How Writing Helps Cope With a Difficult Mental Health Issue


May 31, 2023
Filipe Bastos
lilartsy 333oj7zFsdg unsplash

Do you ever feel like the stress of your mental health issue is just too much? Writing can be a powerful tool to help manage tough times. Not only does it provide an opportunity to get thoughts down on paper, but it also helps alleviate feelings of isolation and helplessness. So if you’re looking for ways to cope with a difficult mental health problem, why not give writing a try? In this blog post, we’ll discuss how writing can help deal with different types of issues and strategies for doing so in an empowering way!

Why is writing beneficial?

Writing has long been appreciated for its ability to transform intangible thoughts and emotions into tangible words on paper (or on a screen). There’s something therapeutic about taking a blank page and filling it with your own thoughts, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Whether it’s a stream of consciousness, a personal journal entry, or a creative short story, writing allows individuals to process their thoughts and emotions in a healthy and productive way.

It’s like a pressure valve for the mind – by putting your thoughts down on paper, you’re able to release the pent up emotions and gain clarity on the issues at hand. Plus, writing is accessible to everyone and doesn’t require any special equipment or training. All you need is a pen and paper (or your laptop), and you’re ready to go! So next time you’re feeling a little frazzled, grab a pen and see where your thoughts take you.

Writing for school vs writing for pleasure

While writing for school may require a precise, polished paper with no errors or trace of plagiarism, writing for mental health can be somewhat therapeutic. Unlike the rigid structure of academic writing, writing for pleasure should be a space where your personal creativity can roam free. For school, you might need a plagiarism checker and fixer to make sure everything is perfect and completed in a fast manner. But at home, writing should be a way to let out all the emotions we otherwise bottle up. Writing can be a way to release the weight of the world off of us in a safe and expressive manner. So, let your pen dance on paper without the worry of being graded. Just write and let your mind feel lighter. It’s guaranteed to be good mental health exercise for you.

Tips for getting started

First, find a quiet and comfortable space that you can make your own. Maybe add some plants, candles, or a cozy blanket. Once you have the space set up, turn off all distractions, like your phone or email notifications. Next, immerse yourself in the world of emotions by listening to music or reading a book that moves you. Lastly, don’t worry about perfection. Just let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. Remember, writing is all about self-expression and exploration, so have fun with it!

Examples of types of writing activities

paico oficial HbO9vbXqO0c unsplash

There are plenty of writing prompts out there to help guide even the most novice writer. Some prompts can help you reflect on your personal experiences and emotions, while others can push you to explore new ideas and perspectives. Maybe you want to try your hand at writing in a specific genre, like horror or romance. Or, perhaps you’re looking for a challenge and want to tackle a prompt that’s completely out of your comfort zone. Whatever your writing style may be, there’s a prompt out there for you.

Ways of turning written works into art

The pen may be mightier than the sword, but artwork can take that mighty pen and turn it into a tangible masterpiece. With every brushstroke, every chisel mark, written works can transform into objects d’art that captivate and inspire. Whether it’s a painting that captures the essence of a story or a sculpture that brings a character to life, the possibilities for turning the written word into art are endless. So, next time you find yourself lost in the pages of a favorite book, take a look at that protagonist and think, “what would they look like in clay”; because, who knows, they just might end up on display in a museum one day.

Conclusion

Let’s admit it, sharing our work with others can be intimidating. But fear not, my friend! There are plenty of resources out there where you can find like-minded individuals who have gone through similar struggles, and are willing to offer their support. The internet is a magical place filled with forums, groups, and social media communities where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and seek out those who can lift you up. After all, as the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work!

Author Bio:

Scott Roberts is a professional writer and mental health advocate. He believes in the power of words to heal and encourages everyone to explore their creative outlets, whatever they may be. In his free time, Scott loves to read, bike ride, and practice yoga.

Mindowl Weekly

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter, to have early access to new articles on Meditation, Psychology and Breathwork.  Enter your email to subscribe – emails are limited to one a week and your address will not be shared with anyone else.

Check our YouTube Channel:

875
20
16.4K
1.5K Views

When we feel happy for others, it creates a positive feedback loop of happiness that touches not jus...

885 Views

The four Stoic virtues, wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance, can help you become a better perso...

