Journaling Can Ease the Tremendous Burden of Grief: These 4 Tips Will Show You How to Start
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. So much so that it's only natural to feel overwhelmed and confused in the aftermath of a death. While there is no magic wand that can make everything feel better in a flash, journaling can be an effective tool for managing personal grief. As time goes by, writing down your thoughts and feelings is both enlightening, and reassuring.
Putting Pen to Paper can Repair the Soul:
Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist Mary K. Tatum explains that, “Not having the ability to talk to our loved ones who have passed is one of the most painful parts of loss. When you can no longer call, or go see someone anytime, the pain cuts deep. Journaling certainly can’t replace physical dialogue with that person, but it can provide a place to imagine conversations you normally would with your loved one.” Here are a few helpful tips on how to use journaling as an effective coping mechanism for bereavement:
1. Choose a Comfortable Format:
A grief journal should be documented in a medium that suits your communication-style. You can journal in a traditional notebook/diary, on a computer, or even on your phone. The most important thing is to choose a format that you're happy with, and that you'll actually be able to utilize long-term.
2. Write Regularly:
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to journaling. Some people find it helpful to write every day, while others prefer to journal once a week or even less often. The important thing is to be consistent, and to make journaling a regular part of your grieving process. A journal can only transform into a journal with routine writing and reflection.
3. Be Honest and True to Yourself:
This is your journal. So there's no need to hold back on what you think, or how you express yourself. Write about whatever’s on your mind, even if it's something you wouldn't necessarily say out loud. The more authentically you choose to articulate inner thoughts, the quicker you'll get to the root of discontent.
4. Don't Worry About Grammar or Spelling:
Always remember that there are no rules when it comes to grief journaling. It's not a college essay, or a book report. Just write whatever comes to mind, and don't worry about minor errors. Nobody has the right to judge or criticize your path to healing.
Journaling can be an incredibly effective way to cope with bereavement. It helps people to gently digest upsetting thoughts and feelings, while also providing a contained outlet for extreme emotions. Journaling can be a constructive channel of self-expression. So if you're currently in the process of grieving, consider journaling as a good way to cope with your loss.
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