Using Poetry to Help Young Adults Cope with Mental Health Challenges

Authors

• Erin Seeley, Northern Michigan UniversityFollow

Author Biographies

Erin Seeley is a third-grade teacher in Waterford, Michigan. She received her master’s degree in Reading Specialist from Northern Michigan University this spring. Her areas of interest include literacy education, writing instruction, and fostering student engagement in English language arts.

Abstract

This manuscript explores the use of poetry to support young adults in coping with mental health challenges, including anxiety, grief, and trauma. Drawing on real classroom experiences and examples from young adult literature in verse, this paper illustrates how poetry can provide students with a safe outlet for self-expression, emotional processing, and connection to others. Works by Elizabeth Acevedo, Thanhha Lai, and Benedetti are examined to demonstrate how poetry fosters belonging, resilience, and hope. Implications for educators highlight the role of literature in promoting social-emotional learning and mental health awareness in the classroom.

Recommended Citation

Seeley, Erin (2026) "Using Poetry to Help Young Adults Cope with Mental Health Challenges," Language Arts Journal of Michigan: Vol. 40: Iss. 1, Article 21.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.9707/2168-149X.2481

Publication Date

6-2026