Exploring the Healing Potential of Creative Expression

Not being understood in the domestic sphere and its associated forms of depression are yet to be widely acknowledged and accepted as a mental health issue in India. The gendered programming of domestic/familial roles often relegate the woman into functions that are monotonous, laborious and daunting. Much of the household work is associated with the procuring, preparation and serving of food. The Kitchen invariably becomes the centre of all activity – a place where nourishment for the entire family emanates and aspirations of the individual woman, are put on the burner. The seething emotions often bubble over, simmering in a cauldron of ignorance, ingratitude and a sense of obscurity bestowed upon by the family. Sacrifices are aplenty; rewards and recognition – zilch. This insensitivity and indifference leads to a vortex of emotions that build into a volley of issues ranging from anger, irritation, pain, suffering, loneliness and depression. A woman becomes lost in the process of nurturing the lives of her loved ones while yearning for love, respect, identity and realization of her dreams. The mental balance is lost. This is where Poetry comes in handy as a medium of expression. Studies have proven the healing effect of words. This paper is an attempt at unravelling the cathartic and therapeutic essence of poems on mental well-being. The scholar, through a reading of poetry by Hiba Ashraf, Vimala and others, aims to provide an analysis and interpretation of select poems that establish a cathartic and restorative relationship between poems and mental health.