7 Depression Poems: What The World’s Greatest Poets Can Teach Us

Most people recognize the names of some of the world's greatest poets whether they've read their poems before or not. Many of our most famous poets experienced depression. Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe, Tennessee Williams, and Ernest Hemingway, to name a few, are all almost as famous for their struggles with depression as they are for their gift of poetry. Poetry has the power to show a significant depth of emotion while bringing inner darkness to light. 

The Special Connection Between Depression and Poetry

Depression is a serious mental illness that affects at least 300 million people worldwide. This includes people of all ages and from every region of the world. The good news is, effective treatment options have emerged due to this widespread issue. Several studies have shown at least six different treatment methods have helped people cope with their symptoms.

 Poetry has a unique way of expressing thoughts and feelings related to depression. It can be eye-catching, thought-provoking, and gut-wrenching when the work enables you to relate to pain, hurt, or despair. Many have found reading or writing poetry as a way to help them cope. Additionally, options such as working with mental health licensed professional, antidepressant medication, and making positive lifestyle changes are effective methods to live a healthy life free from depression.

Depression Poems: A Natural Complementary Treatment for Depression

Besides therapy, counseling, and medication, there are natural remedies helpful in combating symptoms of depression. Hitting milestones to achieve your goals and obtain favorable results may include combining your options. Your doctor or licensed mental health specialist may recommend specific methods as part of your treatment. For instance,natural complementary treatments include:

• Exercise
• Meditation
• Relaxation Training
• Dance
• Art/Painting
• Listening to Music
• Stretching Exercises
• Breathing Exercises
• Reading

A study conducted in the U.K. tested these natural complementary treatments for depression and found that "reading worked best, reducing stress levels by 68%." It only took six minutes of silent reading before heart rates went down and muscle tension began to ease. Since stress is one of the primary triggers for depression, finding ways to eliminate it while in treatment is the most effective.

 Since reading for only six minutes had the most significant effect on the mood and stress levels of the study participants, we looked further into what types of things people with depression should be reading to reduce stress. And we thought, what about depression poems or poems about depression from some of the world's greatest poets of all time?

7 Famous Poets Who Wrote Poems about Depression

Poems have an intangible way of expressing a profound sentiment that can be hard for others to show or even understand. Writing poetry itself can be a healer for people coping with depression or other types of mental illness.

There are different kinds of depression and different levels. Some depression is attributed to a chemical imbalance in the brain. It can also be hormonal, hereditary, or the result of trauma. The following content details poets and their notable works of poetry inspired by forms of depression, resulting in (we think) some of their best poems.

Bipolar Depression

Bipolarity is a mood disorder where depression is one of the significant symptoms. People who are bipolar experience extreme highs and lows in their mood behaviors. The extreme lows are usually depression. Two of the greatest women poets of all time both lived with bipolar depression which can be seen in their poetry:

• Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf was a Brit who lived through the two World Wars. She is known for writing exceptional depression poems including one titled "Angels," written in 1919 that illustrates the up-and-down nature of bipolar depression. Virginia was also a novelist with her novel titled Mrs. Dalloway being one of her most admired literary works.

Here's an excerpt from her novel,Mrs. Dalloway (1925):

"Beauty, the world seemed to say. And as if to prove it (scientifically) wherever he looked at the houses, at the railings, at the antelopes stretching over the palings, beauty sprang instantly. To watch a leaf quivering in the rush of air was an exquisite joy. Up in the sky swallows swooping, swerving, flinging themselves in and out, round and round, yet always with perfect control as if elastics held them; and the flies rising and falling; and the sun spotting now this leaf, now that, in mockery, dazzling it with soft gold in pure good temper; and now again some chime (it might be a motor horn) tinkling divinely on the grass stalks - all of this, calm and reasonable as it was, made out of ordinary things as it was, was the truth now; beauty, that was the truth now. Beauty was everywhere."

Virginia Woolf's works remind us that illness does not define a person. Although some people remember Woolf for her depression, in her diaries you'll find joy, lust for life, jokes, and the pleasures of being alive. Novelist Elizabeth Bowen describes Wolf at one moment during her life, crouching on the floor, mending a curtain - "and she sat back on her heels and put her head back in a patch of sun, early spring sun, and laughed in this consuming, choking, delightful, hooting way." It's important to remember that depression doesn't define us.

• Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath shares her experience of depression through her poem "Tulips." It is recognized as a brilliant descriptive and metaphoric piece of poetry where she explains what depression and emptiness feel like. Below is an excerpt from her poem, Tulips:

"Before they came the air was calm enough,

Coming and going, breath by breath, without any fuss.

Then the tulips filled it up like a loud noise.

Now the air snags and eddies round them the way a river

Snags and eddies round a sunken rust-red engine.

They concentrate my attention, which was happy

Playing and resting without committing itself.

The walls, also, seem to be warming themselves.

The tulips should be behind bars like dangerous animals;

They are opening like the mouth of some great African cat,

And I am aware of my heart: it opens and closes

Its bowl of red blooms out of sheer love for me.

The water I taste is warm and salt, like the sea,

And comes from a country far away as health."

This poem illustrates Sylvia Plath's lifelong experience with two opposing forces: death and life. Throughout the poem, she references the feeling of being inanimate. When the tulips re-enter her life, she becomes animated again, into the world of pain and life. Her words, although deeply indicative of depression, show readers that at times feeling alive (with pain coming and going) is better than feeling nothing at all.

Undiagnosed Bipolar Depression

Historians have come to believe based on Poe's letters and works that he lived with bipolar depression that was undiagnosed.

• Edgar Allan Poe

Born during the early 19th century, Poe's characteristic mood swings are symptomatic of bipolar depression which may lead to alcoholism and other self-destructive behaviors. Edgar Allen Poe exhibited many of these symptoms. Trauma can cause mood disorders; Poe was orphaned at a young age. He was also considered an alcoholic, likely the cause of his untimely death at the age of 40. When his beloved foster mother died in 1829, he wrote perhaps one of his most famous poems about depression, "Alone."

Alone by Edgar Allan Poe

From childhood, I have not been
Like others, were-I have not seen
As others, saw-I could not bring
My passions from a common spring-
From the same source, I have not taken
My sorrow-I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone-
And all I lov'd-I lov'd alone-
Then-in my childhood-in the dawn
Of a most stormy life was drawn
From ev'ry depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still-
From the torrent, or the fountain-
From the red cliff of the mountain-
From the sun that 'round me roll'd
In its autumn tint of gold-
From the lightning in the sky
As it passed me flying by-
From the thunder, and the storm-
And the cloud that took the form
(When the rest of Heaven was blue)
Of a demon in my view-

 The poem illustrates the loneliness associated with depression that leaves many feeling disconnected from others.

Undiagnosed Depression

Often confused about their general malaise and sadness, especially before our modern knowledge and understanding of depression, poets from the 1800s like Emily Dickinson wrote a lot about how they felt. In their poetry, we can see the many symptoms that characterize mental depression:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Emptiness
• Anger
• Tiredness
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Worthlessness

You can feel the overwhelming loneliness and misery expressed throughout the poems. For individuals with depression, reading these poems is like talking to someone who feels and understands your pain firsthand while relaxing your mind and easing stress, even if it's just a few minutes a day.

• Emily Dickinson

Although most of Emily Dickinson's poems dealt with death and darkness, her writing style can be described as lyrical. It has a kind of beauty that is shrouded in darkness. She was an American poet who lived through the most tumultuous years in American history from the end of the slave trade to post-Reconstruction (born in 1830 and died in 1886). Through her words, she puts her finger on what it feels like to be in the grips of a depressive state in her most famous depression poem, "It Was Not Death, For I Stood Up.”

It Was Not Death, For I Stood Up by Emily Dickinson

It was not Death, for I stood up,
And all the Dead, lie down-
It was not Night, for all the Bells
Put out their Tongues, for Noon

It was not Frost, for on my Flesh
I felt Siroccos-crawl-
Nor Fire-for just my Marble feet
Could keep a Chancel, cool-

And yet, it tasted, like them all,
The Figures I have seen
Set orderly, for Burial,
Reminded me, of mine-

As if my life were shaven,
And fitted to a frame,
And could not breathe without a key,
And 'twas like Midnight, some -

When everything that ticked has stopped-
And Space stares-all around-
Or Grisly frosts-first Autumn morns,
Repeal the Beating Ground-

But, most, like Chaos-Stopless-cool-
Without a Chance, or Spar-
Or even a Report of Land-
To justify-Despair.

