Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Life's problems

I've been writing as a hobby for several years. Sometimes I find it very difficult to come up with things to write. So, I would write anything that came to mind to get into the mindset I need. I make excellent progress when I do this. However, I find myself writing my personal history instead of the story that I had wanted to write. I found this helped me get rid of the stress blocking me from my writing.

I became curious of why this affected me. So I did a simple search on the internet. I found studies involving writing as therapy. They reported that writing is literally good for your physical and mental health. It helps control blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and even helps those with mental disorders.

One of my close friends suffered neglect and physical abuse growing up. She wrote a book about what happened. During this process, she felt much better about herself. She eventually published what she had written to give others an insight of abuse.

Writing about your problems in your life isn't easy. Therapists recommend that if things become too painful you should take a break from writing about that part in your life until you're able to cope with it.

I have suggested to some my clients who suffer from a history of child abuse, drug abuse, stress, and mental health problems, that they should try keeping a journal. People report that it has helped them overcome or at least cope with their problems.

This could benefit anyone in my opinion. Simply by my sitting down for 20 minutes to write about my life helps me let go of my problems. It isn't always easy, but it always helps if I put in the time.

3 comments:

Linda Garner said...

Hi Troy,
Welcome to our blog. It's nice to have another voice. I believe that writing is awesome therapy. I have been working on my personal history this year and have found it very healing. Writing energizes me and brings clarity to my thinking.
L.G.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your post, Troy. Your honesty gives me the courage to trust myself more and look deeper within myself.
Many people will be able to read this and find a solution to their overwhelming (and sometimes not overwhelming) feelings.

Excellent, excellent post!

Carolyn V. said...

Does this mean I need to dig my old journal out from the basement and keep writing in it? Well...I guess it's a good idea. Thanks =)