I sight gathered trees.
Bald patches show hidden things.
An autumn rainbow.
This haiku, written by Novi resident Morgan Breon, may be a fitting description for the times, as humanity has been stripped back to reveal aspects of society that, perhaps, were hidden.
Breon, who has a background in social work, has released a collection of her poetry for individuals struggling with depression during this time of social unrest and a global pandemic.
As a local actor and founder of the for-profit organization Heal.Be.Live. LLC, Breon dares to share a rainbow of hope through artistic expression. She uses art as a resource for healing from disorders like depression and trauma to communities.
Novi resident Morgan Breon released a collection of poetry for people struggling with depression in this time of social unrest and a global pandemic.
Breon’s self-published book “A Refugee of Me” contains poetry she has been writing since childhood. She includes in a supplemental workbook exercises and tools to help the healing process for young people who suffer in silence, especially during these times of quarantine and isolation.
Breon, 32, recognizes the struggles young people may be facing now, also having experienced depression herself as a youth.
“I self-harmed from the ages of 12 to 19. I felt depressed and I didn’t know what it was — neither did those around me. So I suffered in silence,” Breon says. “I know that there are students in that age group now who are suffering, especially since the pandemic hit.”
A new study by the nonprofit FAIR Health, which runs a database of pediatric insurance claims for patients ages 0 to 22, shows sharp spikes from pre-pandemic 2019 to 2020 in a range of psychological conditions including major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, self-harm, substance abuse, overdoses, OCD, ADHD and tic disorders.
Breon’s workbook provides tools such as the Emotion Color Wheel, Letter to Younger Self and other activities for outward and inner reflection that support the feelings and reactions that may come up as readers take in Breon’s poetry throughout her life and as they experience the circumstances of their own lives.
“The hope was to provide a guide for those who may have strong reactions to the poems but needed some guidance on what to do with those reactions,” Breon says.
The poet and performer also will premiere a new play she has written, “The W.I.T.C.H,” at the end of the month with Theatre Nova in Ann Arbor. The live performance at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, will be watchable via Zoom, and available on demand for series pass holders through the end of May.
“The goal of both ‘The W.I.T.C.H.’ and ‘A Refugee of Me’ is to guide audiences into conversations around trauma, emotional wellness and self-reflection, using creative methods like theater and poetry,” Breon says.
She also understands that everyone’s experiences are different, and says she honors that reality.
“Battles with depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts are all so different. There isn’t one blanket experience or solution. I’m only the expert of my experience,” Breon says.
“But I do hope that in sharing my story, others will feel empowered to share theirs. Then maybe the presentation and treatment of these battles can be more varied and inclusive.”
“A Refugee of Me” ($19.99) and the accompanying workbook ($24.99) can be purchased as a bundle for $39.99 at healbelive.com.
To learn more about “The W.I.T.C.H.,” visit theatrenova.org.
Sam White is a Michigan-based freelance writer. Contact her at sammie427@gmail.com.