Coping with Mental Illness Through Poetry

CW: Mentions of self-harm, depression, and disordered eating. 

I was diagnosed with depression and started therapy only a year ago. Before that, I had no real understanding of how to manage my mental health, relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms like self-harm, isolation, and disordered eating.

Despite everything, I remained highly self-aware. I recognized that my coping mechanisms weren’t healthy, and I had a clear understanding of who I was and why I experienced the emotions I did.

Since elementary school, I’ve tended to be more of an observer. As a shy kid, sitting in the shade and watching my surroundings was the only way I felt I could keep myself entertained. Poetry felt like the most beautiful, descriptive way to capture my observations, so I’ve always written that way. However, at the time, I was in a creative slump.

Recently, my therapist recognized all of this and explored the arts a little more with me. I eventually took it upon myself to revisit my old work. 

Reading through them felt like slowly trudging through quicksand, which is to say that I found my elementary poems cringeworthy. I kept at it anyway. In the end, I came to realize the safe space words created for me. My writing saw a range of emotions—more than people ever saw when they looked at me.

I was left with a strong urge to create. In the hopes of finding my spark again, I continued writing. Since then, I have written hundreds—maybe even thousands of poems. I have a better idea of how to navigate my mental illness thanks to therapy and creative writing. Even though I still have a long way to go on my mental health journey (in fact, this post reminded me that I should probably make poems again), poetry never fails to uplift me. The question is: why?

There are parallels that can be drawn between emotions and poetry.

Both are abstract without any rules. In my opinion, poetry’s charm comes from figurative language. It can be confusing at first. But it has an ability to paint striking images and tell messages like no one has done before. Feelings work the same way—especially negative ones. They are intimidating, but treat them with care and they’ll fruition into something greater.

There are many different ways to live through both. For example: a poet may write a metaphor intending to express one thing. Yet, readers might interpret it the same or differently. Similarly, one might experience anxiety in one way while their friend lives through it in another.

You are never alone in either of them. With the vast amount of poems out there—and the ability to write your own—you are sure to resonate with something. Even with difficult feelings, there will always be someone who can relate.

Writing does wonders for connection and self-expression. While it can’t solve all my problems, it’s invaluable when being literal isn’t an option. Language, in general, is far from lonely. When you communicate, you are tapping into decades of culture and the ideas behind those words.

You are not limited to writing. There are a plethora of coping methods to explore–it’s all about finding something that a) is healthy and b) resonates with you. At the end of the day, you are a unique individual who deserves an outlet that truly works for you.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with substance use or an emotional crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to speak with a caring counselor 24/7.