1 . The Power of Poetry

People are suffering from depression and anxiety now more than ever. To help case the pain, they are turning to new approaches and, believe it or not, poetry is one of them.

It’s common sense that reading fiction can increase empathy (同理心).     1     Well, for decades, scientific studies have proven that poetry has a beneficial impact in managing pain, handling stress and improving personal well-being. Let’s dive a bit deeper, and consider some specific ways in which poetry can help mental health.

Poetry can be a form of comfort. By reading poetry, we can get the escapism we long for, transporting us out of our own world and into someone else’s.     2     Trying to uncover the meaning of a poem can give us a necessary break from our inner monologue as well.

It can be a shared experience. Poems are often quite emotional in nature.     3     There’s something quite comforting in the knowledge that we’re not alone and that our pain is shared with someone else. Poetry often reveals that there is universality (普遍性) in the human experience.

    4     Many poems creatively tackle some sensitive topics like depression, anxiety, abuse, poverty, all of which can be found in a poetic form, empowering both the poet and the reader.

To put it lightly, life is tough, but it’s important to remember that we’re not alone. The next time you’re feeling hopeless, try diving into the works of a poet.     5     Who knows?