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Anyone tried keeping a journal/diary to help coup with Anxiety?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/27/2014 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
I know this may sound silly but recently I started keeping a journal, basically writing about my day, more or less. I note my struggles with anxiety and whats going on. I think it has had a small but positive impact. As I'm writing it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the day and settle down.

Has anyone else tried this? If not and your new to anxiety I recommend giving it a whirl.
Posted 10/27/2014 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
It doesn't sound silly! It's a great tool. I've been doing it for years. It helps me in a few ways. One, is that I feel like I get to vent even my most irrational thoughts. Another is that I am able to look back literally over years and see that I have had these same fears and experiences and I am still here to write about them! All the times I've been sure something is seriously wrong, but here I am! And lastly, it helps me see how I've improved. Sometimes I look back and think wow.....I was in a dark place and I survived it. It makes me feel strong.

I've journaled a lot about my anxiety and brief battle with depression since this recent pregnancy, so that should I get pregnant again someday, I can look back and see that those feelings I had were not permanent and I can get through them. I've also started a journal just of letters to that baby and pages about how I felt about that specific experience.

I hope journaling helps you!!!!
Posted 10/27/2014 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
I do it too! I just started back in July, but I definitely believe it has made a difference in my recovery. I actually use an app called Day One. It allows me to attached pictures and locations to my journal. It is a good reminder how far I have come, especially when I am feeling like I'm not making progress.
Posted 10/27/2014 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
I also use Day One on my Mac. Great Application!
Posted 10/27/2014 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes I keep a diary and find it very helpful as I can right down how I am feeling and that helps me to feel better and relaxed it also allowed me to identify my triggers to anxiety so I think it is a great tool in helping to manage your anxiety.

Hibee
Posted 10/27/2014 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
GF.,

Not silly at all...this is a great coping skill!

There is a link on the impact this can have on anxiety management in our Resources in fact.:)

It is a also a good way to track your journey through recovery!

Keep up the good work!

S.C.
Posted 10/28/2014 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
I just started doing this about two months ago. It's been really great for me since on of my stresses is having no one to talk to. Journaling gives me the feeling of getting things off my chest and I love it for that. So many of the things I've written have never left my head before. I also recommend that others give it a try. I was nervous about it but I'm so glad I went ahead with it.
Posted 10/28/2014 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
I have done that and I still do that. I write on my phone in the moment. I have had a ton of success with this. My counselor loves that I do this and I have been able to combat the anxiety and panic with this method. I am anxious right now and I will journal soon so I can look at it and know that things are ok.
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