907 Views

In this video, we explore the concept of equanimity and its importance in meditation. Equanimity is ...

1K Views

Are you looking for a way to calm your mind and focus? Trataka meditation might be the answer for yo...

498 Views

When negative emotions arise in our minds – it could have been brought on by a stressful activity,...

965 Views

We've all been there. Somebody does something that we don't like and our first instinct is to react ...

1.3K Views

There are some things in life that we can't control. We may not be able to change the situation, but...

992 Views

Do you want to know how to develop emotional maturity? In this video, we will be discussing three si...

Follow us on Instagram:

519
6.2K

Mindowl

Go beyond the meditation app!
Free resources:
👇👇👇

A little reminder that kindness is contagious. ✨

#quotesaboutlife #mindfulquotes #practicemindfulness #bekind #bekindtoyourmind #dogoodfeelgood #realhappiness #selfempowerment #mindfulmovement #intentionalliving #mentalhealthquote #peacefulness
Our greatest moments, memories, and experiences aren’t defined by their magnitude or greatness, but by the people who fill them and give them life. ✨

#findingyourself #bekindtoyourmind #mindfulquote #mindfulmoment #positivepsychology #dailycalm #practicemindfulness #calmthemind #innerwork #realhappiness #selfacceptance #findingyourself #mentalhealthjourney #mensmentalhealth
You are exactly where you're meant to be. 💚

#mindandbody #mensmentalhealth #mindfulmovement #keepbreathing #practicemindfulness #mindfulnessmoment #livinginthemoment #bekindtoyourmind #mentalhealthjourney #dailycalm #groundyourself #livemindfully
With rising temperatures, worrisome droughts, and looming environmental issues, it’s perfectly normal to feel sad, anxious, angry, and powerless. 😔

In times like this, mindfulness and self-awareness can be crucial in your ability to cope with fear. Here are 3 tips to help manage your climate anxiety:

🌍 Practice acceptance, not denial - accept you can't change the world on your own, only your tiny role within it
🌍 Try not to feel responsible for others - concentrate on your own journey.
🌍 Reduce your carbon footprint - take pride in lifestyle changes that you make. 

#mindandbody #practicemindfulness #dailycalm #mensmentalhealth #climateaction #cleanplanet #believeinbetter #groundyourself #livemindfully #mindfulnessmoment #keepbreathing #selfempowerment #peaceofmind #mindfultip #calmthemind #mentalhealthjourney
The greatest challenges we experience are often also our greatest teachers. 

If you’re repeatedly experiencing the same challenge, know that it is there not to push you down or hold you back, but to teach and strengthen you. 💪

#mindfulquotes #selfawareness #innerstrength #mensmentalhealth #innerwork #selfempowerment #peaceofmind #mindfulliving #mindfulmoment #practicemindfulness #findingyourself #reducestress
Fear is often the thing that holds us back most from developing a deeper self-knowledge and awareness in our lives:

🌖 We fear being vulnerable.
🌗 We fear change.
🌘 We fear the truth.
🌑 We fear being wrong.

In moments that you feel fear creeping up on you, or notice it holding you back, take a moment to question your fear and ask yourself if your fear is truly serving you.

If you're interested in reading more on self-awareness and fear, check out last week's article on our blog. 🦉

#selfempowerment #peaceofmind #mensmentalhealth #findingyourself #practicemindfulness #peacefulness #calmthemind #innerwork #quietthemind #dealingwithanxiety #keepbreathing  #positivepsychology #dailycalm

MORE FROM THE BLOG

Keep on reading

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves constantly in “survival mode.”  This term describes a state of heightened stress and alertness, often triggered by various life challenges and demands. While survival mode can be a useful response to imminent danger, it can also become a chronic state

Read More

Ever found yourself wondering why people resort to sarcasm? Sarcasm, originating from the Greek word ‘sarcazein’ meaning ‘to tear flesh,’ is often used in conversations as a form of humour or criticism. This blog aims to delve into the psychology behind this wit and its effects on communication and relationships, providing you insights into why

Read More

Feeling overwhelmed by emotions in certain situations can be exhausting. It is estimated that one in five people are naturally more sensitive than others, but this doesn’t mean we have to let our feelings run riot. This article will equip you with a toolkit of techniques and strategies to cope better in

Read More
{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>