While different things work for different people, mental health poems can have a profound effect when you're having a difficult time, and can help us understand what we're feeling. It can also help to know someone has been where you are, to know you're not alone.
Some of us may find comfort in motivational quotes, or something uplifting such as Pam Ayres poems. Remember it's completely normal to feel a little flat from time to time, but it's important to keep in tune with your mental health and do what feels right for you, whether that be to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea, call a friend or go on a scenic walk.
Here are our favourite mental health poems that you may relate to or can help on days where you need a little pick-me-up.
Natural by Nayyirah Waheed
Expect sadness like you expect rain.
Both cleanse you.
What can we learn from this? We all know that tough times are just a natural and normal part of life, but we can take comfort from the fact we will come out of the other end with strength, resilience and a new outlook on life.
Rising by Carolyn Jess-Cooke
Sometimes it is enough
to survive
the day, withstanding
the tide that
whips sea-
debris of old car parts
and scattered walls
slicing up your shins
and palms.
But today
you got up
and even though it
would have been exquisite
to lay down
a relief to stay
under
you got back up
and through
What can we learn from this? There is so much strength in getting up in a morning and carrying on, and you need to give yourself more credit for the strength you're showing everyday by getting up.
Stop by Susan Davidson
I used to say ‘Stop the world, I wanna get off’
Now I’ve realised I’m the one who needs to stop
Stop filling every waking minute
Taking every silent space and putting something in it
Stop striving, trying to hard to be the best
When what my mind is crying out for is a rest
Remember kindness, peace and loving
Just breathe, and feel, and notice without judging
Because, as Shakespeare said those many years ago,
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”
What can we learn from this? Give yourself a break. It's okay to just sit and do nothing, despite the fact we're always told to fill our time by being productive. Sometimes, you just need a rest.
Poem (unnamed) from The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
When the world comes crashing at your feet
it’s okay to let others
help pick up the pieces
if we’re present to take part in your happiness
when your circumstances are great
we are more than capable
of sharing your pain
What can we learn from this? Sharing your problems with the people who love you and asking for help can take some serious weight off of your shoulders. And don't worry about being a burden on people, the people you love will be thankful that you've opened up to them.
OCD by Neil Hilbon
The first time I saw her…
Everything in my head went quiet.
All the tics, all the constantly refreshing images just disappeared.
When you have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, you don’t really get quiet moments.
Even in bed, I’m thinking:
Did I lock the doors? Yes.
Did I wash my hands? Yes.
Did I lock the doors? Yes.
Did I wash my hands? Yes.
But when I saw her, the only thing I could think about was the hairpin curve of her lips..
Or the eyelash on her cheek —
the eyelash on her cheek —
the eyelash on her cheek.
(Extract - see full poem performed below)
What can we learn from this? This poem will really speak to those with OCD, and the difficult impacts it can have on your life. It also shines a light on the beauty we can find in those little moments of life of the people we love.
Resilience by Alex Elle
Look at you.
Still standing
after being
knocked down
and thrown out.
Look at you.
Still growing
after being
picked and plucked
and prodded out of
your home.
Look at you.
Still dancing
and singing
after being
defeated and disassembled.
Look at you, love.
Still here and hopeful
after it all.
What can we learn from this? There's always hope. Even when you've hit rock bottom, hope always remains. This is a reminder to keep going, because there is so much to love about life.
The owl and the chimpanzee by Jo Camacho.
The owl and the chimpanzee went to sea
In a beautiful boat called The Mind
The owl was sensible, clever and smart
The chimp was a little behind
The owl made decisions, based on fact
And knew where to steer its ship
The chimp reacted a little too fast
And often the boat would tip
The waves would come and crash aboard
The chimp would start to cry
Large tears would roll right down his face
Afraid that he would die
The chimp and the owl would wrestle at night
When the world was quiet and still
The chimp would jump up and rock the boat
And the boat would start to fill
Then the owl stepped in and grabbed a pail
And started to empty it out
And the chimp would start to get quite cross
And would often scream and shout
The battle continued night after night
Until the chimp started to see
That if it let the owl take control
A more peaceful night it would be
What can we learn from this? If you're familiar with the Chimp Paradox, you'll understand what this poem is referring to. We all have a primitive half of our brains, and sometimes, this can get the better of us. From time to time, we can benefit from listening to our inner owl.
The Fury of Rainstorms by Anne Sexton
The rain drums down like red ants,
each bouncing off my window.
The ants are in great pain
and they cry out as they hit
as if their little legs were only
stitched on and their heads pasted.
And oh they bring to mind the grave,
so humble, so willing to be beat upon
with its awful lettering and
the body lying underneath
without an umbrella.
Depression is boring, I think
and I would do better to make
some soup and light up the cave.
What can we learn from this? Depression can feel different for everyone. Showing ourselves some self-love and shine some light in your cave.
Little Stones at My Window, by Mario Benedetti
Once in a while
joy throws little stones at my window
it wants to let me know that it's waiting for me
but today I'm calm
I'd almost say even-tempered
I'm going to keep anxiety locked up
and then lie flat on my back
which is an elegant and comfortable position
for receiving and believing news
who knows where I'll be next
or when my story will be taken into account
who knows what advice I still might come up with
and what easy way out I'll take not to follow it
don't worry, I won't gamble with an eviction
I won't tattoo remembering with forgetting
there are many things left to say and suppress
and many grapes left to fill our mouths
don't worry, I'm convinced
joy doesn't need to throw any more little stones
I'm coming
I'm coming
What can we learn from this? Good things are always on the horizon. There are no promises as to how long these good things will take to come, but they are there, and we should all hold onto some hope.
Eleven by Tanya Markul
The pain that made you
the odd one out
is the story
that connects you
to a healing world
What can we learn from this? Our life experiences and the hardship we've faced in life truly transform us into the people we are today.