Thomasian poets are proposing literature as a form of therapy for mental disorders and anxieties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Victor Emmanuel Carmelo “Vim” Nadera Jr., a pioneer of poetry therapy in the Philippines, described literature as an enlightening and empowering tool, which could be used as an outlet for one’s mental struggles.
“Sining ang nagbibigay ng kahulugan o kapayapaan sa atin,” the former Varsitarian editor in chief said in his talk during the online mental wellness and writing event “Write Side Up!”
“Ginagamit ko noon ang tula bilang terapiya sa may cancer, AIDS, sa batang lansangan, sa mga comfort women, sa mga gumagamit ng bawal na gamot, sa mga naipit sa digmaan, sa mga biktima ng likas at likhang kalamidad,” he added.
Nadera obtained a degree in psychology from UST in 1984 and finished his master’s studies in clinical psychology in 1996.
The award-winning poet also said that literature could help a person decode uncertainties and anxieties amid the pandemic.
Ramil Digal Gulle, a two-time Palanca awardee, discussed how writing could help a writer understand better his thoughts and feelings.
“When we are writing, empathy is very important, and what is connected with empathy is the ability to perceive and recognize facts, the ability to perceive and recognize what is the truth from a lie,” he said.
“What we’re seeing during the pandemic, especially in social media, are many forces around us not only eroding our mental health, but also eroding our capacity to respond effectively and heal ourselves from mental health challenges.”
Gulle urged poets to use literature as a tool for healing themselves and helping others struggling with mental illnesses.
“Writing is just sound and sense imprinted on the page. It is taking the best words and putting the best words in the best order so we can transfer accurately what’s inside one mind to another mind.” Sofia Bernice F. Navarro
