Saving lives through poetry

With so many people struggling with their mental health, Lichfield‑based Registered BACP Counsellor and sben member Sheila McMahon has seen first hand how writing poetry can become far more than a hobby.

For many, it has proven to be a lifeline, including Sheila herself.

In the wake of publishing her lifetime anthology of poetry, entitled ‘Behind Closed Doors,’ which includes many poems written during episodes of depression in her teens and 20s, she said: “Sometimes people feel overwhelmed by their emotions and simply need an outlet.

“Poetry can give them a way to release what they’re carrying.”

And the research supports Sheila’s stance. A 2023 study that explored the benefits of poetry during the COVID‑19 pandemic reported around 50% of participants said reading or writing poetry helped them manage feelings of anxiety and depression.

“The benefits of writing or reading poetry can extend beyond momentary comfort,” added Sheila. “For some, writing poetry helps their mental health because it offers them a cathartic release to process complex emotions like grief or traumatic memories.

“I didn’t know at the time of writing my poetry, because of my age, but I know now that my poetry helped me to get through my own mental health struggles as it allowed me to openly write down how I was feeling and be honest about how I was struggling with everyday life.”

The same 2023 study also showed that poetry therapy enabled deeper emotional processing in almost two-thirds of participants, how engaging with it improved their ability to process their feelings, with around 80% of people admitting it allowed them to actively express themselves, and it even helped ease loneliness for many during periods of isolation.

Sheila’s relationship with poetry is certainly a deeply personal one, and these findings reflect her experience throughout her lifetime.

Having penned poetry throughout her life, and continuing to do so today, her sincere hope in publishing her new poetry book is that it will help to give others the lifeline that it gave her, as well as hope for those who may be struggling in silence.

The response to Sheila’s anthology, which is available to buy on Sheila’s website here and on Amazon, has already been powerful.

At the launch, which saw the Lichfield Garrick’s lounge packed out, Sheila spoke candidly of her mental health journey and struggles and performed some of her poetry, with feedback including “refreshing,” “honest,” and “amazing.”

One attendee said: “Your talk was so very honest, and I felt that it gave others permission to talk about their own mental health struggles quite openly. It was very refreshing.”

This is Sheila’s second book. Her first book, published 11 years ago, entitled ‘The Power of Knowing You’, is also available on Sheila’s website and on Amazon.

Sheila, who is also the CEO of Mind Management For You, continues to share her mental health message beyond penning books by delivering mental health and wellbeing talks to businesses, including the likes of JCB. For more, visit www.mindmanagementforyou.com