I have always secretly harboured ambitions of becoming a writer. In fact when I was younger I wrote three novels….sadly none of them were published and maybe it’s easy to see why. How is this linked to anxiety? Keep reading, you’ll see.
Over the past few years I have dreamt of once again becoming a writer. But I found that I had no motivation and few ideas, or at least the ideas I had seemed to evaporate when they were put down on paper. Elsewhere on anxiety2calm I have blogged about Art Therapy, a form of psychotherapy where art (usually visual art) is used to let the subconscious communicate. This can be helpful in untangling problems such as misunderstood motivations and ambivalence that would otherwise manifest as anxiety. I have tried it and I can vouch that it was extremely helpful.
It was while talking to an Art Therapist that I discovered the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It is basically a book about unblocking creativity, but I think some of the exercises in it are equally helpful for unblocking aspects of yourself that are causing anxiety. The main aspect of the book, or at least one of them, is this idea of “morning pages”. The details are in the book but basically you write freestyle, three pages each morning before you do anything. You can write about anything you want and the only real rule is that you write without stopping. You do tend to find that recurring themes come up and that these can guide you and educate you as to blockages in your life. I must admit I found it helpful as both a writer and someone who is prone to anxiety or depression. It felt good and was worth the struggle.
I recommend writing down all your worries big and small, setting aside some time every day. I know it’s hard to find time, but make time! It will be worth it. Try it for two months, I don’t think you will look back!
I don’t know if this will be helpful to your other readers or not, but I’ve found a blog about writing through your depression. The author challenges her readers to write 20 minutes about a specific subject in order to get them to write about their feelings and emotions. Here’s the link:
We are the same. Since I was a child I dream of becoming a writer. I also wrote novels but the same as you none of it was published.
I have panic attacks every now and then. I have phobias. I fear worms, dark and horror photos.
There was a time when I almost loose hope. But now, I almost overcome my fears and anxiety. I am writing articles in some article directories. I am proud being me.
Thanks for sharing your story. I am inspired by it.
Some of the most popular nauatrl products for helping with mood are St. John’s Wort, SAMe, 5-HTP (or Tryptophan), Rhodiola Rosea, and some stress-relievers like GABA or L-Theanine can help, too.Aside from supplements, you can also try going out and doing things you enjoy, spending time with friends, or even having a good cry. If that’s not enough to help, maybe talking it out with a trusted friend or an objective third-party person (like a counselor).Just remember, even though you might feel bad, it’s never as bad as it may feel. Everyone goes through tough times and we can all get through it sometimes we just need a little extra help Good luck!