National Bad Poetry Day, part 4: Famous poets who struggled with mental health

National Bad Poetry Day, part 4: Famous poets who struggled with mental health

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Edgar Allen Poe, Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath were all famous poets who struggled with mental health issues. Riddled with bipolar disorder, depression and suicidal ideations, these famous poets created poems that were racy and dark, and alluded to their mental instabilities. Was it their mental illnesses that drove them to write their famous poetry? Or did poetry unmask their mental illnesses? Studies have shown that expression through writing can be cathartic for people who are struggling with mental illness.

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National Bad Poetry Day, part 3: The pros and cons of venting through writing

National Bad Poetry Day, part 3: The pros and cons of venting through writing

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Writing is a form of expression. Writing comes in all different forms: poetry, speeches, lyrics, short stores, novels and many others. Some believe writing can be a form of therapy to express oneself. Eminem and many other artists use their lyrics to express anger and a dark past. Sometimes writing down one’s emotions can be a therapeutic way for venting.

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National Bad Poetry Day, part 2: The mental effects of creating verse

National Bad Poetry Day, part 2: The mental effects of creating verse

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Cathartic is defined as providing psychological relief through open expression. Each person has different hobbies or tasks that are cathartic. Some believe that running is cathartic, others believe that art is cathartic. One form of art if poetry. The expression of words on paper can help individuals release their feelings and express themselves. That can lead to healing.

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National Bad Poetry Day, part 1: Venting through written word

National Bad Poetry Day, part 1: Venting through written word

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National Bad Poetry Day falls on August 18 this year and is dedicated to celebrating the written word. Although it is not officially acknowledged by the U.S. government, according to Wellcat.com, the creators of this day, it’s a chance to: “Invite some friends over, compose some really rotten verse, and send it to your old high school teacher.” Sounds fun.

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When bipolar disorder and addiction lead to dual diagnosis

When bipolar disorder and addiction lead to dual diagnosis

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Individuals struggling with bipolar disorder are far more susceptible to substance abuse than any other clinical psychiatric disorder. Bipolar disorder most often starts during young adulthood, but also occurs in children and adolescents. The use of drugs and alcohol also usually starts during the teenage years. Read more