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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 42. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
During my week of hell, it was suggested to me to try to start journaling. I have never kept a diary or journaled. Does it help? How do I start? Are there any negatives to it?
Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for the imput.
-Miller
Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 21:50:46
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
I think it helps a lot to write down what I'm thinking and feeling. I tend to do it more here than in a journal because I think more clearly when not faced with a blank sheet of paper. :) But the idea is good. Sometimes you even surprise yourself with what you right down, especially if you open your mind and allow yourself to be guided.
It can also provide a good history of your moods for purposes of seeing trends. And when you're feeling down, you can look back and see that you haven't always felt that way, or that you've felt that way before and came out of it.
As a matter of practicality though, I rarely follow through on my intentions to journal. Sometimes it's sheer laziness. But sometimes my OCD gets in the way by causing me to worry about what I've written and who might see it and how it might be interpreted. But that's just me.
It certainly can't hurt to try. Do you write more freely by hand or by typing? The words come much more smoothly to me typing, so I keep my journal on a computer. And as for what, I suppose it could be anything. What would you like to muse about? Your day, your feelings, your history, your goals? The really cute guy at the....
But I digress. And that was my teenage diary.
Posted by likelife on February 3, 2003, at 23:33:22
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
Journaling has been helpful for me, in terms of forcing my thinking about things to be a lot more concrete. It helps to think on paper. It's also been helpful for me as a tool in therapy, as I tend to forget a lot.
The only periods when it is not helpful is when I am so incredibly depressed that my writing only serves to help me perseverate about being so depressed. It can get very morbid and nonsensical at times, and so I try to stay away from it at those times.
I'm thinking it can't hurt to try it out for a week or a month, or at least long enough so that you have a good idea of how it works for you.
Posted by Tabitha on February 4, 2003, at 1:11:37
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
Hi Miller, I've been journaling since '91. (Gosh that makes me feel old to realize it's been so long) I usually just use it to vent my obsessions and pain, which is easy enough because there's so much of both. It's a great outlet between therapy sessions. I also make a point to write if I'm having particularly happy thoughts, or some kind of new healthy thinking, just so there's a record for the next time I'm hopeless. It's also good to have to look back on, to see that confused as I am now, I was worse a year ago. The improvement is so slow I might not believe it otherwise. It's also valuable to see my mood cycles, which are pretty slow, but obvious in my old journals.
Here's my advice about starting: don't get too fancy a notebook or you'll feel obligated to write something worthy (who needs that pressure). Just do stream-of-conciousness writing, don't plan or edit or judge. Draw pictures too if you want. Use colored pens to make it fun. Don't re-read what you've written for a long time (helps avoid judging. I only re-read once or twice a year). Put the date (and year) in there every so often. When you've filled up a notebook, throw it in a box and buy another.
Some good books: "Writing Down the Bones" and "The Artist's Way".
Posted by judy1 on February 4, 2003, at 13:30:35
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
I've done it at particularly bad times in my life (I'm actually doing it now) and the twist on it is that I often share what I write with my therapist. I tend to be more honest on paper than in person, and this has been helpful in that context. Good luck and don't feel pressured to do it daily if you don't feel the need to- judy
Posted by Miller on February 4, 2003, at 15:36:17
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
I am encouraged about journaling now. It will be a little awkward at first, but I think it may help a lot, too. Judy, it was recommended to me to share, if I can, certain entries of the journal with my psychologist or mt husband. I do have a lot of problems being direct, assertive, and open at times.
Thank you guys for the advise. I'll let you know how it goes.
-Miller
Posted by rayww on February 6, 2003, at 14:20:44
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
Journaling helps in many ways. For one thing, just because I blank out for a time, doesn't mean that life blanks out. If you get into a daily journaling habit, and go back and read the previous week's entries at the end of each week, you will see what I mean. (It's also good for figuring out who's in the photo radar) Proof in the pudding, it wasn't me who was driving that car.
Posted by beardedlady on February 6, 2003, at 15:29:43
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
Miller:
Journalling is wonderful. I have seen others who say it helps them at times when they are really down, but the key to journalling is making it a habit. Because it not only helps when you are down, but it also often helps to keep you from getting down in the first place. It's like some quiet, friendly, love time with yourself. You can think things through in honesty and with compassion and self-pity, without others' input. It's raw, and it's all yours.
Miller, did you ever pick up those hugs from social?
beardy : )>
Posted by Miller on February 7, 2003, at 9:53:33
In reply to Yes. It helps. » Miller, posted by beardedlady on February 6, 2003, at 15:29:43
Hi Beardy,
I am so glad to see you posting again. I have started my journaling. It was easier to start than I thought it would be. I really hope it will help me.
