If You Struggle With Mental Health, Writing Can Help You Heal, Here's How

As far as I can remember I have always been a curious person and love learning new things.

However I have never been a writer. Most of what I write in my life is note taking for academic purpose or daily task. In 2016 I starting writing more because of my interest in yoga therapy. Aside from notes taking during the certification process, I started to write practice notes, document my experience has open up a healing process that lasted until now.

As a person struggling with depression and anxiety for many years. Writing became a companion in my journey toward healing. When I start writing about my feeling and sensation after a yoga practice, I found a safe space where I can express my feelings that I found difficult to share.

Why Writing Helps:

Self Reflection: Writing slow you down and force you to be mindful about your thoughts. It helps you to be aware of what's happening at the moment and what trigger you to become depress or anxious. Revisit what I wrote give me insights and clarity about who I am as person.

Emotional Release: There are many times that I have no words about how I feel, when you are suffering with mental health, very often you weren't sure where the emotions come from, sometimes we tend to ignore those emotions which later became a burden into our life. Writing can provide that relief when you are experiencing hardship.

Tracking Progress: Keeping a journal let your track your progress. They were some lost memories years ago before I start writing, I just wish I had written them down so I know what happen at different stages of my life. Tracking your life allow you to grow and can guide you toward healing.

How to Start:

Start Writing, Just Anything: There is no right or wrong about what you write, after all, you are the only one that is reading it. Don't worry about length, grammar or style. When I first started I was writing in bullet points and just words that come into my mind. Try to write something everyday, make it a habit.

Be Mindful: Writing develop mindfulness and let you stay in the moment. Being present with yourself is a great way to start healing trauma or any emotional difficulty. Writing everyday develop awareness which help is make better decision.

Share When You're Ready: Once my mentor share with me that when you are able to talk about your experience, then you are on your way to healing that emotional wound. Sharing means you feel comfortable talking about your own problems, it means you are not avoiding it. With journaling, you can choose who you want to share your writing with. One thing I find it helpful is to share my notes with therapist or friends that I trust, it helps me to work through my mental health journey.

So start writing now and get yourself back on track. 

Thank you for reading. I hope to hear from you about any thoughts or questions that you have. If you need coaching help, set up a free 30min consultation call, Write to me at [email protected] or subscribe to my newsletter