Write it out!



Why do I blog? For me the main reason is because I enjoy writing. The other reason is because I feel it helps process my thoughts. I don’t publish or share everything I write, but another goal of writing is to help others. I think sharing my thoughts and feelings of things can help others to see they are not alone in this crazy world. I hope to inspire others to write. 
Expressing thoughts and feelings through journaling or blogging can be a good way to process stress, emotions and trauma. I find it to be a healthy form of self care.
I personally don’t feel I suffer from depression or anxiety, although I have been diagnosed with OCD (see previous blog titled “we’re all a little weird”). It is a form of anxiety and can become crippling if not treated, but it’s a different form of anxiety. I am not in need of several different medications, or hospitalization. I do take the lowest dose of Zoloft to help manage the obsessive compulsive thoughts. Some people may think this is a personal thing to share, which it is, but I’m not ashamed that I need a little assistance to help manage my OCD. I think some people are embarrassed of their anxiety or depression and they shouldn’t be, it is part of who they are and it’s no different than someone who has a “more accepted” condition such as cancer or some other debilitating disorder. I think writing can help people manage their excessive worrying or intrusive thoughts, or like in my case, irrational thoughts. You can put those thoughts, fears and anxieties into words and set them aside. In some cases, people may write out a trauma they have dealt with or a letter of forgiveness to themselves or others and then burn it, in a way to let it go. 
Journaling or blogging can be an alternative to anxious thoughts. I read about a study in 2018 involving 70 adults with elevated anxiety found that journaling consecutively for 12 weeks reduced their mental distress. Longtime journaling was also associated with greater resilience. I read another study from 2021 that suggested that making a conscious effort to practice gratitude can have a positive effect on mental health. I practice this every day. I try to find a positive in every situation. Writing down a list or a piece of expressive writing of things we are grateful for can change our mind set.
I have found that on a daily basis, I come across a few people that can only be described as doom and gloom. Always complaining and trying to drag others down with their negative thoughts and opinions. Maybe it is not their intent to bring others down, but it certainly can. Hearing all the negativity in the news and deciphering what is true and what are lies can be draining. Every day even my husband says things like “world war III is starting” and any other negative thing he has heard. I worry that his obsession with this stuff will cause him unnecessary stress which always presents in physical pain for him. I however pray about it (“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”.1Peter 5:7) ignore it or write. I can’t do anything about it and I know that worrying is wasteful. Worrying is not going to change the outcome of anything. I personally think worrying is a waste of time and for me, it says I have a lack of faith. I am not judging those who worry, that is their business, I just feel the way I do about it when referring to myself. Reading scripture is also a source of comfort for me.
Writing can help people who suffer from PTSD , but it can also be triggering so it may be a good idea to write under the guidance of a therapist if you have PTSD or have suffered a trauma.
No matter how a person deals with stress is their choice, but if you haven’t tried blogging or journaling, I hope this will inspire you to. I hope it helps. Even if you are not into writing, start with the list of gratitude I suggested, it could help and I truly doubt it will hurt you.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7

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