Therapy

I've learned from past therapists that journaling can help me know what I'm feeling. I never have had the patience to journal what I feel. What are some alternatives?

[Dolphin14]

Journaling doesn't have to be all grammatically correct or in sentence form etc. you can even write lists. Sometimes I just write an inspiration quote in it.

I had never journaled before but was just told to write whatever came into my head.

It was amazing the stuff I got out.

Do you like to draw. Some people do art as therapy.

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

If I journal I have to use correct grammar. It'll kill me otherwise.

I can't draw to save my life

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

My therapist told me to just write it and let it flow.

I guess if you try it your journal will be much neater than mine

[fbcoach]

Journaling can be whatever you want; notes, full sentences, a story, bullet points, random words/phrases..

It's a great way to get negative thoughts out - once you can see them in front of you, you can tell yourself what they are and let them go. I journaled a lot to help with my OCD/rumination - it was very helpful.

[Hidden in reply to fbcoach]

It's just that my words come out wrong and I can't write what I think because I don't want other people to look at my stuff because it has happened before

[fbcoach in reply to Hidden]

Who cares! That journal is for you - not to be shared or published... you can journal any way you want; misspell stuff, forwards, backwards, sideways... it's therapy! There is no wrong way except not to try it!

[mjcll41]

Can you type? I can almost type as fast as I can think.

[fbcoach in reply to mjcll41]

Oh yes - I agree - I type when I journal....much easier for me - I have very poor handwriting - no need to use that as an excuse... just type away - I agree with you mjcll41

[Hidden]

Yeah, but not very good

[LiveandLetLive42]

I used to journal and I don’t really have the patience to do it anymore. Instead, I write down everything I did during the day. It helps me to remember what I accomplished even if they’re small things. And to me, that’s journaling. Sometimes I just write down affirmations or quotes to make me feel more positive. You don’t have to write your feelings to journal. Talking about things, drawing, meditating, walking, ect are all forms of coping. Best to you!

[AuraAethyr]

There are other ways to express yourself and to let your feelings out. Do you enjoy music? Try dancing as a form of expression maybe? Or any form of art (sculpting, fingerprinting, etc). Or do you sing? Or have interest in composing music?

You could also consider a voice journal if you find an app you like where you can record voice.

[Hidden in reply to AuraAethyr]

Yeah, those sound good I'll try them out

[Blue333]

My problem is figuring out exactly what I'm thinking and then getting it on paper. I rationalize a lot and get so anxious and confused I don't even know what I'm doing and give up.

[Hidden in reply to Blue333]

Yeah, all of my thoughts get lost inside of my head and suddenly I don't know what to write

[Junella]

I have journaled almost continually for 20 years or more. I was at my worst with anxiety and depression when I didn't. I went back to it this past six months or more and know it helped. Just scribbling --it doesn't have to be long. I journal my prayers now like writing to a friend. One can do that through talking as well--pretending you are talking to your best Friend. But it must not be all negative--it's important to write down things you are thankful for no matter how small, and then share your concerns. Like in AA it helps most people to believe there is Someone outside your self who loves and cares for you. That appears to be what makes AA successful. Follow a healthy lifestyle because that affects your body and mind for good. Check it out on-line.

[Hidden]

I do journaling too. Everyday. Sometimes I post here to vent out and have people listen to me.

When I am alone and outside, I would listen to music. Stay at a park and just just try to relax my mind.

[MissMollySue]

Here is a link that explores some non-traditional ways to journal. I like dictating "memos" on my phone calendar, as a way to express my thoughts, feelings, accomplishments, and concerns. Dictation makes "journaling" a breeze. NO writing required. guidingtech.com/best-journa...

[MissMollySue]

More digital diary or journaling ideas. windowsreport.com/windows-1...

[VictoriasRaisinBran]

There seems to be this myth about journaling-- people think it takes a bunch o time, that you have to sit down and write for ten minutes every day. It's not like that. its much easier to sit down for like a minute or two before bed each day and write anything-- it could be three words- "i feel used." "im not happy" or "today was tiring" it just gives you a reference to go back and be able to remember how you were feeling a week ago. a lot of times, when our therapists and doctors ask us how a treatment or medication is working, or how we're feeling, we automatically tell them how we feel in that moment, or how we've felt the past couple days, when in reality it also matters how you felt the entire time since you saw your docter/therapist last.

[VictoriasRaisinBran in reply to VictoriasRaisinBran]

when a song makes me happy, or i relate to it, i write down some of the lyrics in my journal and put what song they're from. i don't necessarily write a summary of my day every day. in fact, i rarely do that

[Hidden in reply to VictoriasRaisinBran]

I'll try that