I was at my most vulnerable. They didn’t judge me for my breakdown; instead, they offered a safe space for me to express my deepest pain.

In the aftermath of that day, I have come to understand that healing is not linear. There are moments of beauty and moments of devastation, often intertwined in the most unpredictable ways. I have learned that it’s okay to have a horrible day—even if that day makes you feel as if you’re crumbling from the inside out. It’s okay to cry until you feel like you can’t cry anymore, because those tears are proof that you’re still alive, still fighting, and still capable of feeling deeply.

To anyone reading this who might be struggling with similar feelings, please know that you are not alone. Sometimes, the weight of the world can seem unbearable, and the pain might feel endless. But there is always hope, even in the darkest moments. Reach out to someone who cares, allow yourself to be vulnerable, and remember that every day is a new chance to find a little light—even if it’s just a warm mug of cocoa on a cold morning or the distant, stoic beauty of an oil rig standing strong against the relentless tides.

Today, I’m still here, still breathing, and still writing this with a mix of sorrow and determination. I am learning to understand my emotions, to let my tears flow without shame, and to embrace every part of my journey—even the parts that are filled with pain. This day was horrible in so many ways, but it also reminded me of my own strength. It showed me that even when I feel like I’m at my breaking point, I can find the courage to rise again, step by step, moment by moment.

So, as I look back on that day—a day that began with hope and ended in the midst of a storm—I choose to hold onto the lessons it taught me. I choose to remember the warmth of that cocoa, the wonder of the oil rigs, and even the painful, raw vulnerability that forced me to confront my deepest fears. And though I may still cry hysterically on some days, I also know that each tear is a part of my healing—a sign that I’m alive, that I feel, and that I will continue to search for the light even in the darkest of times.

With every word I write, I honor the difficult moments, and I embrace the possibility of brighter days ahead. This is my story, my truth, and a gentle reminder that even on the worst days, there is a path forward—a path filled with small, brave steps toward a better tomorrow.


If you find yourself in a place of despair or are having thoughts of self-harm, please consider reaching out to someone you trust or contacting a crisis support service immediately. You deserve help and compassion, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.

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