Tanya Ward Jordan, Author of "Sipping Wine Over Rhymes" discusses the therapeutic benefits of expressive writings during times of uncertainty.

1. Sipping Wine Over Rhymes: Poetry Amid the Pandemic
The novel coronavirus outbreak, known as COVID-19 began in 2019. It originated
in Wuhan, China. Today, the harmful and often fatal disease touches nearly every
corner of the world. According to the New York Times, the first proven case in
the United States arose on January 21, 2020. Since that dim day, hundreds of
thousands of people have fallen ill. Thousands have died.
The Center For Disease (CDC) reports American deaths due to COVID19 on its
website. As of October 2, 2020, the CDC reports 195,312 deaths involving
COVID19 in the United States. For certain, the dismal reports of lost lives and the
COVID19 infection rates impose a pyschological toll on many. Notably, a Census
Bureau survey found that one in three Americans report depression or anxiety
symptoms. According to the Census American depression or anxiety, symptoms
spiked more than three times the rate from a similar survey conducted in the first
half of 2019.
According to the CDC, social distancing helps to fight the coronavirus. However,
the practice, where people often go long periods without seeing their friends or
family, can put one in a depressed state of mind. Depression symptoms vary from
mild to severe. According to the American Psychological Association, symptoms
can include feeling sad, difficulty thinking, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping,
loss of energy, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed and thoughts of death.
In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, many feel overcome by grief.
Depression can touch anyone. In fact, former First Lady Michelle Obama said she
suffers from 'low-grade depression and she identified the pandemic as a
contributing factor.

2. Recently, I spoke before my UMGC Power
Speakers Toastmasters club members and share
how I used poetry to cope when I feel
overwhelmed. A few months ago, I compiled
some poems, uploaded them on Amazon, and
published my creative works in a book titled
Sipping Wine Over Rhymes. Writing poetry serves
as my way of journaling. According to the
American Psychiatric Association, "journaling can
provide general wellness and self-improvement
benefits.” Notably, National Institute of Health
reports the benefits of expressive writing for
people suffering depression.
Long before the pandemic, I started the practice of what I term -- “poetic
journaling.” As a federal whistleblower, who faced harmful retaliation, I found
writing poetry therapeutic. It allowed me the freedom to deeply and meaningfully
write about the racial inequality and troubling events I encountered in the federal
government over several years.
Of course, no one knows how long the pandemic will stay with us. Therefore,
I encourage those reading this article to practice self-care. Be intentional about
doing activities that bring you joy. Self-care helps to counteract loneliness, ease
negative thoughts, and cope with symptoms of depression.
As for me, during these anxious days of shelter in place,
I retreat to a quiet and pleasing space,
where literature calms all worries within.
And, I warmly welcome poetry like a cherished friend.