Instead of Killing Yourself

Kara van Donkersgoed understands. In a powerful and insightful collection of poems and prose, she reflects on what it is like to live with mental illness, experience love, and embrace all life has to offer, both good and bad.


Kara’s poems are shared with the hope that they may bring peace to others, both in the positivity and knowledge that when we are in pain, we are not alone. Her poetry shines a light on the myriad of emotions that surround mental illness and addiction, allows others into a world where no one willingly wants to be, and provides faith to those struggling in the darkness that no matter how bad life becomes, it always gets better.


Instead of Killing Yourself is a raw poetic portrayal of the struggles surrounding mental illness and a love letter to the brave souls immersed in the daily battle to overcome their challenges.