Poll Do You Journal? Is It Helpful?

[LaurenRose]

Since my PTSD activated in 2006, I have over 1,500 typwritten size 9 font journal entries. I do stream of consciousness often closing my eyes and typing. I rarely re-read what I have written. Is it helpful? I believe there is a cathartic release that happens but am not consciously aware of a lifting. I get satisfaction though of keeping a record, chronicling what my mind is going through. I feel compelled to leave a path which details the working of a PTSD mind from inception to ...? I have a visual journal, I paint my emotions. Maybe one day I will publish a book with the combination of a painting and a select journal entry. I have looked and there are not many books that I have found that share the brain of someone with PTSD, certainly not picture books. I find that posting is a form of journaling for me and I usually cut and paste what I write into my electronic journal. Journaling for me is capturing time in real time. Almost like it's proof that life has existed previous to this thought I am having in this space in this time - right now lol.

Do you journal? Has it been helpful?

 

[LaurenRose]

Ooops, that first one was supposed to be one of the choices.
- Yes, I only journal here on the PTSD Forum and like sites
Moderator? can you fix my boo boo please? Sorry about that.

 

[Zemi]

I would really like to journal, I keep thinking that it would be something that would help. I've had people telling me it would help. Somehow fear jumps in and gets in the way between thinking it would be a good idea and wanting to write and doing the actual writing :eek: I wish, as with other hurdles, I would hurry up and get over them.

 

[intothelight]

I just started journaling my flashbacks. They still don't make sense, so I am hoping that by keeping a record of them that someday I can fill in the blanks of my life.

 

[aditi]

I think if I didn't journal, I might die. It's that important to me.

The first 5 after the re-traumatisation are now thrown away. They were too terrible to go near ever again. Now I write in a prettier journal with a good pen, to show myself that things are better.

 

[OKRADLAK]

Yes. Does it help? Probably not. They were all just negative, so I had to change my style a bit.

 

[missd84]

I have been journaling for years. It personally helps me a lot. It may not change my life but I do feel like it's a healthier way to get out my stress than others.

 

[SimplyComplex]

Juornaling is next to therapy for me in how much it has helped. I dont think I would have made 1/10th of the progress I have without journaling. I used to write stories, or write about a specific question or thought. Kind of like an essay. But now I am more freestyle...just what is on my mind.

My husband started therapy a couple months ago and he was asked to start writing and he really didn't put any effort in to it so his T said he didn't have to. I feel angry about it because it was like he didn't even try...if he tried and it didn't help, that is one thing. Argh! lol sorry, vent