About 280 million people worldwide are living with depression, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). That is about 3.8% of the people worldwide, who are suffering from this serious mental health disorder that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Persistent sadness, sleep disturbances, change in appetite, weight gain or loss, and lack of interest in activities that you previously enjoyed, are some of the symptoms of depression. If you suffer from any of these, you must consult a mental health professional who will diagnose and suggest treatment accordingly. Although there isn’t a common remedy that benefits every depression patient, journaling can greatly benefit all of them. Let us look at some of the benefits of journaling you can reap while dealing with depression.
Benefits Of Depression Journaling
Firstly, you must know that journaling isn’t a cure for depression. However, it can help you immensely in managing it. Research has also found the positive effects of journaling while suffering from depression. It can help you understand the triggers, manage symptoms, and even with therapy. Hence, here are some of the benefits that you can reap by journaling when suffering from depression:
Improve Self-Awareness
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When you start journaling your thoughts, mood, and experiences, you get to know yourself better. You know what triggers you into a downward spiral into sadness. On the other hand, it also makes you aware of what soothes you. When you get to know such intrinsic details about you, you have a better understanding of how to manage symptoms, what triggers to avoid, and what might work when you feel depressed.
Also read: Why Do Some People Suffer From Depression Post Marriage? Risk Factors, Coping Tips
Declutter Thoughts
There are times when thoughts race through the mind. They create a fog before you because of which, at times, you get unable to think clearly. Whenever facing such a situation, when you write all of it down, it helps you slow down. You start understanding what is causing such a scenario, and once you know that, you have a greater chance of getting back control over your emotions.
Self-Talk
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Journaling, in a way, is talking to the self. Instead of communicating with others, you pour out your thoughts and feelings in a diary, which only you can read. You can very well use this medium as a means of positive self-talk. You can use it to calm yourself down, understand yourself, and take yourself out of negative emotions.
Also read: What Are The Different Types Of Depression? Doctor Answers
Help With Therapy
Journaling isn’t therapy. However, it can help you with that. When you write your emotions, experiences down, you can communicate them to your therapist better. Also, when you have greater self-awareness, it might help your therapist to work with you better.
Again, journaling isn’t a cure for depression. However, it can help a great deal during that. Also, it harms no one, unless you just focus on the negative and go through those negative pages again and again. Although you can journal whenever you like and need it, it’s better if you are regular with it. So, it might help if you set a certain time of the day for that. Always keeping your journal with you might also work.
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