Rhyme and Reason

Through poetry, Rhyme & Reason voices the internal pain and struggle of those dealing with mental illness, homelessness, and addiction. Eight poems convey the lived experience of these conditions and the common recovery paths between them: the importance of early symptom recognition, the need for swift intervention and holistic treatment, and the benefits of ongoing support from mental health professionals. The accompanying black-and-white artwork illustrates the emotional depth of each condition, and provides an opportunity for readers to reduce stress through the medium of crayons.

This collection of poems is to be used as a guide for people who may be experiencing mental health issues and for those who love them. The melodic verse sets the tempo for a novel teaching opportunity that promotes mental health wellness and awareness. Mental illness is laden with a stigma that can cause people to go underground with potentially dangerous symptoms. Through education we can demystify the stigma, point the way to accessing services, and save lives.