I have always loved writing. At school, I used to get great marks for my essays. I came up with stories full of fantasy and magical characters. Stories about stray cats and dogs with happy endings. Stories of triumph over tragedy.
Now, decades later as a therapist, I truly understand the power and beauty of the written word. Writing is therapeutic. It slows me down. It helps me to process and express my thoughts and feelings. Through writing, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself. Writing has always been one of my creative outlets.
The use of writing for wellbeing is nothing new.
Since the ancient times, philosophers, thinkers, and commoners alike, have expressed their innermost thoughts and feelings through writing. More recently, many studies have demonstrated the benefits associated with writing. Journals, diaries, poems, essays, short stories, letters, memoirs, and songs are all different forms of creative writing.
Writing has been used as a therapeutic modality to deal with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, PTSD, chronic illness, addiction, eating disorders, and bereavement.
Writing can also be a powerful way to heal from trauma.
In the 1980s, Dr. James Pennebaker investigated the therapeutic effects of expressive writing in relation to stressful or traumatic experiences. He found that there was a relationship between expressive writing and healing. According to his research, writing about traumatic experiences can alleviate both physical and psychological symptoms as well as provide a sense of emotional relief, a process known as catharsis.
I agree wholeheartedly!
As a therapist, I know that trauma affects people in many different ways. Following a traumatic event, it’s normal to experience strong emotional and physical reactions. These can include anxiety, sadness, anger, and fear as well as headaches, panic attacks, flashbacks, and nightmares.
It’s common to try and “run away” from difficult emotions. Running away from uncomfortable emotions is – of course – a natural response. But pushing away our uncomfortable emotions doesn’t make them go away. Eventually, they will come back even stronger. This can lead to many long-term emotional and physical difficulties.
We carry a lot of emotional “baggage” within us!
It's so important to explore the unexplored parts of ourselves. Talking about our inner experiences is helpful. But sometimes writing is easier than talking. Writing provides a safe and private space for processing difficult emotions and experiences. Through writing, we can transform and “re-write” negative, self-limiting beliefs. Writing promotes healing. And we don’t have to share what we write with anyone.
Writing is inexpensive and can be done almost anywhere and anytime. We can use digital methods or old-fashioned pen and paper. It can be done alone or in a group. There’s no need to worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. We don’t need to be professional writers to benefit from writing. It’s a simple yet powerful strategy that can improve our emotional and physical wellbeing.
Writing about stressful or traumatic life events can bring up uncomfortable thoughts and emotions buried deep within.
If writing about something becomes too overwhelming or distressing, stop. Be kind to yourself. Perhaps shift the focus and write about positive things in your life. It’s important to write about experiences you can handle. Find ways to cope with potential triggers. Working together with a trained professional is always a good idea. They can guide and integrate your writing into therapy sessions.
Writing can help anyone, including those in the helping professions such as emergency service workers, medical staff, corrective service employees, crisis, social, and mental health practitioners. They are regularly exposed to distressing situations and writing can be a very powerful self-care strategy to process difficult experiences and build resilience.
So, what's your story?
Give writing a try!!!
Eila Mikkonen
Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Coach & Mental Fitness Facilitator