How Journaling Can Help Moms with Depression

Imagine this: it’s 3 am, and you’re lying in bed, wide awake, watching the ceiling fan spin around and around like it’s been doing since you were in high school. You’ve been lying in bed for what feels like an eternity, reliving every cringe-worthy moment of your existence, and convincing yourself that you’re a phony who’s just one misstep away from being unmasked. This is some next-level fun, am I right? That’s me, every damn night, when depression decides to crash my party. Y’all, I’ve stumbled upon a nifty little hack for dealing with those pesky thoughts that just won’t quit: journaling.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.Sweetie, I totally get it. But guess what? You don’t have to be a writer to express yourself. Just let those thoughts flow out of your head and onto the page. Trust me, it’s therapeutic. Plus, who knows? You might surprise yourself and end up with a best-selling memoir. I’m pretty sure my brain is allergic to proper spelling and grammar. I totally get it, my friend. Listen, y’all, there’s just something magical about scribbling with a pen or tapping away on a keyboard that can do wonders for your mental well-being. So, here’s the thing. I’m here today to talk about journaling and how it can help with depression. It’s a topic that’s near and dear to my heart, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you. Because listen, y’all, if there’s one thing I know from my own struggles with mental health, it’s that we’re a force to be reckoned with when we come together.

This post is specifically for you. I’m fixin’ to spill the beans on how journaling has saved my bacon time and time again. Get ready for some tips, tricks, and personal stories about how I’ve wrangled the wild stallion that is my own brain. And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up, leave a comment, share it with your friends, and subscribe to my blog for more mental health shenanigans. Also, just so you know, I use affiliate links in my blog. So, if you happen to purchase something through any of those links, I earn a tiny commission. But don’t worry, I’ll totally use that cash to buy more journals to scribble in. If you’re more of an auditory learner, you can catch the audio version of this blog on my podcast, available on Spotify and Amazon Music. Let’s get our journaling on, y’all!

Journaling. It’s like having a therapist, but without the added bonus of them judging you. So, like, you’re basically just scribbling down all the weird stuff in your head and heart, which can be a total lifesaver when you’re dealing with the suckiness of depression.

There are a plethora of ways to journal. You can totally do free writing, which is basically just dumping your brain onto paper. Or you can give bullet journaling a whirl, which is like a to-do list on steroids. And if you’re feeling grateful (or trying to be), there’s always the option of gratitude journaling.

You know what’s amazing about journaling? It’s completely adaptable to your whims and fancies. You can scribble for a few minutes or scribble for a few days, use rainbow-colored pens or stick to the basics, and even add in some whimsical doodles or stickers if you’re feeling particularly fancy. Listen, y’all, the key is to figure out what floats your boat and then ride that wave all the way to shore.

When you’re feeling blue, just grab a notebook and start scribbling. It’s like putting on pants. It won’t fix everything, but it’s a start. And let’s not forget the added bonus of being able to purchase more notebooks. That’s a definite victory in my world.

Depression is the absolute worst, let’s be real. It’s like having a dementor as your constant companion, draining the happiness out of every moment. Journaling has been a lifesaver for me in dealing with my depression. And nope, I’m not referring to the mundane “Dear Diary, today I had a sandwich for lunch” type of journaling (but if that floats your boat, go ahead and do it). I’m talking about the kind of journaling that’s like a brain dump, where you spill all your thoughts and emotions onto paper and free up some mental space.

When you’re depressed, your brain can be a real jerk and keep looping negative thoughts on repeat. You know that feeling when you think that you’re a useless potato, that everything is going to be terrible forever, and that you’re the only one in the universe? Yeah, that. But when you begin journaling, you can start to combat those pesky negative thoughts. So, here’s the thing: sometimes our brains are like a runaway train, and we just can’t seem to get a grip on our fears and worries. But what if we hit the brakes for a sec and actually wrote them down? It might sound crazy, but trust me, it works. Once you’ve got ’em all out on paper, you can take a step back and look at ’em with fresh eyes. Suddenly, they don’t seem quite so scary anymore. You know, sometimes our fears can be like tiny chihuahuas that we’ve convinced ourselves are giant, ferocious beasts. But the truth is, we have the power to tame those little yappy dogs and make them our loyal companions. And who knows, maybe we’ll even discover some tricks to help us conquer our worries along the way.

You know what’s great for anxiety and stress? Journaling. Seriously, it’s like a therapist that never judges you for eating an entire pizza by yourself. When you’re feeling like a tiny mouse in a giant cheese factory, it can be hard to even know which cheese to nibble on first. So, if you jot down every single thought that pops into your head, you might be surprised to find some recurring patterns and themes. You might have noticed that your brain is being a real jerk lately, making you anxious about the same situation over and over again or stressing you out when you’ve got a million things on your to-do list. Stupid brain. Once you’ve pinpointed those pesky triggers, you can begin to brainstorm some tactics to wrangle them into submission.

But seriously, don’t just take my word for it. When I first started journaling, I was all like, “Pfft. Like writing down my thoughts is gonna do anything.” But y’all, let me tell you, after just a few weeks of scribbling down my jumbled-up thoughts and emotions, I swear I could feel a change happening. I was, like, totally less anxious, less stressed, and less likely to get stuck in a negative thought spiral. And when I read through my old journal entries, I can totally see how far I’ve come. It’s like having a tangible reminder of my personal evolution and badassery.

