A Simple Mental Health Journal » for Self-Awareness & Balanced Thoughts

As a dyslexic, simplicity and enjoyment were really important to me when it came to my mental health journaling. In the beginning, I also was not sure how to even start. Writing was never my go-to activity to reduce stress, but this simple journaling method has been working for me. And research has actually established that there are all kinds of benefits to journaling. Many people that are neurodivergent encounter mental health struggles from time to time. However, this way of journaling is a great way to gain clarity and improve our well-being. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-researched approach that helps a variety of people. Thought records are a staple within this approach. Through this type of journaling, I was able to help myself in mentally challenging situations, and it is a tool I will keep using in the future. If you are a beginner when it comes to your journaling, you might want to try this method. Since it does not involve too much writing, it is a good option for dyslexics or anyone with little time to spare.
⏰ Timetable:
00:00 - Intro
00:09 - Benefits of Journaling
01:00 - How I Journal (Thought Records)
02:11 - Questioning Beliefs
04:25 - Noticing Patterns
🙋🏼‍♂️ My name is Arije, and I am a dyslexic with an MA in Education Studies. I aim to share all my tips for learning, coping, teaching, and more on my channel. For dyslexics, educators, and parents alike, I want to make videos that inform and inspire you to reframe dyslexia.
COACHING & CONSULTATION
Have a look at my website: dehaas1on1.com
☕️ If you'd like to support me, feel free to do so one coffee at a time! via ko-fi.com/arije
Here's some of the literature I consulted to create this video:
Dimitroff, Lynda J., et al. "Change your life through journaling-The benefits of journaling for registered nurses." Journal of Nursing Education and Practice 7.2 (2017): 90-98.
Satterfield, Jason M. Cognitive behavioral therapy: Techniques for retraining your brain. Great Courses, 2015.
Satterfield, Jason M. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Daily Life. Great Courses, 2020
Attributions for the videos in the intro:
ModernHealthMonk: "I Journaled Every Day for 365 Days. Here's What I Learned." • I Journaled Every Day ...
Rich Bracken: "Health Benefits of Journaling - Rich Bracken - Fox 4" • Health Benefits of Jou...
eseo space: "Jennifer's Brodcast Clips 2018 2" • Jennifer's Brodcast Cl...
Sarah Weber: "Journaling Tips and Tricks 📖 - How to Start and Enjoy Journaling ✍️" • Journaling Tips and Tr...

[@ArijeAikedeHaas]

Another takeaway: I found that I really should not believe everything I am thinking, and maybe neither should you. Let me know how you feel about this method.

[@thomsonclan5878]

Been using cbt diary’s for years. It’s great to come away from any situation and write in cbt diary. It doesn’t happen straight away, but you do start changing how you think. An example someone calling you fat. You would go away and write, it only reflects on that person how unkind they are, when a situation happens instead of first thought, you think the second thought they are unkind. It’s amazing, it doesn’t happen straight away but over time suddenly your in the situation and thinking wow did I just think the second thought. 🤔 I have heard for some people it doesn’t work, and for some need to do it with a councillor/therapist to talk through situations and feelings along side cbt diary. You can use bullet points and you don’t even need to write it down, you could just talk through how your feeling, and think how you wanted to feel. ☺️

[@PoshConcept]

Evidence-based approaches to mental health have helped me the most over my many years on this journey!

[@mvkimmel257]

Hi Arije, I was fortunate to be diagnosed with dyslexia when I was 8 years old. I didn’t have to go through school wondering why I couldn’t read or spell. However, going through New York’s public school system in the 70 & 80s there was not much to offer in terms of educating students with dyslexia. To this day I still read and write on a 5th grade level. I learned early on that I needed to hide my illiteracy from people around me in fear of being considered dumb. I have carried this shame with me my entire life. As an adult I struggle financially to support myself. It’s not easy to keep up with family and friends anymore. This has caused me to withdraw and isolate. The depression dyslexia has caused me now as an adult in many ways is far worse than the learning disability itself. I was happy to come across your channel this morning. Finally, a discussion on the toll learning disabilities have on your mental health. Thank you so much for all the content you are creating. As much as I hate to write I will try journaling. Thanks again.

[@user-hi8rg7bl2s]

❤ compassion

[@carolallison862]

Thank you 🇬🇧

[@emma-8292]

This has really helped me thank you.✨

[@isla2402]

I am going to give this a go starting right now!

[@Jo81562]

Thank you great video

[@hannahteddyschachter7407]

Great content Arije 😊

[@ArijeAikedeHaas]

Thanks :)

[@deboramakita6589]

as always, thank you Arije

[@ArijeAikedeHaas]

My pleasure!

[@granaff]

Thank you for making this. Impressive video editing too!

[@ArijeAikedeHaas]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@teresafinch8342]

What about sketching journals? I am taking online art classes and find very little info about Dyslexia and the use of a rules...hello to number problems. Please help with the visual/art journals.

[@abdallahbolori8753]

Hello my name is abdallah and I am dyslexic and the maid problem I have is here in my country there’s not much awareness about it and people are usually ashamed of it Like me I’m in college right now and no body knows I’m dyslexic and honestly speaking is very hard and I want you to help me create more awareness in my country about it I hope you reply me and we get to talk thank you very much

[@abdallahbolori8753]

I’ve lived my life in hiding and shame not even my mom knows it I always find a way to pass my exams is hard because I know stuffs but to write it down is difficult I mostly mark words I know I’ll use on the exams paper so that when ever I’m i can’t spell a word I come back searching

[@abdallahbolori8753]

I want to start a program in my school and don’t worry is not for free