Writing to Fight Depression

Writing can be a therapeutic tool that can help individuals manage their symptoms of depression in several ways. It provides a safe means to express one’s emotions and thoughts, which can in turn, help you to gain clarity and insight into your feelings. By putting your thoughts and emotions onto paper, you can distance yourself from troubling emotions and gain a different perspective on your thoughts and feelings.

Through your writing, you can develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behavioural patterns, and by reflecting on your experiences, you may become aware of the behaviours that may be contributing to your depression.

Depression quite often manifests itself as negative thinking. Repetitive negativity is a common symptom of depression which can be alleviated by writing. Putting words on paper can allow you to process negative thoughts and emotions, rather than allowing them to kick around in your head causing trouble. It also offers a way to analyse negative thoughts in a more positive light.

Writing can be mood lifting and could help you seize back control over your thoughts. Writing about a positive experience or something you are grateful for can help to increase feelings of positivity and well-being.

Writing can also indirectly improve your physical health by reducing stress, which has been linked to many illnesses including diabetes and heart disease. It can offer a way to express pent-up emotions. 

However, it’s important to remember that writing alone is unlikely to cure or directly treat physical health conditions, but it can be a useful tool to manage stress and lift the gloom. Anyone with health concerns should always seek the advice of a medical professional.

When I was shielding after radiotherapy for prostate cancer, my mental health suffered greatly. I withdrew, gained weight, and became depressed. I turned to alcohol and food to help quash the bad feelings, but of course, that was the wrong path. Eventually, I used the power of the pen to pull me back from the edge. Immediately, I felt better, and a nice bonus at the end of it all, was my first novel “Dogmeat Dave’s Bag”.  I’m not saying you should write a novel, but if are that way inclined, writing could help you get where you want to be.

If you are interested in trying writing as a way to improve your mental health, start writing and see where it takes you. There is no right or wrong way to write, so just relax and let the words flow. You may be surprised at how helpful it can be, and what you create.

Alan Liptrot, author of “Dogmeat Dave’s Bag”.

Alanliptrot.co.uk

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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommnedations in these articles.

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