When we were teenagers, many of us had secret journals that we kept under our beds. In these journals, we would chronicle our thoughts and feelings for the day, writing about who we talked to, what they said to us, how we felt about it, and of course, who caught our eye romantically.
These journals were our life jackets in many ways. They were how we kept ourselves afloat and how we were able to cope with our classic teenage emotions. They were our sources of comfort and a place for us to speak our minds and share our thoughts without being judged or ridiculed for them. As we became adults, we probably stopped writing in those journals, letting them collect dust underneath our beds in our childhood rooms.
We moved on to college, our careers, and so much more, and our journals stayed behind – the chronicles of our youth. Journals were our way to make sense of the world, and as we got older, the world got clearer. We didn’t need them anymore.
Then mental illness or addiction came into our lives, and suddenly that world stopped making sense. We were thrown into shadows and darkness, unable to find our way out and feeling afraid of things that once brought us comfort. When we’re in a downward spiral, we often look for ways to bring us back into the light. A journal could be just that thing.
The Mental Benefits of Journaling
It can be challenging for some men to embrace the idea of journaling. Or we may think that putting our thoughts put into words is something that belongs in the past – back when we were young and didn’t know how or what to feel. But journaling can still be powerful for us today as adults. The benefits of writing never lose their power, no matter our age, and can be a terrific outlet as you journey through coping with mental illness and addiction.
Keeping a journal can help you manage your anxiety, reduce stress, and cope with depression. Just like when you were young, simply putting your emotions into words on a page can help you get a better grasp on them. Journaling can help you prioritize problems and fears, keep track of the symptoms you are experiencing, and provide you with a place to practice positive self-love.
It can also help you identify any negative behaviors that may exist in you, so you better understand the things you need to change. This sense of understanding who you are and what makes you tick can be a great step towards recovery.
Make Journaling Part of Your Day
There are many ways to make journaling easy and accessible throughout your day. Try to write every day, setting aside time in the morning or evening to sit down and focus on writing your thoughts. Carry a pen and paper with you so you can journal when you are not at home. This way, when your thoughts spring up, you will be able to write them down as soon as you can and won’t lose track of them.
With a journal, you don’t have to worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Just be yourself and let the words come out. You should only focus on speaking your mind. Having this place that acts as a sanctuary can be a great outlet – helping us understand who we are and how we can finally get well.
If you’re ready to seek help, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today.
Alta Loma is a transformational experience for individuals diagnosed with chronic psychiatric and substance abuse issues. By providing a structured environment where residents can find emotional and psychological stability, Alta Loma addresses the whole person so they can integrate successfully into society. That’s why so many men have chosen Alta Loma to help them sustain their recovery. Call us today at (866) 457-3843.
