The next time you feel lonely or anxious, turn to poetry to soothe the pain

A study reveals that poetry can help combat isolation and loneliness. — AFP

MUSIC is said to soothe the soul, but the benefits of poetry are far less well known. Yet poetry may have unsuspected powers. A study carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic reveals that people who write or read poetry can feel less lonely, less sad and less anxious.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused anxiety and depression worldwide to soar by around 25%, according to data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO). While the fear of contracting the virus and financial worries largely contributed to this increase, social isolation and, more broadly, loneliness, have emerged as the main factors of stress and anxiety.