In February of 2014, after my dad and therapist suggested I write about my anxiety, I started a blog. The blog was meant as a way to talk about my anxiety and connect with others who struggled with the same issue.
Like most writers, I had no idea at first if anyone would be remotely interested in what I had to say. I wasn’t even sure if blogging would help me, let alone help anyone else. However, once I began to really start expressing my feelings through the written word, I experienced something much more wonderful than I ever thought possible.
Writing about the mental health issue of anxiety has improved my life in so many ways. For one thing, it’s made me realize that I have the ability to make a difference in the lives around me—something I honestly never expected to be capable of. Knowing that I can help others by sharing my experiences has both given me purpose and improved my self-esteem. I love the fact that I can show people how much I care for their wellbeing while doing something I love.
Another wonderful thing that writing about mental health has provided me is the chance to visually view my progress. I’m able to document my improvements and show myself just how possible working through anxiety really is.
By writing about my mental health condition, I’m able to see all that I can do. I think for many sufferers of anxiety and other mental health issues, it’s hard for us to focus on our progress instead of our struggles. We spend so much time concentrating on what we seem to do wrong, that we forget about all the times we stood up to our obstacles and refused to let them hold us back. Writing about my progress has helped me remember just how strong I am. Also, hearing from others who are also struggling with anxiety helps me see I’m not alone—that I have people I can count on for support. It makes me want to be a better person, and help them just like they have helped me.
Writing about anxiety is also a great way to get your feelings off your chest. I’ve found myself frustrated with my mental health issue so many times, and writing about it has certainly helped me feel better. There’s something about getting your thoughts and feelings out in the open that’s truly relaxing.
Through a good portion of my struggle with anxiety, writing has always been there for me. Like a best friend who is always there to listen and bring me hope, writing has brought me many gifts—the ability to help myself and others, the benefit of helping me see my progress and the confidence I get through my anxiety that I’m able to give back to the community. I can honestly say that without writing—especially about my mental health issues—I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Like this post? View similar content here: Living With Anxiety & Tools: Therapist, Yoga, Writing.
