Help Does having a diary really help?

[AntisocialGG]

I'm getting help and it's actually working, i think i just have to do some things for it to work better. I've had these long audios that i keep to myself when i feel like shit and it does actually help me, but i think something more physical like a diary would work better not only for when im not in the mood for anything but when im alright aswell. That's what i think. Even tho i don't like the idea of leaving physical unencrypted sensitive information about myself, it's pretty concerning to me. Specially if it's just sitting there in my room. So i had the idea of weekly deleting (burning) the pages so i don't worry as much. But before even trying i want to know if it even works on some people (that's why im asking here). Or if anyone has a better method that fits my needs.

 

[l1f31spa1n]

Maybe a digital journal? Writing is a really good idea, it feels extremely good. Very good initiative on your part

 

[westerly_merlin]

I bought a nice notebook (100g paper so it has a nice feel) I find writing down what is upsetting / triggering me is a good way of handling things, much better than SH.

I find the act of writing on nice paper quite sensual and reading back my notes afterwards gives me a perspective that maybe what seemed at the time was overwhelming and catastrophic was really not that bad.

I still have times where I am so overwhelmed I may consider (or actually) SH, but it is much less often.

Give it a try and see how it works for you, just keep the book safe.

 

[orpheus_]

I'm kind of ashamed of this but I keep a digital journal where I write down some days of my life, a bit literary-style. Like some objectively interesting and conceptually enjoyable things, or even just random ass shit like "I saw a three legged dog running super fast in the park today".

I do it out of habit but I must say it helps in some strange way. Like it helps me hold onto some thin strings of meaning in my life. Like sometimes I just read a random page and life stops feeling so numb and worthless a bit.

reading back my notes afterwards gives me a perspective that maybe what seemed at the time was overwhelming and catastrophic was really not that bad.

Also: this. For me it's also helpful in this way.

Another thing which helps but I hate the fact that it helps because it feels so.. I don't know. I feel ashamed doing it, somehow - but writing down how I feel, like literally describing it on paper sometimes gives me some relief.

 

[SeraphimNull]

I feel like its one of those things where you get out of what you put in it. I've journaled for a while now, but to completely honest with you, I does little for me. But still, every little bit helps. Know a friend who does it religiously and helps them a ton. I hope you find what works for you.

 

[meemee]

Even tho i don't like the idea of leaving physical unencrypted sensitive information about myself, it's pretty concerning to me.

Make your own alphabet. Write down the english alphabet and put symbols to substitute every letter. Memorize them then practice writing in the new symbols. Then destroy the "code" once you've memorized it. That way no one else will understand your writing except for yourself.

 

[ipmanwc0]

Yes Journaling changed my life but you have to journal about the right things like how you feel and stuff just writing about what you did today doesnt help you

 

[Cloud Busting]

It certainly didn't work for Sylvia Plath, but perhaps it will work for you

 

[MapleS]

It helped me A LOT.
It was like therapy but with myself. It helped me understand my emotions and got though them.

 

[penguinl0v3s]

I recommend one. Depression causes severe memory loss and journaling is the only way to have a history of yourself.

 

[vitbar]

I only really use it when struggling. It's a healthy alternative to how I used to endlessly vent to friends. Getting it down on paper feels cathartic.

 

[waqs]

i have a website that has i use at a diary, it helps a lot overall, i can express the emotions i normally keep bottled up

 

[I Me & Myself]

It certainly stops me from oversharing with people. Writing it in a diary is often better because certain things you just need to get out. Starting to write these things (digitally in my case) has helped me in the moment (some Relief from rants) as well as afterwards.

Sometimes I read things back and it helps me contextualise certain things, especially when I get really bad mood swings.