How Creative Writing Helps Manage Anxiety + How it Helped Me.
Three years ago, I found myself unable to write. As I have been writing since I was nine years old, being too tense and anxious to focus on letters terrified me. At the back of my mind sat the nagging fear: what if I can never write again?
I experienced chest pains, words dizzied in front of my eyes, and my concentration wandered. Often, I thought of nothing and could not think of anything without slipping off into empty space. Worried, I went to an urgent care facility, where the nurse unexpectedly discovered I do not wear a bra, for some answers.
I was told I was experiencing ‘normal teen anxiety’.
To be told waves of dislocating panic and hesitancy to draw a deep breath is normal is eyebrow raising. I went home knowing I needed to do something, but unsure of what that something would look like.
How creative writing helps manage my anxiety
I keep a journal. To write about my experiences is second nature to me. I sat down and wrote about how I felt and how I wanted to feel. I wanted to do more; I wanted to share those private thoughts and personal stories. I wanted to connect with people who can connect with me.
I decided to start Nin Chronicles after I realized I needed to find a natural way to heal. To come to terms and understand my anxiety, I needed to explore where it was stemming from. I sat down a wrote a lengthy piece about my feelings, fears, and hopes for the future. I needed to share my view with the world, and I did.
I wrote passionately terrible articles that I am now revising for clarity with a smile. I wrote about everything and anything troubling me; in that torrent of pent-up emotion, my anxiety poured out and flowed away.
I still experience hints of chest pain and deep, pressing worry today when I read something devastating and the feeling of helplessness; of being able to do nothing comes back. But now I write because I can do something: I can use my voice and my words in the name of awareness. One letter at a time, I can change the world. Writing is my healing.
My mind goes back to the urgent care facility today. Normal teen anxiety? How many people, then, struggle with such deep apprehension? The answering is staggering.
Anxiety can be effectively and consciously handled and as seen in many people, be there one day and gone the next. Many people suffering from generalized anxiety disorders work at healing and heal. I believe anxiety is not for life.
I am hopeful this advice will apply equally well to all you singers, dancers, painters, artists, and colorful creatives too, but here is how creative writing helped me manage and overcome my anxiety and inspired me to bring more of what I am passionate about into my life.
6 Ways Creative Writing Helps Manage Anxiety
- Writing gives you an outlet. Having a plethora of worrying and anxiety-driven thoughts occupying your mind and heart is not healthy and, when you are so full of negativity, there is little room for positive action to find room to grow. By expressing yourself in words, you give your emotions another place to go. When put down in ink, I find crushing thoughts and feelings become less daunting and more manageable. Suddenly planning a path forward is doable instead of impossible.
- Writing helps you find community. If you decide to share your creative writing, life experiences, and thoughts, you will connect with like-minded people. Community is a wonderful place to not only find support; you can also learn from people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences to yours.
- Writing helps you know yourself better. Looking at yourself in words is often a great way to see how you have grown over the years and see yourself more objectively as you are now, especially if you are honest in your journal writing. When you have anxiety, knowing yourself well can often help you pinpoint why you feel anxious. In looking over my journals from the past eight years, I watch myself grow and learn from my life’s experiences. In reading the stories I wrote over the past ten years, I notice how my style and voice has changed and how the themes and morals I always sought to share in my writing have also evolved or changed shape.
- Writing helps you find confidence in yourself. If you journal or write creatively, looking back on the excellent pieces of poetry and short stories you have penned, as well as the hard decisions you have made, it is impossible not to walk away with the knowledge you are a capable person with many skills and talents. This assurance is healing to one’s self-esteem.
Related: The Writer’s Guide to Learning From & Handling Literary Rejection
- Writing helps you find acceptance. Not everything needs to be a battle, but it is tough to accept something you do not want. I find that, by writing short stories and poems about fictional characters making the decisions I cannot make yet, I am able to find acceptance more peacefully because I have already done it in writing.
