Well Denise, I read your poetry, and love it. While you do visit dark themes, there's a release of pain and beauty in the words. I think many can relate on some level. You show you aren't afraid to address the difficult side of life. It's impressive to me that even during a trying time, your creativity has not shut down. Think how much the pain would be intensified if you could not access your creativity at all.
What you have is a gift, not just to others, but to yourself. Use it as a tool to hone what you love doing. Yes, therapeutic now, but the funny thing is, you are gaining much skill at your craft of choice, regardless of the source. One day your pain will ease, and your strengths will be obvious to you.
What a lovely legacy you are nourishing.