When it comes to your mental health, a little reading can go a long way. Studies show that reading can improve your mood in a number of ways. Whether you’re looking for poetry to soothe the sting of heartache, or to encourage you to take the next step, these 14 poems are sure to inspire.
1. For those who have lost trust
I hope you forgive the parts of you
that are still doubtful
when a good thing finds you.
They are healing.
2. For those in pain
If the hurt comes,
so will the happiness.
–be patient
by Rupi Kaur
3. For those trapped by fear
Here is the fear, welcoming itself into your thoughts.
It has reason to, because it did not utter a lie when it said not
to fall in love with them.
Maybe it was right about the person,
but it was never right about love.
It was definitely not right this me.
It is tying your hands together to keep you from catching your next blessings.
It’s trying to clog your thoughts with doubts so you make no room for better.
The beauty in letting go is finding freedom and making yourself available for more.
What’s Next by Pierre Alex Jeanty
4. For those in a creative slump
Take creative control.
Use the gift of freedom as desired.
Any direction you choose,
opportunity is waiting.
Create the experience you want.
The brush is in your hand.
A Painter’s Canvas
by Marala Scott
5. For those who feel alone
Don’t be afraid of being alone
with yourself.
Lean into the discomfort
of being
one
on your own.
Learn to love yourself
even if no one loves
You.
You will survive.
I promise.
by Najwa Zebian
6. For those who feel held back
Greet the world with no expectation.
Love as though you have never been heart or betrayed.
Let go of the ones who take so much from you
yet offer nothing in return.
This is how you take back your power.
by Lang Leav
7. For those with rough edges
soft
i must find ways
to be soft
without using my body
without wearing my heart
on my sleeve
for wolves to feed on.
without
hardening parts
of me that scream
for it the most.
8. For those who feel out of place
This is my world and I have a place in it
otherwise I wouldn’t be in it
If you feel a lot you belong
If you are tired you belong
If you are depressed you belong
If you are angry you belong
If you are suicidal you belong
This is your world you have a place in it
otherwise you wouldn’t be in it
9. For those grappling with regret
we’re only haunted
by the things
we refuse
to accept
10. For those holding on to hurt
I no longer believe anger will save me.
For that,
I have to put down the knife.
I have to thank my breath.
I have to let you go.
11. For those seeking growth
Your heart is here to grow
water it with love
let the light in
Remember your heart
is a world beating
beneath your skin
12. For those feel empty
Self-love is an ocean and your heart
is a vessel. Make it full and any
excess will spill over into the lives
of the people you hold dear, but you
must come first.
by Beau Taplin
13. For those seeking a new beginning
there will be moments when
you will bloom fully and then
wilt, only to bloom again.
if we can learn anything from
flowers it is that resilience is born
even when we feel like we are
dying.
Rebirth by Alex Elle
14. For those who feel small
a confession—
the answer is simple.
like the wind whistling
through everything,
take up as much
space as you dare.
Bravery by Alison Malee
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few moments to read, reflect, and relax. Practice some self-care by meditating on a mantra that resonates with you. And remember: no matter what you’re going through, you are here, you are alive, and you matter.