- Pro Tip: Writing about fictional characters making decisions you are struggling with is a handy way to look at your situation objectively and through different eyes! Multiple perspectives, even if they all ultimately stem from you, may help you find the path for you more clearly.
- Pro Tip: Writing about fictional characters making decisions you are struggling with is a handy way to look at your situation objectively and through different eyes! Multiple perspectives, even if they all ultimately stem from you, may help you find the path for you more clearly.
- Writing helps you help other people. If you decide to share a piece about what helped you find your definition of happiness, chances are you might be giving a fellow person a hand up out of their rut.
Finally, if you are struggling with mental health, anxiety, or depression and nothing you are doing is assisting you, consider reaching out for profession help! Sometimes it is what you need and there is no shame or weakness in it.
So, whether you write privately or publicly, in a journal or on a blog, try weaving your experiences, dreams, and passions into your writing. It may help write away some or, over time, all your anxiety.
How do you manage the bumps in your life? Does creativity help you express yourself or help you get to know yourself better? Tell me below!
loveemblogger
I love writing and it gives me something to work towards. It gives me a space to vent and share tips with others but I didn’t realise all of the other benefits too! Thanks for sharing, Em x
The Queen of My Castle
I started writing my blog during the pandemic and it helped me overcome so much anxiety that I was feeling. Thank you for sharing these thoughtful tips. Writing can indeed be so healing.
Jaya Avendel
I love that your blog has been a big emotional help to you! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Confidently Kayleigh
Fantastic! I manage anxiety too. My writing helps me, but I never thought to use characters to play out my own thoughts and feelings, thank you x
Mariana
A few weeks ago I wrote for the first time in 2 years. Writing really improved my mental health since then. ❤️
Corinne
I’ve always found writing so therapeutic and a great way to organise my thoughts so I can really understand how I am feeling!
Corinne x
http://www.skinnedcarrtree.com
simplyalexjean
This is so lovely – writing is to therapeutic and you’ve outlined all the reasons why in such a great way! I’m glad to hear it’s really helped you over the years, and thank you for sharing your story! 🙂
cafebeauty2021
Such a lovely post! Writing has followed me everywhere- whether it’s creative, blogging or professional, I’ve always loved writing. I can definitely see creative writing as therapeutic. Thank you for sharing.
The busy shelf
Thank you so much for sharing, it does good for people struggling with the same thing to read about others’ experiences and how they learned to cope/heal. Physical work is what helps me most of the time. It allows me to consume the tension inside my body, clear my mind and at the same time see the progress in whatever I am doing ( even if it’s about washing the dishes or vacuuming the house). It preps me before taking a look inside what’s going on with me and my feelings… I am my worst critic and not in the good way, which means I must really tire the critic before opening the doors to my feelings.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much for sharing the amazing ways physical work helps you clear your mind in much the same way writing helps me! <3
Gemma
I have been writing since 13. I’m 38 now and it is the best thing for my anxiety. Even if I write utter rubbish I feel its a benefit. Over the years I’ve kept journals, blogged, used forums, wrote short stories and I am definitely all the better for it. Keep writing and reading too.
Jaya Avendel
Love that writing, even your scribbles, have been an immense help to you! Thank you for sharing. <3
untilanotherday
Writing it definitely a brilliant emotional outlet, whether you’re writing about your feelings, or simply writing about something you enjoy x
Julie A Joslyn
Nicely done ☺️
Aparna
Truly agree that writing helps in best way to stabilise our emotions 😅😃
Good 👍👍👍
M. Sebastian
I can completely relate to your article, thank you for writing such a thoughtful testament to writing as healing anxiety. I began my blog when I separated from my husband and we were going through our divorce. The trauma I experienced had no outlet and the anxiety and panic attacks I experienced came to a slow as i started writing about the events. I began to heal. Thank you. Very helpful, I hope someone else in need finds this article and decides to take the plunge into writing, even if its old fashioned paper and pen. Writing heals! 🤗
Jaya Avendel
I love writing by hand; I find the release of words in ink so helpful and connectable. Thank you for sharing the amazing ways writing has helped heal your sadness and find your strength in recovery! <3
bosssybabe
I definitely relate to all of this… For a long time I stopped writing… And it coincided with an event in my life that I could never find the words to express… (which is entirely unusual for me)… I tried so many things along the way to reignite that flame inside me but finally what finally got my mojo going again was during the pandemic and realizing how short life can be and the unexpected turns it can take… 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Ah, the unexpected is truly a way to find yourself awake before you know it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Alicia Thompson
Hello Jaya! I totally agree with your post! Thank you for sharing. Writing has really helped me turn my life around. Thank you for sharing! Alicia
RebelliousStudent
A really nice and helpful post! I’ve never really tried creative writing even though I regularly enjoy reading it, but I suppose it’s time I at least give it a try.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! I love that you found this post valuable.
