One characteristic of anxiety that is difficult for us to manage is our thought process. Our anxiety hinders our capability to think rationally, causes us to think of the worst case scenarios, and causes us to dwell on a negative situation or incident.
Writing about the unpleasant event or incident we’ve experienced is a great way for us to gain perspective, determine whether we are thinking rationally, and allows us to identify the root cause of what is making us upset, distressed, or anxious.
Whether we write about something that took place at home, work, or about something that happened with our significant others, it gives us the chance to unclutter and unburden our mind. By describing what the event was, how we reacted to it, or how it made us feel, it shows us what our thought process was like.
If we are thinking irrationally, we can pin-point if it’s due to any mental mistakes we’ve made, and we should adjust our thoughts accordingly. If we are jumping into worst case scenario, we should reassess, make a list of all the things that could go right, and focus on that instead. If we are dwelling on the negative aspects of a situation, we should give ourselves a time limit to think about it, and then center our attention on something else.
Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, conflicted, or anxious, I write it out. I always feel better, like a weight has been lifted off of me, and my mind is clearer than before I started writing. It helps me sort out my thoughts, even if they come out as word vomit, spewed onto paper.
Every so often, my ramblings will lead me to a breakthrough. Either, it’s a validation of my feelings, or it’s a realization that my thoughts are irrational, having been skewed by my anxiety. This breakthrough might happen in the middle of writing, or at the very end, but once it happens, it’s a huge sigh of relief. Regardless of what my writing leads to, it restores my clarity, and I am able to take back control of my mind.
I encourage you all to try writing out your thoughts, even if it’s just once. You don’t have to be the next Shakespeare, and your writing only has to make sense to you. You may come away with a new perspective, or a fresh mindset, and that to me, makes it worth trying.
With love & support, Molly
