Journaling is a tried and true method to help us get out and deal with all of the negative emotions that fly through our minds. It is also a great way to keep track of our progress. When we write out our thoughts, both negative and positive ones, it allows for more consideration, greater clarity with complex ideas. It also helps our brains to process and believe our thoughts even more than if we just verbalize them. When we just speak our thoughts it is usually more spontaneous and we are less careful of the words we use and even less aware of how our brain processes them.
Journaling encourages a much more thorough way to communicate our thoughts, feelings and emotions making it easier to follow a logical progression. The act of physically writing down your thoughts can stimulate deeper cognitive processing and help you gain a better understanding of your own ideas. It also allows you to bring the journal to any meetings you have with your professional support team. This allows them to know what you were really thinking and feeling at the time. As we know, we usually have so much to say when we meet with our support team that it is easy to forget something important as well as to no longer feel the feelings and emotions to the depth we felt them at the time of our journaling.
Journaling does not always have to be in the form of writing out our thoughts. For some of us, this can be too painful or even allow us to stay focused on our pain. There are other ways we can express our thoughts such as drawing, vision boards, painting or any combination of the various types of journaling.
Vision boards can be created with any numbers of apps that allow creativity. This is my preferred method. It allows me to put together memes, quotes, songs and pictures that express my thoughts at the time. They are also much easier for me to give to my psychologist and quicker for her to get the idea of what I was feeling at a glance. The app I use is Zinnia. This app is not free; but the cost is not all that much and is not prohibitive for me. Most apps you will find for this type of journaling will also allow you to use it for straight journaling if that is your preference.
Drawing or painting out your thoughts can prove to be a very beneficial way to express yourself. I can’t draw, even stick people, so I chose not to use this method. But if you are a person who can draw or paint and enjoys doing so, then by all means, express yourself this way. There is some proof that drawing or painting is as therapeutic as actually journaling. There are apps and books out there to help you if you choose this method though you don’t have to use them if you feel you don’t need them. Some mental health professionals are even trained in this method. You might even think about seeing if you can find a class that utilizes this method, if you are in place to be able to financially afford it. Not areas will have classes for this though, so you may want to google this if you are interested in a class.
Remember your journaling can be just for you to express yourself if that is what you chose. Most apps have a feature where you can set up, if you want, to put a password needed to access it. This ensures no one can access your deepest and inner most thoughts without your permission. If you are in any type of professional help you might want to check with them. They may have ideas as to what type of journaling, if any, that you might want to try.
Happy journaling!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I know and believe that those of us who suffer from an ED of any type can beat it. It is hard work and at times feels impossible; but I am sure it is a goal that is obtainable to all of you out there.
KEEP YOUR CHIN UP! Take baby steps towards your recovery, put one foot in front of the other and know, with a capital K, you CAN do it. Even if you can’t see it now, the world needs you
Wings of Recovery 