Summary

The author of the website has discovered that writing about personal experiences with mental health functions as a form of therapy, providing relief and self-awareness, and serves as a tool to help others in similar situations.

Abstract

The author, who has been documenting their journey with mental health, initially considered writing as a mere diary/log entry. However, after receiving feedback from a friend suggesting that writing was therapeutic for them, the author experienced a moment of clarity. This realization came during a period of anxiety and depression, where the act of writing down feelings provided a sense of relief similar to speaking with a confidant. The author notes that writing helped distract from internal dialogue and has been particularly beneficial during times of severe mental distress, including suicidal ideation. The author encourages others who struggle to open up to consider writing as a form of therapy and a means to cope with their feelings.

Opinions

Writing has become the author's primary method for coping with mental health issues, serving as an alternative to traditional therapy.
The author experienced a significant shift in perspective after a friend pointed out the therapeutic nature of their writing.
Documenting thoughts and feelings has provided the author with a sense of distraction from negative internal dialogues.
The author believes that writing has the potential to be as effective as speaking to a professional therapist, friend, or partner.
Writing has not only helped the author personally but also has become a way to reach out and assist others facing similar challenges

Writing Became My Therapy

As mentioned in my bio, I’m here to document my journey and experiences dealing with mental health, in the hope it helps you in some capacity.

In my first ever post, I alluded to keeping a diary/log of some kind as a way for me to open up about how I’m feeling

Lightbulb Moment

Prior to posting my first article, I decided to send it to a close friend for a second opinion. One of his observations were…

“Writing seems to be your therapy”

That comment acted as a lightbulb moment & for the first time it got me thinking

“Maybe you’re right”

It was around 18 months ago during a bad phase of anxiety and depression that this method occurred to me

I don’t know why, but when laying in bed overthinking various facets of my life, I decided to document exactly how I was feeling as if speaking to a friend, partner or therapist.

What It Did For Me

What I got in return was perhaps what you’d envisage yourself feeling like if you were speaking to someone directly.

It was tough, but I also experienced a sense of relief, ease and self recognition as to what I was experiencing.

However, what stood out to me most when making these notes, was the fact I felt a sense of distraction from the constant internal dialogue I experienced prior to starting.

It Can Be Your Therapy

Since that day I’ve had a number of occasions where I’ve slipped into very dark places, and when I say dark places, I mean serious suicidal ideation.

On each occasion, I unlocked my phone, opened my notes again and documented exactly how I felt just like before.

When I look back on that day, laying in bed writing for the first time, I guess that set the precedent to where I am today, writing down my experiences in the attempt to assist others on their journey.

Summary

So, if you’re struggling to open up, perhaps it’s time to document how you’re feeling, or perhaps take some time to write about other areas/interests in your life.

Talking from experience, it’s certainly working as a distraction for me and becoming “my therapy”.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to leave a comment if you’d like to ask me a question.