If you’re dealing with depression, I strongly suggest giving journaling a shot. It’s not a magical solution, but it can definitely be a helpful addition to your arsenal for handling your symptoms. And who knows, you might even unearth a secret knack for composing verse or sketching aimlessly. (Note: I didn’t suddenly unearth any secret knack for verse or sketching. But maybe you’re luckier than I am.

Well, well, well, looks like you’re ready to dip your toes into the wild and wacky world of journaling. Congratulations, you magnificent warrior! Here are some tips to help you get started, y’all:

Listen, I totally understand. You’re a mom with a to-do list that’s longer than the line at a Texas BBQ joint. Listen, y’all. I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. Carving out a mere 10-15 minutes every day to jot down your thoughts can be a game-changer. Seriously. Perhaps it’s just before you tuck yourself in for the night or while you’re sipping on your first cup of coffee in the morning. Knock yourself out. Make it a habit, y’all.

Choose a cozy writing nook: Perhaps you prefer to scribble away in your boudoir, ensconced by plush cushions and snuggly throws. Or perhaps you fancy settling down at a desk with a delightful cup of tea. It’s crucial to locate a place where you feel at ease and chillaxed.

You know what’s great? Trying out all sorts of journaling methods. Seriously, it’s like a buffet of self-reflection. You can go for the classic daily diary entry, or mix it up with bullet journaling, art journaling, or even gratitude journaling. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about finding what works for you. So go ahead and get your journal on, my friend. You know what? There’s no one right way to journal. Some folks are into freestyle writing, while others dig prompts or templates. Some folks prefer bullet journals, while others opt for gratitude journals. You should totally experiment with various techniques and find the ones that speak to your soul.

If you’re feeling stuck and can’t think of anything to write about, don’t sweat it. Holy crap, y’all, there are a metric ton of writing prompts out there just waiting to inspire you. So, like, here’s the thing. I’ve got a few examples for you. They’re not great, but they’re not terrible either. Just, you know, examples.

Tell me three things that made you happy today.

One time when I was a wee little thing, I found a frog in my backyard and I was convinced that it was a prince who had been cursed by a wicked witch. So I spent the whole day trying to break the spell by feeding him flies and giving him a tiny crown made of dandelions. Spoiler alert: he didn’t turn into a prince, but it was still a magical day.

Dear future me, Hello, you magnificent creature! I hope this letter finds you well and happy. I’m writing to you from the past, where things are a little uncertain and chaotic. But I’m sure you already know that, being the wise and experienced person that you are now. I’m curious to know how you’re doing. Have you achieved all the goals you set for yourself? Have you found new passions and interests? Have you made new friends and strengthened old relationships? I hope you’re living your best life and making every moment count. As for me, I’m still figuring things out. I’m learning to be kinder to myself and to take things one day at a time. I’m trying to be more present and mindful, and to appreciate the little things in life. I hope you’re still practicing these things too, and that they’ve become second nature to you. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us. I know there will be challenges and setbacks, but I also know that we’re strong enough to overcome them. So keep pushing forward, keep dreaming big, and keep being the amazing person that you are. With love and admiration, Your past self.

Tell me three things you’re thankful for at this very moment.

Just a friendly reminder that there’s no right or wrong way to journal. You do you, boo. Listen, y’all, the key is to be real with yourself and use that truth as a weapon against your depression. You totally got this, y’all!

Journaling is a badass way to handle depression. This is a space where you can unload all your thoughts and emotions without worrying about being judged (unless you’re like me and believe that your diary is silently judging you). By putting your thoughts down on paper (or typing them out with your fingers), you’re taking a proactive measure in handling your mental health.

If you’re feeling down in the dumps, I highly recommend giving journaling a shot. So, listen. You don’t have to go big or go home when it comes to journaling. Start small, try out different styles, and don’t stress about being perfect. Trust me, it’s all about finding what works for you. Listen, the most crucial thing is that you’re looking after yourself.

If you’re needing a bit of a push to kick things off, just keep in mind that by liking, commenting, sharing, and subscribing to this blog, you’ll be backing a small business (that’s me!) and assisting me in earning a wee commission through my affiliate links. Also, if you’re more of an auditory person (because let’s face it, who has the attention span to read anymore?), you can totally catch the audio rendition of my blog on my podcast available on Spotify and Amazon Music.

In all seriousness, thank you for taking the time to read this post. And by “thank you” I mean “I’m sorry you had to suffer through this nonsense.” But at least we’re suffering together, right? #Blessed I know firsthand how depression can make you feel like you’re on a deserted island all by yourself. But trust me, you’re not. We’re all in this together. Listen, there are folks out there who give a damn about you and there are resources aplenty to lend a hand. And who knows? Maybe the universe will surprise us with a herd of miniature giraffes wearing top hats and monocles. You know what? Journaling might just be one of those things that changes your life for the better. Let’s give it a whirl and see what kind of shenanigans ensue. Listen, you’ve got absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.