The poem illustrates how people often assess their thoughts when depressed to try and understand why they are experiencing them. Analyzing your thoughts alone may bring more despair, and holding on to them makes it difficult to see possibilities of hope.

• Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway is a novelist, most famously known for the Nobel Prize-winning For Whom the Bell Tolls, among other tragic stories. He was also a poet who lived with undiagnosed depression, but unlike Edgar Allen Poe, he likely experienced a dual diagnosis. That is when one illness creates a secondary illness - depression creates alcoholism or drug abuse.

Hemingway's source of depression is likely related to his years serving in WWI. His works often revolve around traumatic and tragic incidents experienced during the war. His ups and downs suggest he might have had bipolar disorder.

Ernest Hemingway's works are profound contributions to the literature that highlight feelings of joy and sorrow—and the way people live with those emotions—that are experienced in everyday life.

Depression and Mania

Famous American poet Anne Sexton not only experienced clinical depression, but also manic, or psychotic, depression. These depressives often go through some psychotic schism that causes delusions or hallucinations.

• Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton's poetry is personal and deals almost exclusively with her troubled relationships as a result of her depression and mania. Her poem, "The Fury of Rainstorms," has come to iconize her unique ability to lay bare the inner turmoil of depression.

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 beaten 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.

The poem illustrates feelings of depression using vivid imagery, and finishes with the author's self-reflection, with a touch of humor. It's important that no matter how dark things get, we remember to "light up the cave."

Melancholy

Our last poet was not a manic depressive and from all accounts lived a carefree and gregarious life "full of excitement and ambition." Most of his poems are romantic odes and sonnets about wooing or losing a woman. However, he wrote one poem about depression that many contend is the best of his lyrics.

• John Keats

Keats’ poem "Ode on Melancholy" deals with depression differently than all of the other poets on this list. Melancholy was what depression was called in the 1800s, and instead of being a dark poem about how it feels to be depressed, Keats' ode tells the reader how to combat depression by ingesting the beauty that is all around us. It is an inspiring poem about overcoming depression.

Ode on Melancholy by John Keats

No, no, go not to Lethe, neither twist
Wolf's-bane, tight-rooted, for its poisonous wine;
Nor suffer thy pale forehead to be kissed
By nightshade, the ruby grape of Proserpine;
Make not your rosary of yew berries,
Nor let the beetle, nor the death-moth be
Your mournful Psyche, nor the downy owl
A partner in your sorrow's mysteries;
From shade to shade will come too drowsily,
And drown the wakeful anguish of the soul.

But when the melancholy fit shall fall
Sudden from heaven like a weeping cloud,
That fosters the droop-headed flowers all,
And hides the green hill in an April shroud;
Then glut thy sorrow on a morning rose,
Or on the rainbow of the salt sand wave,
Or on the wealth of globed peonies;
Or if thy mistress some rich anger shows,
Imprison her soft hand, and let her rave,
And feed deep, deep upon her peerless eyes.

She dwells with Beauty - Beauty that must die;
And Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips
Bidding adieu, and aching Pleasure nigh,
Turning to poison while the bee-mouth sips:
Ay, in the very temple of Delight
Veil'd Melancholy has her sovran shrine,
Though seen of none save him whose strenuous tongue
Can burst Joy's grape against his palate fine;
His soul shalt taste the sadness of her might,
And be among her cloudy trophies hung.

Help Is Available

Although depression can seem all-consuming and may result in massive pain, the fact that you're reading this article right now shows that you've taken the critical first step in reaching out to others who understand what you're going through. Even if you're only surviving right now, that deserves recognition. You must realize that these feelings will pass.

As mentioned above, treatment for depression can significantly reduce symptoms. Even though symptoms vary from person to person, the availability of counseling and a plethora of other treatment options shows that help is always available to anyone who needs help.

