I just thought I'd share something that has helped me a bit when I'm depressed.

There's a back-story. About 10 years ago I came across a journal I had been writing in a few years earlier. When I was writing, I was in a difficult relationship and terribly depressed. As I sat there reading the things I had written, I wanted to reach out to the younger me and tell her that she wouldn't always feel so horrible, and things would get better, and she was about to embark on a few of the best years of her life. I wanted to go back in time and give her a big hug and a pep talk and let her know that things were about to get better in her life.

So, I decided at that point, that I would write in a journal not only when I'm feeling miserable (like I used to do), but also when I'm in a good mood and things are going well. I started by writing to that depressed girl and telling her she was wonderful and her depression would end... and I have continued writing on a regular basis since then. I have found some comfort in those journals when I'm depressed. I go back and read about the other dark times when I felt hopeless and then I read an entry from a few months later and see that things were better and I was happy again. It's like having a little visit with my non-depressed self. It's a good reminder of how it feels to be that non-depressed person, and it reminds me that I WILL feel that way again.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone else keeps journals. Have you found journalling helpful -- just in getting things out, or has it helped you in other ways too? Any tips to share?