Part of the poetry section at Titcomb’s Bookshop in East Sandwich. (Bennett Cohen)
By Bennett Cohen
Poetry and mental health have long been linked, as seen in the work of writers such as Sylvia Plath and Emily Dickinson. At the same time, poetry can have a profoundly positive effect on both poets and readers. The connection is clear — but what does it look like?
Many poets explore dark emotions, while others focus on empowerment. For some, writing is a way to put difficult thoughts on the page and out of the mind, even if only temporarily. For others, it is a way to give encouraging ideas a tangible form. In both cases, the act of writing can be powerful. At its core, poetry centers on emotion, and emotion is closely tied to mental well-being.
“I think it can be really grounding for students,” said Rebecca Griffin, an English teacher at Cape Cod Community College, about poetry as an emotional outlet. “And it can give you a way to talk back at yourself … to hold a mirror up to what you’re thinking and give it concrete images to hang on.”
Reading poetry can offer a similar release. Some readers live vicariously through the words, while others find comfort in shared struggles. Because poetry often relies on symbolism, it allows for multiple interpretations. Even when meanings differ, readers may still see themselves reflected in the work.
Griffin said poetry can also affect confidence.
“It can help you know that you’re not alone … it can be really hard to find someone who relates to your experiences in day-to-day surface conversations that don’t go very deep. So it gives you a look under the hood. It gives you a way to relate to human experiences that you might not have, from the inside out.”
Whether poetry affects students positively or negatively varies by individual. One thing remains clear: Poetry can influence mental health — even if that impact differs from person to person.
