Begin with how you feel. From there, begin working through your feelings by reflecting on what might be causing these emotions. You can then decide whether you simply need to relieve tension by venting or want to problem-solve and figure out an action plan. Research shows that positivity and gratitude can help improve mood. A journal can be a catalyst in helping you set goals.
Use your journal to remind yourself of what you want to accomplish, no matter how big or small. It could be adding a positive habit to your routine, such as daily exercise, or learning a new skill. Celebrate your progress or map new strategies to reach your goals if you need to. You could start each journal entry with a quick check of your mood, energy and enjoyment of daily activities. Over time, you may be able to identify behaviors that affect your depression and work toward making changes.
Part of the purpose of journaling for depression is to better understand your feelings. While you might be writing from emotion on a particular day, growth comes from learning from those experiences. Always make a point of looking back on old journal entries to try to interpret what was causing those feelings. A little time and distance can help you identify negative patterns in your thoughts and behaviors. Learn more about our mental health and addiction programs by calling us any time of day at When you were a teenager, you might have kept a diary hidden under your mattress.
It was a place to confess your struggles and fears without judgment or punishment. It likely felt good to get all of those thoughts and feelings out of your head and down on paper.
The world seemed clearer. You may have stopped using a diary once you reached adulthood. But the concept and its benefits still apply. It's simply writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly. And if you struggle with stress, depression, or anxiety, keeping a journal can be a great idea.
It can help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health. One of the ways to deal with any overwhelming emotion is to find a healthy way to express yourself. This makes a journal a helpful tool in managing your mental health. Journaling can help you:. Tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them. Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors.
Keep in mind that journaling is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle for better managing stress, anxiety, and mental health conditions. But can journaling every so often about things you are grateful for, even while struggling with depression, be helpful? Like most things, if journaling is done incorrectly, it won't yield the best results. While writing through difficult emotions and feelings can be a helpful way to vent, there is such a thing as overdoing it.
Dealing with depression? Here's Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's message for any struggle. Our FREE doctor-approved gut health guide. You are now subscribed Be on the lookout for a welcome email in your inbox! Main Navigation. Struggling With Depression? Here's How Journaling Can Help. Log in Profile. Saved Articles. Contact Support. Log Out. Your cart is empty. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world.
Explore Classes. Mental Health Struggling With Depression? Leigh Weingus is a New York City based freelance journalist writing about health, wellness, feminism, entertainment, personal finance, and more. Medical review by Ellen Vora, M.
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