Dinah was nice enough to retrieve your hugs for me. I thank you so much. When I got back I really needed them. I hope you are well and will keep posting. :)
-Miller
Posted by beardedlady on February 7, 2003, at 16:58:14
In reply to Re: Yes. It helps. » beardedlady, posted by Miller on February 7, 2003, at 9:53:33
> I am so glad to see you posting again. I have started my journaling. It was easier to start than I thought it would be. I really hope it will help me.
I believe it will. And part of the success is your desire for it to help you. That positive attitude in areas like these makes a big difference.
> Dinah was nice enough to retrieve your hugs for me.
Thank you, Dinah.
I hope you are well and will keep posting. :)
I am feeling pretty great--a good semester at school, good family. I'm lucky. I don't know that I will post much, but I've sure maxed out my credit on PSB. (I'm snowed in today and trying to do anything to keep from eating and grading my papers!)
You sound like you're doing a tad better. Let's make that bigger than a tad!
beardy : )>
Posted by Miller on February 7, 2003, at 17:14:36
In reply to Re: Yes. It helps. » Miller, posted by beardedlady on February 7, 2003, at 16:58:14
Hi Beardy,
I have now journaled for three days. It really is a surprise as to how much better I feel just putting it down on paper.
I feel I am doing better. The hardest part of all of this is try to readjust to being back in my life. I honestly feel like a visitor in someone else's life right now. I am sure I will feel the same (if not stronger) on Monday when I am going back to work.
I can't help doubting myself that I am capable of of long-term stability. I don't want to be that desperately sad again. I certainly don't want to be involuntarily put into a mental hospital again. But, I truely don't have a lot of faith in myself. It is always so easy for me to slide down to the bottom of my unhappiness. I am not sure I have enough strength to keep myself from doing it all again. I hope this is making sense.
I apologize for dumping on you. I hate to talk to people abput my doubts because they want to believe I am "well" and I don't want to disappoint them or have them feel guilty. If I don't get my life together, I will lose everything (my husband) that is important to me. So, I am pretty scared of being totally honest this early in my recovery.
Thanks for listening!!
-Miller
Posted by beardedlady on February 7, 2003, at 18:16:58
In reply to Re: Yes. It helps. » beardedlady, posted by Miller on February 7, 2003, at 17:14:36
I love this part:
> I feel I am doing better. The hardest part of all of this is try to readjust to being back in my life. I honestly feel like a visitor in someone else's life right now. I am sure I will feel the same (if not stronger) on Monday when I am going back to work.You're already doing great. Love it. You're not dumping at all. Thanks for sharing your triumphs.
Beardy : )>
Posted by Miller on February 7, 2003, at 20:59:37
In reply to Not dumping at all., posted by beardedlady on February 7, 2003, at 18:16:58
Beardy,
Thanks for your support. I can see now why the hospital kept talking about reintergrating back into "normal life". It's not as easy as a person would think.
I am probably more scared to be well than I was ever about my depression and desperation. At least I was used to those feelings. I don't know if I am a strong enough person to be well.
If a person gives up their "escape hatch" of suicide, what replaces it? What if I can't give it up?
Too many unknowns right now. Yikes.
-Miller
Posted by beardedlady on February 8, 2003, at 5:58:07
In reply to Re: Not dumping at all. » beardedlady, posted by Miller on February 7, 2003, at 20:59:37
Miller,
I was wondering what you meant about giving up the escape hatch of suicide, but then I realize that everyone has an escape hatch. Mine is a sleeping pill. I know that it's there if I need it.
Fortunately for me, the sleeping pill isn't the end of my life. (It's something I loathe, even though it doesn't even give me a hangover.)
Maybe you and your therapist can come up with a new escape hatch. Or maybe that escape hatch can always be there, but you just won't ever think about it.
So keep it around, but make it difficult to find by surrounding yourself with feel-good things.
Look at getting well as something you deserve. Own it. Take charge of it. Say dammit, this is mine! Isn't worthiness one of your major esteem issues anyway? Once you begin to believe you are worthy of getting well, you'll probably have this landslide: you'll brighten, you'll feel better, you'll feel you deserve to be better, you'll fight any feelings to feel bad, etc.
So let's try to focus here on all the positive things that will happen to you. Your babbler buds believe in you. Now it's your turn.
Good luck. See you next week.
beardy : )>
Posted by Miller on February 8, 2003, at 14:10:27
In reply to escape hatch » Miller, posted by beardedlady on February 8, 2003, at 5:58:07
Yes, you are right. Maybe I will never be able to totally give up my escape hatch. But, if I feel like I don't need it, maybe it won't keep appearing to me in such a seductive way.
