Maintaining Mental Health through Poetry

Abstract

Poetry is the passion that a poet possesses in genes, and through poetry, mental health and peace of mind can be maintained at a pace immeasurable. The waves of passion that run through the poet’s sensibility soothe the readers' senses. Poetry reading, writing, and listening cast good therapeutic effects. Poetry provides peace, calmness, and comfort to the minds by elevating moods in distress and duress. Studies show that poetry therapy has proven a boon to patients suffering from serious ailments, augments their emotional resilience, and brings joy. Our brains are electrified with the rhyme and rhythm of the poetry to give emotional reactions to joy and sadness. Like the sweet melody of music, poetry heals our emotional hurts. The metaphors embellish the poetic lines with magical brilliance and glitter with astute meaning and message. Diction plays a very decisive role in discerning the poet’s leanings. Reflection, perception, and attachment are interwoven in diction so inextricably that they turn the poet’s mouthpiece and roar and rave with perfect resonance to poetic experiences. Through the intoxicated taken-for- grantedness of the laidback reading public will take a turn at the melody of the tone and exquisiteness of diction.

The paper, however, explores how poetry can be a natural tool to heal mental stress, trauma, and agony and maintain mental health.  We will examine some poetic utterances of great poets like Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Emily Dickinson, Kamala Das, etc. Moreover, we will also examine how nature can extend peace, purpose, and poise to the mind.