CLOSING DOWN
PLEASE NOTE: Sadly Poetry for Mental Health will be closing down at the end of 2026. I have tried running it voluntarily for the past six years, but with rising costs and the amount of hours it now takes running the site and publishing its books, it is no longer possible to continue without any funding. However, although this website will be closing down, I will try to keep posting and showcasing poetry for mental health on the Facebook page for as long as I can.
I sincerely wish everyone the very best; stay well, stay strong, stay positive, and keep writing ... poetry!!
Robin
TRIGGER WARNING!
This website contains poetry and true stories about trauma, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, self-harming, depression and other significant mental health issues, as well as personal stories of emotional neglect and abuse, which some people might find upsetting.
Poetry for Mental Health
Supporting people around the world through words and poetry ...
ROBIN BARRATT - Founder POETRY FOR MENTAL HEALTH
"I formed
Poetry for Mental Health at the outbreak of COVID, as a way of helping people cope mentally through lockdown and the pandemic by inspiring them to write poetry. Six years, nine books, and many thousands of pieces of poetry later,
Poetry for Mental Health
is still inspiring people to write poetry for positive mental health! And with almost 1500 visitors a the month, it
is now probably the largest and most visited website of its kind on the net!"
Poetry for Mental Health has supported thousands of people through words and poetry! No matter what your age, background and experience, culture, nationality, or identity; whether an established writer with many published titles to your credit, or an aspiring poet who has never written a word of poetry in your life, our philosophy here is to embrace, welcome and support everyone, everywhere, and help you cope through words and poetry.
Today's Featured Poetry
10th November, 2026
KNIFE
By Tim Boardman
I place
the cutting knife
on a kitchen sharpener
that has a sucker
underneath.
I wet the sucker
from soapy water
left in the washing up
bowl
and it attaches
to the sink top
where I can slide
the knife
one direction only
through the sharpener.
But the
sound
evokes memories
of Dad
sharpening the knife
for a
joint of beef brisket
that Mum had cooked
that I never wanted
but I had to eat.
Eating became
troublesome
especially with Dad
in his tie
sharpening
and
sharpening.
That sound.
I now chop vegetables
into long strips
and steam them,
which I shake
before roasting,
drizzled with
Greek herbs
bought at a supermarket
in Crete.
I can feel the
warmth
and taste the sweat.
It’s fortunately
near an air-conditioned
clothing shop.
The supermarket
feels familiar
with familiar products
but inexplicable writing
and smells.
The vegetables
now roasted,
were
something rare,
especially
with olive oil
that was used only
for blocked ears.
Our Books
STOCK CLEARANCE - UK ONLY
As the website is closing down at the end of 2026, we have a limited number of books now available at a discounted price of just £5.49 each + £3.60 p&p ( 1st Class UK, large letter). Click on the link below for further details. UK customers only:
Featured Poets
Featuring poets from around the world, with up to six pieces of their work, and a little about the author and the stories behind their work.
And lots more ...
Personal Journeys
In their own words, writers and poets write about their own personal journey with mental health.
Interviews
Ten amazing writers and poets talking about their own personal journey with mental health.
Featured Books
Promoting poetry books and publications.
And lots more ...
Other ...
Directory of Support Services
Charities, groups and organisations worldwide offering mental health help and support to people in crisis.
Mental Health First Aid
Identifying warning signs of common mental health crisis, and how to guide a person towards safety and appropriate help.
Publishing Services
We publish books for other people too!!!
Would you like to see your poetry collection published as a paperback and Kindle, and available for other people to read around the world? Prices start from just £150.00 for a chapbook / short poetry collection. Click on the link for more info. Plus Promoting Your Book- information and advice for promoting and marketing your book. We have published over 100 books for other people. Just a few examples below:
We have published over 100 books for other people. Just a few examples below:
NOTE ON CONTRIBUTIONS: We publish mental health poetry from around the world, and for a number contributors to this website, English is not their first language. Unlike some other platforms, we don't heavily edit a poet's own work (if we did, it would then not be their own work!), so please focus on a poet's messages and meanings, and not necessarily on any grammatical mistakes or translated imperfections that may arise within their contribution.