[jonewhy]

Hello!
My name is Jon and I am living and currently suffering from chronic depression recurrent and general anxiety. I have been keeping a journal on my computer each day with an AM and PM check-in . I started in early August and have compiled quite a bit of writing.
I try to fill in any gaps that my depressive episodes steal from me by going back and describing my experience and what I think led up to me "falling a part" and becoming non functioning. Unfortunately, this has been happening almost once per week to one extent or another.
I have found that the Depression Journal has really been good for me. I can get my emotions out and expressed safely, I take the time to check on my well-being, it is a great way of tracking moods and I am hoping to keep this up for as long as possible. Maybe it can help other people down the line as I gain some more recovery?
I just wanted to know what other folks with depression think about journaling and if they do, what kind of tips or information do they want to share with the community.
Thanks, and take care of yourselves!
Love,
Jon E

[stefano]

I keep a journal too. I used to write things just to keep track of relevant events in my life. But now I only use it during depression episodes. In those endless days of suffering, I look forward to ranting in my journal and of course talking to my friends here at PC. It is like aceremony to declare that another day is over, tha I can go to bed and that pain will be suspended for a few hours.
Lately I also read all my journal to make a resume of all my depressive episodes, which was useful for my pdoc to rearrange my prescription.
So I recommend journaling.

i just recently started a public journal on another site and i can't believe how much it has helped me.........

My best friend.. actually suggested this to me today... she was saying if I keep a journel..on a daily basis.. that it would help me track my "moods" and triggers... and of course help with the ED, as well as, the depression...

sooo... it sounds like a winner.. thanks...

[the_disordered_one]

I keep a blog, but I couldn't have an entry on a daily basis. My life is simply not varied or interesting enough to do so. "September 19 : Got up, watched TV, ate, went on internet, drank wine, slept". Not very exciting. I try to keep track of the things that happen in my life (eg. my benefit medical on Monday). But mainly my life is avoiding the things that cause me stress and pain - leaving the house, people (especially my parents).

What it does do is help organize the thoughts. All the crap is still there but it's neatly stacked.