The Benefits of Poetry to Mental Health
When it comes to mental health, poetry inevitably pulls to the surface new perspectives and ideas in a way that has healing and restorative properties. There is something very special about the union of poetic words that can connect with readers and evoke a range of emotions. Poetry is a renewed and evolving way for allowing for self-expression, a space for us to look within, to reflect and process our emotions.
The great poet and philosopher W.H. Auden once said: “Poetry is the clearing of one’s mind to make it a receptacle for the uncontainable”. It’s no wonder then that poetry is proven to help people think and reflect by providing more time and clarity to process our thoughts and feelings. The written expression of ideas in verse can bring both relevance and order to our mental landscape. Psychologists, educators, even philosophers have acknowledged this; as the word’s inherent meaning, sound and rhythm come together to express thought.
The therapeutic and healing properties of poetry can work in a myriad of subtle ways. Psychologists point out that poetry can reduce stress, boost self-confidence, aid anger management, and even help people understand the relationships that exist between their inner and outer worlds. Speaking to The Guardian in 2019, Poet and Mental Health Advocate Yomi Ṣode emphasizes that, “Poetry helps us tap into our emotions, our imagination, and our thoughts to express things that aren’t so easy to explain.”
As much as poetry allows for a space of self-expression, it’s equally as powerful to read and listen to the work of others. This is particularly true of work by poets who have openly discussed their mental health, journey and struggles in life. Listening to those who have walked the path before, who have translated and shared the nuances of their mental labyrinth, is deeply comforting and provides us with a space to reflect and journey. Tales of hardship are intimately intertwined with stories of resilience, growth and strength.
We all have the poetry within us; poetry is as much an individual’s unique creative journey and expression—as it is a collective experience. It’s a reminder that we can share in a common understanding, we can all tap into the collective energy. As poet and Hip-Hop artist Sage the Gemini eloquently states, “Every poet has mad passion bottled up inside, no one can rest until their soul feels satisfied.”
The Healing Power of Poetry
The healing power of poetry is extraordinary, and it’s not a sweeping one-size fits all statement. It is an individual experience which varies from person to person, meaning that it’s impact can be felt in a variety of empowering ways. This ranges from bringing clarity to complex feelings, to highlighting the complexities of themselves and the world with a new perspective, to the development of self-compassion.
As Author, Poet and Professor Dr. Linda Byrns has noted; “Writing is not only a way of understanding oneself, but it is also a tool of exploration and wisdom. Writing poetry enables one to explore, discover and rediscover inner truths, bring to the surface hidden emotions, and be brave enough to reveal one’s vulnerabilities. Poetry is a form of therapy for contemplation, analysis and elevation”.
The therapeutic benefits of poetry become obvious when you consider how it has been used over the centuries. From ancient Egyptian times, to war poets from WW1 to present day, many have used poetry to express pain and suffering, expressing their experiences emotionally but in a way that is mindful and thought-provoking.
Even when we’re sat in a quiet room, with no pen and paper to hand, writing poetry can remain a powerful tool of self-reflection. Spoken word poetry has taken a stance across many stages in recent years, used to amplify the voices of the marginalised and to take a critical stance on issues throughout society. The spoken word poet and storyteller Diana Chessum champions this, telling The Creator’s Hexagon in 2020, “Spoken word poetry is so powerful because it breaks the tradition of traditional norms and can paint a tapestry of narratives in a mere matter of minutes”.
The Power of Poetry to Transform Mental Health
The power of poetry to transform mental health is clear—from relief, to catharsis and more. The therapeutic potential of writing, as well as reading and listening to the works of others, can be embraced by anyone regardless of background, language or experience. But, it’s important to remember that poetic language, though literary gets to the core of what we think and feel, so caution should be taken with respect to any possible shifts in mental health.
Talking to The Guardian in 2019, Los Angeles-based poet Anna Seay says: “There are times when poetry can be problematic and make us turn inward, especially if it’s so sad, dark or lonely.” Good mental health is attained when we experience a balance between the highs and lows. Though literature can be powerful, it should be used in moderation and not as a crutch.
