Heavy Minds Counseling with Heather

Journaling is so important for mental health – But I often hear the same excuses…

• I want my thoughts to be private and not written down
• I don’t write everyday, and feel guilty and like a failure
• I keep losing my journals and end up with several and none can be peiced together

As a therapist, I recommend a few reminders. Journals are not graded, and not a sign of success. The idea is to write down thoughts to organize them. You do not have to write everyday, but when you are overwhelmed, it is a great tool that can help you feel in control.

Also, keeping your journal in the car under your seat, or using a talk to text can be helpful. Your life isn;t a moive, where you sit and ponder at a littel wooden desk with a quill. We are all busy, keep your journal in a place you find yourself overthinking the most (the car, bathroom, ktichen cabinet, or next to your computer).

If something makes you feel guilty or ashamed because your expectations are unrealistic – Change your expectations. Although writing everyday is something that could make you feel better, that is hard to do. Change the idea that journaling is for the moment, not forever.