Esteem issues are a valid point. I am working on them, as suggested. There may just come a time when I feel strong enough to believe in my own strength and even my own weaknesses.
Thanks for everything. Especially the faith.
-Miller
Posted by Dinah on February 9, 2003, at 18:30:51
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
I'm back to trying to at least keep a mood chart, and maybe journalling as well. I get intimidated by that blank sheet though. I'm one of those people who need an idea before I can write, otherwise I sit with a mind as blank as my sheet. I tried one of those journalling books with suggestions for what to write, but the things they mentioned didn't inspire me at all.
Posted by judy1 on February 10, 2003, at 1:52:08
In reply to Re: Miller, you've inspired me. » Miller, posted by Dinah on February 9, 2003, at 18:30:51
sometimes I just start with an idea from a post here, you've written several really good questions in the last few days- could that be a start? take care, judy
Posted by Miller on February 10, 2003, at 21:22:30
In reply to Re: Miller, you've inspired me. » Miller, posted by Dinah on February 9, 2003, at 18:30:51
Dinah,
I was really concerned with how to start writing. But what I found is that even if I don't have a "creative" idea, there are always the old stand-by issues. Always, my parents are a great place for me to start. So, if I am looking at a blank page and don't already have a game plan, I begin with some thoughts about a parent. Twelve pages later, I learn something. :) I have learned that the theory of "real love" which is the ability to give something I never had, has made me able to give compassion to mother. It has allowed me to give love (without an expectation of receiving) to my dad. I am also working on trying to give forgiveness and understanding to people who never gave me the same.
One huge issue I deal with is irrelevance. So many people, for so long, have made me feel as if I don't matter. I have high hopes that by journaling, I will be able to see that I DO matter. I want to believe it. Oh, if only it were that easy.
So don't dwell on creativity or specific subjects, just get feelings out. It feels good to be able to get them out. I never would have thought I would say that. But, for once in my life I am being honest. And I am being honest to myself, which is really close to a miracle.
I hope you are able to have the relief I have found. Let's hope it will be enough.
Good luck, my friend.
-Miller
Posted by rayww on February 22, 2003, at 11:02:20
In reply to Re: Not dumping at all. » beardedlady, posted by Miller on February 7, 2003, at 20:59:37
One thing I haven't quite figured out about PB etiquette is if it's polite to add a comment to a post that is directed to another individual. Whether polite or not I would like to make a comment on your
"If a person gives up their "escape hatch" of suicide, what replaces it? What if I can't give it up? "Suicide is like entering into a black hole, where you perceive nothing else exists but the black hole. What might replace that? Imagination.
Lets imaginate.
Let your mind soar until it can picture the most perfect personal world for you. Cummon-play along, no pain, no weeds, beautiful gardens, floaty pillowy lovely relationships with people, you are sought after, popular, admired, respected, gifted, part of a connected happy family, animals are clean, odor free, friendly, cuddly, no mess, no dishes, but delicious meals and plenty of fresh food to keep you thin and healthy. Keep this rolling.Now imagine that Heaven is simply the perfection of the world we create here. And, continue to imagine that if you suicide, you will be stuck for eternity in the exact place you are trying to escape from. Don't leave early, unless what you have right now is all you want. Endure and fix what you can while you are here. Imagine that God will take care of the "rest" in His own due time. Trust His timing.
http://scriptures.lds.org/1_cor/2/9#9If you can do nothing more, love God. The power of that love you feel for Him is strong enough to lead you through life.
http://scriptures.lds.org/mark/12/30#30
Posted by Miller on February 22, 2003, at 14:35:53
In reply to Re: Not dumping at all. » Miller, posted by rayww on February 22, 2003, at 11:02:20
Rayww,
Whether it is against etiquette or not, I appreciate the words of hope.
The way I read the first scripture you linked for me is that there is no way I can comprehend what awaits for me in heaven (if I get that far). So everything that I think is ggo and nice, will be multiplied too many times fo rme to realize if I am accepted in. Did I read it right?
I have never figured out if it is my depression or if it is my way to grieve when I attempt suicide. I wish I knew.
I can assure you that I am trying very hard ot better myself. Not for me, but for those who love me and for the hope that I can once again find my Faith.
Thank you for caring enough to respond and support my anxieties. :)
-Miller
Posted by PuraVida on February 23, 2003, at 22:34:15
In reply to Re: Not dumping at all. » Miller, posted by rayww on February 22, 2003, at 11:02:20
I've been journaling for about 20 years, and it has been really good. First, I have been able to go back and review what the real underlying things have been in my life. For instance, in one very LT relationsip I had myself talked out of kids and marriage - finally I realized, and my journals backed this up - that I did want kids and marriage - I had just slowly talked myself into denial of it over the years, cuz the guy wasn't right. Looking back over what your dreams were "back then" helps too - to refresh, support, reinspire. The one thing I have noticed, which I will warn about, is that I tend NOT to write when all is wonderful, usually because I am so busy with my friends, boyfriend, activities. So, sometimes I look back at my journals and see depressive cycle after cycle. It helps then to get the photos out - that is what happens during the good times - Regardless, journaling is awesome.
