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Posted 11/14/2012 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
I've started journaling to try and help with my depression, anxiety, and everything else that I deal with (adhd, some ocd, fibromyalgai...)

I have a horrible time sleeping, I can be exhausted but can't fall asleep, or I fall asleep but can't stay asleep and wake up constantly, if it's not one thing it seems to be another.

I cry far to much and to easily, I'm too emotional and I want to turn that off, but I don't know how.

I've heard some people find journaling helpful for everything.
I was wondering if there are tips to having journaling help with the depression and too many emotions and crying easy, without going into a downward spiral that seems to happen when I start thinking about what is stressing me out or depressing me.
I saw an app for a cognitive journaling thing, but I would rather actually write things out.

Any advice? Any suggestions on anything? I'm at a loss and tired of feeling broken and crazy and alone =/
Posted 11/14/2012 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,
I think that I could write your post. There are times that I totally feel the way your feeling. And I also have trouble sleeping. I do find that when I don't sleep well, I tend to be more emotional and cry at the drop of a hat. Try music or a hot bath before going to sleep. I also have fibro so I take Advil before bedtime. That is all that I take for the pain. I am also on meds for Anxiety/ADD and depression. So much fun isn't it tongue I do not journal because I am too afraid that someone will find it and read it. Sometimes making a list or putting on paper things that you need to do relieves the stress of remembering what needs to be done.
I hope that helps.
Take care and be kind to yourself.
Lisa
Posted 11/14/2012 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Lisa,

I like writing lists... I keep a constant to-do list on my phone for daily activities
Posted 11/14/2012 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think that there really is any right or wrong way to journal. Just write down your feelings or thoughts for the day. Eventually you will get your own pattern and method of doing it. Just give it a try. I hope that it helps you.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 11/14/2012 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
I have found journaling to be helpful with my depression but not so much for my insomnia. It usually bring up too many emotions for me. I tend to do stream of consciousness writing.

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-Stream-Of-Consciousness This site can give you some ideas of how to start. I'm sometimes amazed by where this can lead. I hope this helps :)
Posted 11/14/2012 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Amenstria

The previous suggestions are very good and I do the Stream-Of-Consciousness myself.

I would like to suggest a Guided journal I used and still use from time to time. "Writing for Emotional Balance" by Beth Jacobs, PH.D

You can do it yourself or with your therapist the first time. It is only 8 chapters and has wonderful exercises.

I found a copy on half.com for 1.00.

Wishing you peace.
Trina
Posted 11/14/2012 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi amnestria,

Journaling does really help. Just write what you're feeling. Sometimes you may not be able to say something but you can write it to get it out and it will help you feel better.

UA
Posted 11/14/2012 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will try them all and see what works best for me =)
Posted 11/14/2012 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you!

Wishing you best of luck. Keep posting we are here to listen and give support while you find your answer!

Trina
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