Does anyone journal for mental health?

[BeHealthyNow]

I have kept a diary since I was a little kid. I used to write about all kinds of things I did growing up. As an adult, my journal has helped me to work through the shock of being diagnosed with MS and all the ways my life has changed. I just wrote an article on the ways that journaling can benefit your health, especially mental health. I included research links for anyone who wanted to explore further into this subject. Link in bio. Do you journal? Do you find it helpful? Lately, I'm really liking the journals that come with daily prompts. Has anyone tried those?

[Sandydemop]

Hi BeHealthyNow I was journaling and liked it when I did it. Not in the rhythm of it lately. glad it helps you. that was a good article you wrote.

[BeHealthyNow in reply to Sandydemop]

Thank you🤗 I was getting out of the habit of it other than my daily health stuff. That inspired the article to get me back on board.

[Sandydemop in reply to BeHealthyNow]

cool that you can just write/publish an article on something and have it move you forward.

[BeHealthyNow in reply to Sandydemop]

That's a big reason why I write. To keep me motivated😄 Plus, I like to keep learning new things. It's boring not being able to work anymore.

[Sandydemop in reply to BeHealthyNow]

I understand. You have to make your time meaningful. i write a gratitude list every day. does that count?

[BeHealthyNow in reply to Sandydemop]

That absolutely counts!🙌🤗

[ahrogers]

I bought a journal years ago that I was planning on writing all the positive things that happen so I can read at bedtime. I was hoping it might lead to happier dreams. I totally forgot about it. As soon as something positive happens I will try to remember to write it down.

My first entry could be how grateful I am to have found this group.

Not sure if your research has found it better to keep 2 separate journals, one for positive and one for negative. I am just thinking that way when you need a lift you don't end up reading about something that may make it worse but you still have a way to write down and process the negative. Maybe even track how you dealt with it and what worked or didn't work to remind you how to get through similar trials/tribulations.

[BeHealthyNow in reply to ahrogers]

Yes! I have several journals. I pick up whichever one I need at the time. I definitely have the gratitude one for just that because like you said, I find it helpful to read to inspire me or cheer me up. I have a daily health one that is dated and I keep track of symptoms, health appointments, procedures & blood work. I also write the notes from doc appts in there. Then my regular one where I don't read. I just write what I need to in there. Oh! And I have one that's strictly for goals. There are 2 sections. Short-term for what I need to accomplish that week and the long-term sections for things I want to do.

[Sandydemop in reply to BeHealthyNow]

that is very ambitious Yay you!

[Lazy_dog_lover]

In an IOP that I just finished, we learned GLAD journaling. Gratitude: big or small, thing, person, or action. Learn: what is something you learned today, about yourself, others, job, etc. Accomplishment: I can achieve great things in small steps, so big or small accomplishments. Delight: anything that made you laugh or smile. Using a journal to just vent has its place, but it can reinforce and deeply engrained just the negatives.

[BeHealthyNow in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

I love this! I never heard of GLAD journaling. I'm going to try that, thank you😀

[twooldcrows]

no haven't done it ...thank you for giving some great advice ....have a great and wonderful day ....love and happiness is great medicine ....

[BeHealthyNow in reply to twooldcrows]

You have a great day too! And laughter! (great medicine😃)

[BlanketTime1]

i've had a journal near me at all times since i was a tween. it not only charts new symptoms and how effective meds are, but allows me to offload, especially rough feelings. it's also a nice place to write down goals and to celebrate when i meet them.

[BeHealthyNow in reply to BlanketTime1]

That's an important point! To celebrate goals when we meet them🙌