We are full of worlds that can't be contained by a pill

MAD Poetry is an initiative that originated in the Illawarra. The key focus of the project is on creating a safe writing space for emerging voices with a lived/living experience of mental health issues to express how they see the world, where these poets can define themselves through their creativity not their diagnosis, and explore by pen and page their experience of illness, institutions, recovery, self-care, and beyond.

MAD Poetry 2022 sees face-to-face workshops delivered in the Illawarra and on the NSW South Coast, a national free online workshop, fresh commissions, and the launch of the first lived experience mental health anthology Admissions all occurring across Mental Health Month October 2022.

The aim of the MAD Poetry project is to share lived experiences of mental health via poetry. Therefore, some of the content may potentially trigger some readers. If you require mental health support or assistance, a list of free confidential 24/7 support lines can be found here. You are not alone in your journey.

MAD Poetry artwork by Rachel Wenona Guy.