Using Writing as a Means to 'Self-Care' Works

Note: I am not a mental health professional or therapist and only comment on my experience with depression and anxiety.

It isn't easy to believe that it's already been 60+ days since I've written anything, and oh boy, a lot has changed since then! In the last few months, I have:

• I spent nine days in Ireland on my first solo adventure
• Become a vegetarian
• Drive a motorcycle now
• I nearly got a divorce
• We bought our third RV (and downsized again!)
• and I finally got my COVID-19 membership card

I will write articles about these, so follow me if you're curious about how these came about!

I could tell I had not been myself over the past few months. My energy-and-interest tank was running on fumes, while I became fueled by higher anxiety and depression. As an advocate for self-care, I saw all of the warning signs that my mental health was worsening.

I started overindulging in things that I knew I shouldn't be. The desire to isolate was becoming preferred, and forcing myself to go for my usual walks became a daily internal battle. Then, I also noticed that I began to push away the things I found interesting, specifically: Writing.

I've taken "writing breaks" before, but always for various reasons. For instance, I recall taking an extended break last year due to a health scare. Before that, I discovered I was writing for the wrong reasons (trying to make some money). However, after this most recent break, I've returned with the realization that writing (i.e., blogging) is a form of journaling for me!

"What is so great about journaling?" you might be wondering.

Well, my friend: It's great for your mental health! According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, journaling helps by:

• Managing anxiety
• Reducing and coping with depression
• Improves mood

Positive Psychology states that journaling also helps by:

• Breaking away from a nonstop cycle of obsessive thinking and brooding
• Improving the awareness and perception of events
• Regulates emotions
• and encourages awareness

Now, I can hear some of you saying, "Crystal...You've written an article about nearly wetting the bed after seeing a toilet in your dream. You also give some enlightening dialog to the RV community for newbies. How exactly is blogging on Vocal and Medium 'Good for your mental health'?"

Touche my reading and writing bros and brodettes! Well, not all of my articles are about funny moments in life, traveling, and providing RV tips. There are some that I pour my heart and soul into, and you're seeing the rawest version of my mental health and emotions when you read those. Here are a few examples:

• I Can Hear You Call Me Momma (a poem about nearly dying from an ectopic pregnancy)
• Two Paths Crossing (a short story how I rescured a dog who I initially didn't like, but discovered we were healing each other.)
• The Last Christmas Card (a poem dedicated to my dad who mailed me a Christmas card after his death.)

Realizing that I am using my writing platforms as a form of expression and outlet has been enlightening. However, this leads me to the next question when I take a break: Am I choosing not to write because I don't want to face fear? Perhaps, I don't want to talk about it? I may be feeling too overwhelmed.

All of these are great questions, and I know that it is inevitable that I will face them one day. After all, I'm human and mental illness is not easy to cope with. However, realizing these gaps and questioning how to get through "the next time" will only make me more resilient and bounce back quicker in the future.

I hope you can too.

Do you use blogging as a therapudic means? Do you journal? Tell us why you do it in the comments!

If you like this story, consider giving these articles a read! 👇

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