jeannekoh
Fully agree blogging is an outlet to combat stress and anxiety! Take care!
A Sustainably Simple Life
Writing in a journal is what saved me in childhood, so I’m 110% in agreement with you on how helpful writing is for managing stress, anxiety, and a number of things. It’s always been a healing thing for me and love hearing that it is for others as well.
I’m horrible at writing fiction, but I do really like your idea of writing a character making a decision to help with my own decision making. That’s an interesting thought!
Jaya Avendel
Aww, thank you so much for sharing the ways journaling has been so healing to you. Love that you found the character decision writing idea helpful!
Monch Weller
Good to hear that writing served a great benefit to you! If I could sum up what I’ve read, permit me to give one word: CATHARSIS.
Jaya Avendel
Monch, I am overwhelmed indeed by your sum up. Catharsis is a new word for me, but one I am treasuring. Thank you!
Monch Weller
Welcome! Learned that from my old creative writing professor years ago, actually hehe!
lynnmumbingmejia
Wow, I love this post, Jaya! Although writing is not my choice of outlet, I love anything creative. Painting is one that I feel heals me and relaxes me. Since starting my blog, I understand what you mean by having more confidence! Thanks for sharing x
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
shanon shine
I can totally relate to this…thats the very reason i started writing to use my voice my writing as a tool to make a difference…a great piece work.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, dear! Love that you connected with this.
A_unfiltered
This is beautiful and I completely agree with you. Writing helped ease my anxiety. First it was in my journal and now on my blog. It helped ease my mind and I’m now not as panic stricken as i used to before. Journaling is that one thing i would always recommend. And sometimes when i look at some of my old entries, I can’t help but smile and cry at how much I’ve grown.
Jaya Avendel
Smile and cry at how much you have grown . . . this is lovely! I adore that writing has helped you so much.
Blessings Bob Matongo
I experience depression and anxiety on a regular basis. Sometimes so much that I forget how much life is good. I view writing as a way out. It’s so amazing that through writing I can find hidden gems that I would never find otherwise. Great post. You’re doing really good.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Bob! I especially love that writing helps you see new sides to life.
Jaya Avendel
Vanelle, your read of this is lovely! Thank you for sharing.
Jonathan Caswell
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford.
Vanelle
Jaya, this was such a beautiful post to read! Thank you for sharing your experience. I love how you mentioned about writing and confidence – it’s not an easy task to put oneself out there. Through writing, I’ve learned a lot about myself but also from others and the blogging community is truly so supportive. Love this! x
barbaraleaver
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and very helpful tips!
Mandy
You have inspired me to write more when I have trouble to sort out my mind. It’s been a while since I did that and your words encouraged me to try again. Thanks!
Della Driscoll
I resonate with this post so much!! Writing is the one thing I’ve always found comfort in, especially when my anxiety is bad xx
Jodie | That Happy Reader
What an insightful post! I’m happy to see that you’ve found something that provides you with healing and empowerment. I find it quite fascinating how many writers suffer from anxiety and depression. Thank you for sharing.
