Why is trauma a contest?

'I want to hurt myself'

But I'm worse!

I'm worse!

'I don't feel okay right now'

But I did this!

I did this!

'I just need someone to listen to me'

But pay attention!

Pay attention to me!

'I feel like dying'

But listen to me!

Listen to me instead!

'I have trauma'

But mines worse!

Mine is so much worse!

Why does that make me less valid?

Just because my story wasn't so tragic?

Just because you were on the edge of the cliff too?

Does that mean I don't deserve help?

Oh I'm sorry,

I forgot that my pain didn't count.

Does that mean no one will help me?

Because I didn't win the trauma contest?

Because my abuse wasn't always physical?

I'm sorry I must've forgotten,

That my life didn't matter as much,

Not as much as you, because yours is just so terrible?

If you are okay and safe now,

Then why can't it be my turn to ask for help?

Why do you undermine me calling out?

If I'm standing on the edge of the cliff,

Will you catch me?

Or will you tell me why you are so much stronger?