INSOLVENCY OF MIND. - By Doreen Cyprian

Written By: Doreen Cyprian

Category: Non-Frictional Story.

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of Creative Writing, Doreen Cyprian presents "Insolvency of Mind," a profound exploration of mental health, identity, and the journey towards healing and hope. This narrative is a part of the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, showcasing a poignant reflection on personal struggles and resilience. Through the lens of Junia's story, Cyprian delves into the complexities of finding oneself amidst the chaos within the mind, underscoring themes of faith, family support, and the power of professional help.

About the Work

"Insolvency of Mind" is a moving narrative that weaves together the intricate themes of personal identity and mental health. Doreen Cyprian captures the emotional turmoil and eventual resilience of the protagonist, Junia, through evocative storytelling. The work is rich with imagery and emotional depth, portraying the internal battles and the eventual triumph of self-acceptance and healing. The narrative style is intimate and raw, drawing readers into Junia's world and his journey towards self-discovery and peace.

INSOLVENCY OF MIND.

Original Submission by Doreen Cyprian

INSOLVENCY OF MIND.

Genre: Non-Frictional

Theme: Mental health. Identity, faith,family,healing and hope.

Junia was twenty- seven, but sometimes he felt like he was already fifty.

Every morning, he stood in front of the mirror for several minutes.

He would stare at his reflection.

Then he would whisper:

“ You don’t look strong enough”.

When he was in school putting sponge underneath his shirts, around his shoulders and chest, making himself appear bigger and that made him comfortable.

At first, his friends laughed.

“ Junia! Bro, you’re getting huge!”

Junia laughed with them.

But when he got home, he removed the sponge and looked at himself again.

The smile disappeared.

Nobody noticed.

At work, Junia became quieter.

At church, he stopped sitting with his friends.

At home, he stayed in his room for hours.

Whenever his mother asked, ”What’s wrong?”

He always answered:

“Nothing”

But there was something.

Something he couldn’t explain.

Something growing inside him.

His thoughts became darker.

And eventually, he found something that made the noise stop.

Weed.

The first time he smoked, he smiled.

For a few hours, he felt fearless.

He looked into the mirroe and didn’t hate the person staring back.

So he smoked again.

And again.

Until one evening, everything changed.

Junia was sitting with his friends when suddenly he stood up.

“ You think I’m weak? I’m stronger than all of you!”

His mother was called.

That night, they took to the hospital.

Weeks later, Junia came home.

Everyone thought he was better.

But the battle wasn’t finished.

Some days he was perfectly normal.

Other days, he couldn’t recognize himself.

He would stand in front of the mirror and ask;

“ Who are you?”

Then he would answer himself.

“ I’m Junia.”

A pause.

“ No….. you’re not.”

His mother would hear him talking alone and cry silently outside his bedroom.

Hospital.

Home.

Hospital.

Home.

The cycle continued.

Some relatives whispered:

“ Maybe he’s possessed”

Others said:

“ He just using drugs.”

Someone even told his mother:

“ Stop taking him to hospitals. He needs more prayer.”

His mother looked at them.

Her eyes filled with tears

“I’II pray for my son. But I’ll also take him for treatment.”

One night, Junia disappeared.

His mother found his room empty.

The window was open.

She ran outside.

They searched everywhere.

Finally, they found him sitting alone inside an abandoned church.

It was almost midnight.

Junia was sitting on the floor, staring at the old wooden cross.

His mother approached slowly.

“ Junia?”

He didn’t answer.

“ Son?”

He finally looked at her.

“Mum …. I don’t know what’s happening to me.”

She sat beside him.

For the first time, Junia stopped pretending.

“I’m scared.”

His mother pulled him into her arms.

And Junia cried like a child.

“I don’t know who Iam anymore.”

His mother whispered:

“ Then we’ll find you again.”

That night, they prayed.

Not one prayer.

Not two.

They prayed until morning.

His mother prayed.

His friends prayed.

And Junia continued receiving professional care.

There was no magical overnight transformation.

There were difficult days.

There were setbacks.

There were moments when he wanted to give up.

But slowly…..

Something changed.

Junia began talking again.

He stopped hiding behind the sponge.

He started looking at himself in the mirror without turning away.

One morning, he stood before the mirror.

He stared at his reflection.

His hands were shaking.

Then he whispered:

“I’m Junia.”

This time, he didn’t argue with himself.

He smiled.

Months later, Junia stood in front of a small audience at his church.

The same man who once couldn’t explain what was happening inside his mind was now holding a microphone.

He looked at the crowd.

“ My name is Junia.”

Silence.

“I used to think asking for help meant I was weak.”

He took a breath.

“ I was wrong.”

He looked toward his mother.

“ I learned that mental illness is not something we should laugh about. And people who are struggling don’t always know how to tell us.”

He paused.

“ I also learned something else.”

He looked toward the cross behind him.

“ God didn’t become less powerful because I needed doctors.”

The audience became silent.

“ Prayer helped me hold onto hope. Treatment helped me understand mu condition. My family helped me keep fighting.”

His voice broke.

“ And love reminded me that I was still worth saving .”

His mother began crying.

Junia smiled through his tears.

“ So if someone around you changes, don’t immediately call them lazy. Don’t call them crazy. Don’t shame them.”

“ Ask them what they’re fighting.”

“Listen.”

“Help them.”

“Pray with them.”

“And when they need professional help, help them find.”

He looked at the audience.

“Because sometimes the person screaming for help isn’t screaming with their mouth.”

He touched his chest.

“They’re screaming from here.”

That evening, junia returned home.

He walked past the mirror.

Stopped.

Looked himself.

No sponge.

No pretending.

Just Junia.

He smiled.

Then quietly said:

“I’m still here.”

From the living room, his mother answered:

“And you’re not alone.”

Junia smiled.

The light in his room went off.

But somewhere inside him…..

The light had finally come back on.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the art of written expression. It brings together talented writers from around the world to share their unique voices and stories. The competition serves as a platform for emerging and established writers to showcase their work, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts and promoting diverse narratives and themes.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Doreen Cyprian for her touching contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "Insolvency of Mind." Her narrative on mental health and personal growth offers a powerful message of hope and resilience. We appreciate her courage in sharing such a personal and impactful story, reminding us all of the importance of understanding and supporting those around us. Thank you, Doreen, for your inspiring work.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.