Sara James
It’s an encouraging piece to motivate one to write and keep on writing. The way you have found solace, peace, and acceptance of your inner self through writing is remarkable. I started my blog to share my experience and knowledge with as many people as possible, and you are right; the writing community is very supportive, and you feel a connection to them. I started enjoying my articles, short stories, and especially the ones my kid has written:)
Jaya, you are a prolific writer because you feel content and untethered at the same time. xx
Jaya Avendel
” . . . Content and untethered at the same time . . .”
What lovely words and I am touched to be what they describe. Thank you for sharing the ways writing has helped you connect and enjoy life. <3
Corinne
I love to write too to help me mentaly. I find it really helps me process my feelings and articulate them. It’s especially good for me when I need to express them to someone else so I can try to explain accurately what I am thinking and feeling without it coming out all a bit all over the place!
Corinne x
Jaya Avendel
Yes! Writing is a great tool for focusing thought too.
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
“Writing helps you help other people”
Last bur not least. Or better, this is definitely the point reaching my heart as first.
Teen anxiety?!
Well I am not teen from soooooo long but I still haven’t managed to deal with my anxiety, that’s why your words are helping me so much.
In this case, but also every single time I have the luck to read your Words, because every lapse, very moment, every atmosphere you create is like a sort of hook in the sky bringing me away from everyday sadness.
So the last point is perfectly YOU.
Jaya Avendel
Claudia, words fail me! I cannot express how happy I am to know my words are such a great help to you! I am touched, honored, and encouraged to continue writing forever. Thank you!
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post Jaya! I can definitely relate to what you’ve said here. I took up journaling as a way to deal with stress in high school and continued throughout university since it proved to be such an effective way to relieve anxiety.
Diana
A very lovely post, Jaya. I too, to write to help my stress level to stay in control.. Lol. I feel so relaxed after writing.. I can’t even explain that feeling. Stay blessed! ❤️🌹🙏
Ingrid
Thank you for this honest share about your struggles with anxiety Jaya. Writing is a great healer, and together we can join voices and help to fix a broken planet 🙏
Jaya Avendel
Beautifully expressed, Ingrid!
Jeff Flesch
A lovely post, Jaya. Though I didn’t start blogging with the intention of creating a space to work through my own anxiety; I do find great release in the creative process, especially when it comes to writing poetry. An absolute wonder for getting out of our heads those anxieties, dreams, issues, etc. Great advice!
Jaya Avendel
The beauty of your mind shows in every piece you write, Jeff. Thanks for sharing how writing benefits you!
Jeff Flesch
That is so kind of you, Jaya. Thank you; and, you are most welcome. Is always my pleasure!
Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)
Normal teen anxiety? It annoys me how the medical system can be so dismissive of mental health issues.
Writing, or any other form of creative expression, is a great way to deal with anxiety. I am a singer but, because of the pandemic, I’m not singing much right now. I’m so grateful to have my blog as a creative outlet and I’m also grateful for the wonderful people like you that I’ve connected with through blogging.
Thanks for sharing your story, Jaya!
Jaya Avendel
Love that blogging has given you another outlet, Michelle! Thank you for sharing your form of creativity. 🙂
KK
A beautiful, informative write up 👌👌
Az Karim
Exactly how I felt about drawing when I was in my final year at architecture school. It took me more than six months and some therapy to overcome that anxiety which was really the fear of disappointing my father if I did not do well. Only when I finally put aside that fear, as in I told myself what will be, will be … I was able to draw and got a good degree. I told myself after that to create for creating’s sake and not for other people.
Jaya Avendel
Fear of disappointment is terrible indeed, Az, but I love the realization that pulled you through was one of self! Thank you for sharing.
ivor20
A superb article Jaya, honest and informative, and after my strokes, I think rediscovering writing has definitely been my comfort pillow through my years of trials and tribulations …
Jaya Avendel
Love that writing is your comfort pillow, Ivor! Thank you for sharing how words help you.
