Poems by theme
These poems describe heaviness, isolation, anxious thought, small routines, and reaching toward other people. They are creative writing, not diagnosis or treatment advice. If you may be in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a crisis service in your country.
Each poem is an original EveryPoem editorial work, selected for its relevance to this theme. Open a poem to read the full text, notes on its themes, and literary devices.
This poem is not going to pretend it knows what you're feeling.
In every room I count the exits, measure the windows,
The hill begins immediately. My lungs object at once. The old voice says turn back
Make the day small enough: this spoon, this soup, the square of sun beside the sink.
It isn't sadness. Sadness has a shape— you can walk around it, point to it, explain it to a doctor
Loneliness is not being alone. I want to be clear about that.
My brain has no off switch. I've looked.
It starts before you wake. Somehow it's already there.
You have repeated the same warning for forty-three minutes. I heard you the first time.
Many people find that poetry provides a unique form of emotional processing. Reading poems about depression can reduce feelings of isolation, while writing poetry can help externalize difficult emotions. Poetry therapy is a recognized therapeutic approach. If you're struggling, please also reach out to a mental health professional.