Writing and Mental Health
Writing is an essential skill for clients and significantly aids in managing fears, worries, anxiety, and stress triggers. By recording these triggers and associated feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, individuals with OCD and anxiety can evaluate, set goals, and measure progress.
This is crucial in increasing self-awareness, other awareness, and situational awareness, which are vital for overcoming OCD and anxiety. It also acts as a break from automatic and unhelpful behaviors that can intensify anxiety. Moreover, writing activates the rational, problem-solving part of the brain, enabling individuals to assess and choose a better path toward their desired outcomes.
It is beneficial to remember that writing creates a valuable record that supports clients and their counselors in identifying patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Individuals can track their progress over time by measuring anxiety levels on a scale of 1–10, called Subjective Units of Discomfort (SUD). For instance, they may note, “My SUD level decreased from 7 to 5!”
In addition, writing can involve worst-case scenario exercises, which intentionally increase anxiety levels to desensitize individuals to anxiety triggers gradually. This exposure therapy helps individuals with OCD and anxiety feel more comfortable, and experience reduced distress.
Writing is a safe outlet for many individuals, particularly the 80% of the population who experience intrusive thoughts. They often fear disclosing these thoughts to others due to concerns about harm or inappropriate inclinations. However, writing allows them to confront and expose these thoughts in a controlled manner, aiding in their therapeutic journey. Clients learn that thoughts are just thoughts.
In conclusion, writing is a powerful tool for individuals dealing with OCD, anxiety, and stress. By capturing stress triggers, processing emotions, and fostering self-awareness, writing aids in managing these conditions effectively. So, start putting pen to paper and discover these transformative benefits in your journey toward improved mental well-being.