BetterHelp Understands Feelings behind Depression

Research suggests that online therapy can be an effective alternative to traditional, in-person therapy when treating those living with depression. In a study published in the Journal of Internet Medical Research, researchers found that internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced symptoms in people experiencing depression. With CBT, therapists can guide those experiencing depression through a treatment plan that includes exercises, counseling, and other tools to begin replacing intrusive negative thoughts. Additionally, those experiencing depression often do not reach out for help due to costs, availability, or the stigma associated with therapy. 

BetterHelp counselors and therapists provide expertise on how to cope with depression; and without pricey office space or related costs, that knowledgeable guidance is often less expensive than in-person therapy. Through BetterHelp, online counselors have helped many begin the healing process. Read the following reviews to learn how others got the help they needed.

Counselor Reviews

"Tim has given me some amazing insights to contemplate. He has offered me different ways of viewing my problems and approaching them. He has given me concrete tools to use to manage my stress and improve my depression. He is incredibly responsive and helpful. I'm blown away by how much I like this platform and how helpful Tim has been."

 "I put off finding a therapist for a long time. I dreaded my first conversation with Neil and all the awkward, clunky explanations I'd have to give about my depression and anxiety. All of the things that felt like dirty little secrets that caused me so much pain. But I was so pleasantly surprised by the way Neil accurately picked up on what I was saying and gave me more insight into how my brain was working. It made my issue feel so much less of a personal problem and more of a universal problem we could examine together. He always gives me a thoughtful response within a day or two any time I send a message. I think we've made more progress in between sessions just by being able to communicate things that are coming up in real-time. Neil is intelligent and kind. I appreciate his communication style and highly recommend him."

Conclusion

Depression through poetry reminds us that personal thoughts and emotions felt should be shared with others. You don't have to be a poet to understand the profound effects of depression. When you can relate to any feelings expressed such as those mentioned above, know that there are professionals who understand these feelings and who are ready to help you cope with them and move forward to enjoying life once more. Others who have gone through depression have emerged on the other side. Take the first step.

Questions People Often Ask:

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What are some poems about mental health?

As mentioned in the above article, many poets covered topics related to depression and mental health. Another poem that captures the experience of a depressive state is “Sonnet 29” by William Shakespeare, which reads:

“When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,

I all alone beweep my outcast state,

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,

And look upon me and curse my fate,

Wishing me like one more rich in hope,

Featured like him, with friends possessed,

Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,

With what I most enjoy contented least;

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,

Haply I think on thee, and then my state,

(Like to the lark at break of day arising

From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate;

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings.”

In addition to famous writers, numerous websites feature poems about depression to help others know that they are not alone in what they are experiencing. The following piece “From Oppression Comes Light”, posted online anonymously, offers a powerful depiction of living with depression:

“Depression is oppression.

 It’s a deadly hidden message defined by self-hate.

 It seals its prisoner’s fate.

 It holds you captive and throws out the key.

 It stabs and jabs just to see you bleed,

 Inflicting wounds that scar for life.

 Destruction is its mother and death is its wife.”

Another piece posted online about depression is called “The Daily Battle”:

It is the darkest, deepest place one can travel to alone,

A solo journey filled with struggles and groans.

Every day is a new battle against the same foe,

But the enemy fights back with psychological blows.

It creeps up on you in your most vulnerable state,

Especially when there's no one around who can relate.

Thoughts in your mind begin to swirl and swell,

Which drag you into your subconscious hell.

Figments and entities from your past

Serve as the pain, which you can't outlast.

Finally sleep always comes as a welcomed friend,

But in the morning the ceaseless battle begins yet again.

Another excellent piece that can serve as a metaphor for depression and life is Susannah Wood’s “The Swimming Lesson”.

“Feeling the icy kick, the endless waves

Reaching around my life, I moved my arms

And coughed, and in the end, saw land.

Somebody, I suppose,

Remembering the medieval maxim,

Had tossed me in,

Had wanted me to learn to swim,

Not knowing that none of us, whoever came back

From that long lonely fall and frenzied rising,

Ever learned anything at all

About swimming, but only

How to put off, one by one,

Dreams and pity, love and grace,-

How to survive in any place.”