With that said, poetry is an incredibly powerful resource for personal and mental growth. Whether it be writing, reading or listening to the poetic words of others, poetry can be a source of support and refuge in times of need. It has the power to heal, to mend, to empower and to guide our thoughts, feelings and worlds to heights of understanding. Poetry matters and its use should be celebrated and encouraged.
The Language of Poetry
Poetry’s beauty is more than just its words, it is the language that it creates which unlocks new perspectives. By building emotion and sharing experiences, poetry provides us with a language that enables us to express the inexpressible, to go beyond our physical boundaries and to engage with the abstract.
In an interview with The Independent in 2020, poet Kayo Chingonyi said: “the language of poetry takes us beyond our means of articulation into new realms of expression.” It’s a language that’s been around for centuries, allowing for connection to our predecessors and deepening understanding of the human experience.
No matter what language or form of poetry we read or write, it’s a language of connection at its root. Whether it be the bond with oneself, with others, with nature or with culture, poetry enables us to connect with a power greater than us.
Anita Heiss, Author, Poet and Professor also supports this notion, telling ABC Radio National in 2019, “Poetry is a universal language of connection and community, some of the oldest stories in existence have been recited in poetic form.”
The Art of Poetry
The art of poetry is the creative expressions of the human soul. It’s a medium of communication which transcends the boundaries of language, race and time. It is an intimate language of change, of wisdom and belonging.
Speaking to Den of Geek in 2020, poet and novelist Caleb Femi explains; “I think so much of the beauty of poetry is that it’s a form of intimate resistance, a form of resistance against a world which insists on making our lives smaller and more miserly.”
When we read and interact with poetry, we come to embrace its ability to channel our inner strength, resilience and courage. In addition to this, we are also presented with courage from those who have been before and the stories they tell. We can reflect on the beauty of their work, the themes they allude to and be filled with a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.
The beauty of poetry is hard to define and with every poem, it’s beauty is open to interpretation. What matters most is that we access the stories, engage with them and allow them to inform our own worlds. As Elouise Eigels explained in an Australian Book Review podcast 2020, “It’s not only in the speaking, in the writing, it is also in the listening of poetry, in and out of the listening, the sense of connection that we carry between people.”
The Power of Poetry in Education
As much as poetry helps us to think and reflect, it also has a strong presence in the educational sphere. Despite being relegated over the years, poetry is and has always been an integral part of a complete education.
Part of the power in poetry is its ability to reveal different sides of our history, to inform and engage us in new ways. By engaging with this poetic form and meeting it on its terms, we come to develop new tools for understanding our past and present shaped around stories and images.
When used correctly, poetry can be used to express and impart the wonders of stories and meaning. As poet, novelist and educator Novelist Dina Nayeri illustrated in an interview for The Aesthete in 2020, “Poetry is how we discover the power of language, by realizing how two simple words can be placed together for a new, third meaning.”
From the ancient Greeks who used poetry to explore the complex challenges of human existence, to modern day students who use spoken word poetry to navigate the struggles of their times—poetry has strengthened our communicative arsenal, giving us deeper perspective and understanding of ourselves and our world.
The Mental Health Benefits of Poetry
The mental health benefits of poetry are well-documented. For many, writing and engaging with poetry can provide relief, clarity, insight and connection.
In his book Poetry and Mental Health, mental health professional and poet, Simon Breach notes that, “Shared with a qualified mental health professional, poems allow us to explore, express and generate understanding of those aspects of self which might remain hidden or unnoticed without it.”
Using poetry to strengthen mental wellbeing extends further. Poetry can represent a way of thinking and behaving which can be modelled by others. It can be a poignant way of sharing experiences, inviting others to see experiences in a new light and to build strength from shared adversities.
One thing is for certain, poetry is here to stay. As one of the oldest forms of communication, it is still about connection, sharing and building a common understanding. Poetry matters and its use should be celebrated and encouraged.
