In a world often hesitant to talk about mental health, Dr. Binaaz Mistry brings a powerful voice to the conversation—through poetry. Mind It: Journeying Through Emotion & Mental Health is not just a collection of verses, but a soulful exploration of the mind, blending her medical insight with creative expression. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her inspirations, her poetic process, and how she transforms real-life experiences into lyrical reflections on healing, awareness, and the human condition.
Poetry is a concise yet deeply creative form of expression. For me, its abstract articulation holds more power than the linguistic precision of prose. The poetic license allows for playful experimentation with vocabulary and rhyme, while its imagery offers room for interpretation—placing the reader at the heart of the experience.
2. What inspired the theme of your book, and how did it influence its tone and structure?
This book is rooted in the need to foster deeper awareness about mental health. As a practicing physician, I’ve observed fear, neglect, and hesitation when it comes to mental well-being. Through poetry, I emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health just as much as physical health.
The book follows a narrative style, where poems flow like chapters of a story, accompanied by artistic visuals to enhance the message—creating a unique and immersive experience.
3. How do you balance conveying your intended meaning while allowing space for readers to interpret your poetry personally?
Poetry is deeply personal, both for the writer and the reader. My poems invite different experiences—whether cathartic, insightful, or simply entertaining.
I use metaphors, symbolism, and wordplay, combined with artwork alongside each poem, allowing readers to connect with whichever elements resonate most with them.
4. How do you craft the musicality of your language, and how does it enhance the reader's experience?
For me, poetry is an artistic endeavor that intertwines phraseology, rhythm, and intonation to create a deeply immersive experience. The intention is to evoke introspection, empathy, curiosity, humor, and healing, offering readers a reflective and engaging journey.
5. How have your personal experiences and background influenced the themes and imagery in your poetry?
With over 30 years of experience as a physician, I have repeatedly witnessed reluctance and stigma surrounding mental health—across all genders, literacy levels, and social classes.
For this book’s fictional storyline, I drew from real-life cases, particularly panic anxiety disorder and postpartum depression, as they are both commonly encountered and highly relatable.
6. How do you use poetry as a means of social commentary or reflection on the world around you?
Poetry has always been my way of channeling introspective honesty while exploring creative dimensions of expression. My inspiration stems from observing people, emotions, and the environment. Through rhythmic language and rich vocabulary, I reflect on the world’s interconnectedness—bridging the gaps between human emotions and nature.
7. Do you have any writing rituals or creative routines that help shape your poetry?
My morning coffee ritual is a significant part of my creative process. Observing people at cafés and throughout the day provides insights that often translate into poetic imagery.
Additionally, nature and travel fuel my creativity—offering endless inspiration that overflows into my writing. My fascination with the interconnectedness of humankind and the natural world consistently finds its way into my poetry.
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