PVG, journaling a lot lately, and hoping there will be some picture taking times very soon -
PS Miller - I read what you said about being a visitor in your own life. I just got back from a long trip, and felt exactly the same way when I returned. It was very, very eerie! Hope you are settling back in well - it's been a challenge for me.
Posted by Miller on February 24, 2003, at 16:33:46
In reply to Re: Not dumping at all., posted by PuraVida on February 23, 2003, at 22:34:15
Thank you for the supportive words. I have found it is kind of hard to get into the habit of writing on a regular basis. I think of things during the day (whenever) that I want to write about, but then it seems life gets in the way.
I'll keep trying though.-Miller
Posted by Rach on March 1, 2003, at 6:27:58
In reply to Journaling--Does it help?, posted by Miller on February 3, 2003, at 21:28:36
I want to answer before I read the rest of the posts (so sorry if I repeat stuff).
It really helps me. i used to keep a diary when i was a kid, but stopped once I got to about 17. I'm 21, and have started keeping a journal again. I used to have trouble writing because it seemed like such an effort, and I felt like I had to write pages and pages. Now I've given myself permission to write as little or as much as I like, whenever I like, however often I like. I tend to write at least once a week. Sometimes it's pages, sometimes it's a single line.
I started writing a journal again for two reasons. One, because I have a terrible memory, and I forget a lot of events and funny memories, so it's like my storage box for those things. And two, because a lot of the time my thoughts are better out of my head than inside. Particularly if I'm down, I can get all that crap that I'm feeling down on the page, and it definitely diminishes the intensity of the feelings. Sometimes I might have to write repeatedly about things, but eventually it helps to quiet my head.
One good thing is to write so fast that you barely have time to think about what you are writing. I often discover my true feelings about things by writing this way. Admittedly, I often have trouble reading it because I have to write so fast! It is so weird to come back and read something that I wrote only 10mins ago, and not remember a word of it. Just pure thought that hasn't been screened by my head. I screen my 'voice' constantly, even writing in my journal, I edit and re-edit my words as I write them.
The only problem I see with it is if someone else finds it. I'm lucky because I know there is very little chance of someone reading my journal. But it would be a problem if someone did find it. It's not necessarily a true indication of how I'm feeling, because when I'm really happy and having fun I don't have time (and I don't really want to take the time) to sit down and record it all. Also, sometimes I may write about other people. It's not necessarily my entire feelings about them, just some aspect that is bugging me in particular. That's the main problem - someone reading it and believing that it gives a true indication of you as a person.
whew. I guess I'm in one of those pages and pages moods...
Posted by Rach on March 1, 2003, at 6:43:26
In reply to Re: Miller, you've inspired me. » Miller, posted by Dinah on February 9, 2003, at 18:30:51
> I'm one of those people who need an idea before I can write, otherwise I sit with a mind as blank as my sheet.
For me, I don't journal unless I already have a thought in my head. I'll be wandering around my house (or wherever) and think of something. Either it's an interesting concept, or it's a concern that is on repeat in my head, or I just sit down and write down the internal dialogue going on.
So you're looking at the blank page wondering what to write? Then write exactly that -
"I'm sitting here wondering what the hell to write. This blank page is staring at me, daring me to have just one interesting thought worth spoiling its pristine condition. Ha ha! Too late - I've already written three and a half sentences. Or should that be five? I'm confused - now I'm sitting here, stressing over whether I should count the sentence I'm in the middle of writing, or if the count should only include previously finished sentences. I'm thinking, how many people are going to read this, count the sentences I wrote, and point out that, well, technically, I'd written 4 sentences, because ha ha isn't a properly constructed sentence. Damn perfectionism..."
In my above post I mentioned writing as fast as you can. That way, you might be able to bypass your conscious editor and write what you truly feel.
Good luck and enjoy!
Posted by Rach on March 1, 2003, at 6:48:33
In reply to Re: Not dumping at all., posted by PuraVida on February 23, 2003, at 22:34:15
>The one thing I have noticed, which I will warn about, is that I tend NOT to write when all is wonderful, usually because I am so busy with my friends, boyfriend, activities.
I've just realised I'm a little different in that respect. If I am really deeply in a depressive episode, I can't be bothered writing. So in my journal you get a more contemplative, "crawling up" or "sliding down" view into my life.
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