Basic With Life
Such a brilliant and helpful article, I started blogging in the hope that it could help with paying off my debts but I soon discovered how much it helped with my depression, anxiety and boredom. I still have the debts 😂 but it has helped so much with my mindset. Thanks for sharing.
Jaya Avendel
🙂 Sometimes we find the unexpected along our initial path. Love that you were open to it!
Andrew McDowell
Excellent post!
Lisa's Notebook
This was a realy interesting post, Jaya. I think those of us who kept or keep diaries and those if us who blog will know exactly what you mean. The act of writing helps us in so many ways, but if we can help others too, that’s a bonus.
Jordanne | Ofaglasgowgirl
I really resonate with a lot of what you’ve said. I find writing helps me when I feel my anxiety flaring, I have high functioning and social anxiety so I get drained quite a lot from being around people or not doing enough, but also doing too much. Having a blog has helped me harness some more control as it’s a place to escape when I need to, it helps me stay busy but also shut away for a while to built myself back up. I am so shocked that you were told that it was normal to anxiety, nothing about it should be normal! Especially for teens and children. I’m sure your writing will help a lot of people not feel so alone and will be able to connect with your words.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much, Jordanne, for sharing how writing helps you focus and balance yourself! I was relieved it was anxiety instead of something potentially more physical, but also dismayed at the dismissive manner with which I was informed. Writing is definitely my form of medicine now. 🙂
BrittnyLee
Doing this blog really helped me with my anxiety and ADHD. I connected with such awesome writers and artists in all on here. My anxiety and ADHD still puts forks in my road but blogging, photography and writing help a lot. I’ve also found that singing helps so much too. I love music. Sometimes I’ll just blast songs on my way to work and sing falling into another world with the voice in my speakers. It’s an awesome feeling. One of my favorite things to do is drawing. Drawing is a great escape. I want to do it more. I’m trying to make more time to write and draw more. Luckily I am still active with photography. I use my phone more though as my laptop turns my jpeg files into blank white cubes…. Yeah something is wrong with my laptop haha. Using my phone is safer for my photos lately ha
Jaya Avendel
I love that you have found creative ways to express yourself, Brittny, that are also positively affecting your mental health! Photography and drawing are both so much fun, and I relate to relaxing into the sound of sing-along tunes.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
BrittnyLee
Thank you !!! Yes!! Music and singing really is way more cathartic than given credit for 🙂 😂😆 . Do you draw often ?
Jaya Avendel
Not as often as perhaps I should, but I have painted some elves I am rather proud of. 🙂
eob2
In some way I can relate, I stopped writing for over 10 years, struggling with abandonment issues. Realizing that I was abandoning myself (if that makes sense) who I truly couldn’t afford to lose. I soon found that writing help me find that person again, that I thought was gone. Whatever outlet helps you as FN stated above, I’ll add
•gardening
•photography
•birdwatching
I loved this post, Jaya, we all struggle with our own issues, there is no shame in that.
🙏🏼💙🤗☀️🌻
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your story! I feel too that losing ourselves is the worst kind of abandonment, and love that you rediscovered yourself through a plethora of creative outlets. <3
eob2
You’re welcome, sharing is a way of showing others they aren’t alone in what they are feeling. 💙
femaleoriginal
“I wrote passionately terrible articles that I am now revising for clarity with a smile.” I can definitely relate to this! There’s something so charming (yet, admittedly, cringey) about reading old posts and bringing them into your current style of writing. I loved learning about your own experience with writing and anxiety, and some of the ways that writing can really benefit you. x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
FN
How well you have articulated what so many feel snd are unable to.
Wonderful tips .
Some write,
Some paint,
Some sing,
Some dance
Some knit!
Jaya Avendel
Love that you have added in a few more forms of expression I missed!
summer with monika
Through writing I move beyond the familar world into unknown places. Writing is a commitment to uncertainty and embracing things I do not know or understand. This is where, I feel, truth and true meaning exist.
Jaya Avendel
😍 Your words are a poem that capture my heart! Thank you so much for sharing how writing relates to you.