Skip to content

Break free Quote by Nic Sheff

“Honestly, I'm not sure how much longer I can keep doing this. It's like there are seven candles lit in my stomach. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Seven candles burning and smoking - lit - seven flames of doubt, fear, sorrow, pain, waste, hopelessness, despair. They turn my insides black…” quote by Nic Sheff
Download Open image
““ Honestly, I'm not sure how much longer I can keep doing this. It's like there are seven candles lit in my stomach. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Seven candles burning and smoking - lit - seven flames of doubt, fear, sorrow, pain, waste, hopelessness, despair. They turn my insides black with soot and ash. There is something at the back of my eyes- a pressure building, building, building - hot like the flames of seven candles, which no amount of breath can extinguish. I imagine drinking glasses of water. One, two, three four, five, six, seven. I dive into the clearest pool. I drown myself in the coarse, dry sand. I swallow handfuls of crushed white salt, but the flames burn still - brighter, hotter, deeper. Sweat runs in delicate patterns down my back, over my crooked spine and jutting hips. I scratch at the wounds these last weeks have left, but I can't break free of them. The flies gather and vultures circle overhead. The fire eats away my flesh. The fire spreads. The fire runs through my veins. The fire courses beneath my muscles - my tendons - the marrow of my bones. I sit rocking on the street corner. No, I can't keep doing this. I just can't.””

Nic Sheff

About This Quote

A vivid portrayal of overwhelming despair and internal torment, using candle imagery to convey persistent negative emotions that feel inextinguishable.

In simple terms: Deep hopelessness described with candle metaphors.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge pain and seek help.

Themes

despair mental health pain anxiety self‑destruction

Mood

anguished intense

Type

personal expressive

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • therapy
  • support groups
  • emergency mental health services

Key Concepts

psychology metaphor emotional intensity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps could break this cycle?
  • How can you find relief beyond metaphor?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may romanticize suffering, hindering practical coping.

3.3 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Nic Sheff

Explore all 24 Nic Sheff quotes

More Break free quotes

Browse all 291 Break free quotes