The “write” prescription for my mental health

How poetry helped my depression

Jessica Mills / Arts & Culture Editor / The USD Vista

(Cw: mental illness/depression)

If you ask my friends or family to describe me, they’d probably use words like “compassionate,” “bubbly” or “reliable.” Truthfully, I wouldn’t disagree with any of those descriptions.
But I’m also a sad girl. Not all the time — not even most of the time — but enough of the time.

Like most, my mental health journey is ever-changing. What works one day likely differs from what works another day. For me, traditional routes like therapy and medication aren’t always enough. As a creative person needing an outlet to release negative thoughts, I turned to poetry.

Since a young age, writing has been a natural instinct. I have filled countless diaries with stories I created, gossip I wrote down and mementos for future reflection. I didn’t start using my writing as therapy until I turned 20 years old, but I felt the effects immediately.

I started by focusing on my most prominent emotion, and then described it in any way I could think of. I related it to colors, actions, expressions and even objects around me. In doing so, my emotions felt less scary. I’d given them a face: something I could relate to and visualize. I took my power back from those unsettling and intangible emotions.

Healthline, an online health journal, explains that writing offers individuals a safe space to process negative thoughts and emotions and reflect on impactful life experiences.
Like Healthline, I believe utilizing traditional mental health outlets is important. I also argue that engaging in creative routes can be equally healing.

Although I feel comfortable talking openly with a therapist, there are some thoughts I’m not always ready to vocalize. With writing, that sense of vulnerability was never an issue. I didn’t need to fear judgment or pity.

No matter the mental illness one struggles with, writing down troubling feelings can be very beneficial. When you transfer those emotions onto a page, it can create room for happier thoughts.

As I continued to keep up with my writing, the length of my depressive episodes shortened significantly. This morphed into a routine. When I felt a depressive episode approaching, I’d grab my laptop and start typing.  

When you need an emotional release, I recommend finding a quiet place to write down your feelings. Not only can this be a helpful distraction from negative thoughts, it can also minimize the fear that accompanies them.

Some people might prefer other creative outlets, such as making music or painting. Others may find their release through physical activities such as yoga.
Whatever that outlet may be, I encourage everyone to explore what works best for them and implement it into their routine.

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. As of 2020, the National Institute of Mental Health says suicide is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. among individuals between the ages of 15-24. Providing hope, information and strategies for mental health management is crucial to help those in crisis.

I don’t think writing is the sole answer for helping one’s mental health; therapy and medication are great options. In fact, I’m an advocate for both, but life gets busy and health care isn’t always accessible. I argue that writing can help one’s mental health immensely.

If you are in need of help, advice or someone to talk to, here are some mental health resources available to you:
SAMHSA National Helpline
It’s Up 2 Us Campaign
San Diego County Mental Health Crisis Help
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline