How to Journal for Mental Health

It's time we start thinking about our mental well-being on the same level as our physical health. After all, the mind and body are connected. Just because trauma, anxiety, and depression aren't visually obvious, doesn't mean they're any less important than a broken arm or the flu. In this video, Tom shares the benefits of journaling for mental health with tips on how to start writing one.
(0:00) Intro
(0:59) Benefits for mental health
(1:39) Identify as a writer
(2:24) Prioritize writing
(3:45) Topics to write about
(5:42) Writing prompts
Links for benefits of writing for mental health -
www.urmc.rochester.edu/encycl...
intermountainhealthcare.org/b...
www.scientificamerican.com/ar...
www.fastcompany.com/3041487/8...
www.cambridge.org/core/journa...
www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awa...
Advantages of long-hand notetaking- journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1...
Recommended Reading:
Expressive Writing: Words that Heal by Dr. James Pennebaker, Ph.D.
The Right to Write by Julia Cameron
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Because people will inevitably ask what items Tom was using in this video, here they are:
Kaweco Sport Iridescent Pearl fountain pen, broad nib - goldspot.com/products/kaweco-...
Pelikan Edelstein Apatite Ink - goldspot.com/products/pelikan...
Endless Recorder Notebook with Regalia paper - goldspot.com/products/endless...
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[@PenBoyRoy]

I actually learned how to journal from Tom! I use my journaling skills to keep track of my fish keeping hobby and maintenance. And fish keeping is good for my mental health. And my journaling skills help keep my fish alive. So in essence, Tom helped me keep my fish alive, and in turn, helped me stay sane! Thanks Tom!!

[@leonchavarria2707]

I think what you said will help relieve me of some of the things that have stopped me from relieving myself - esp. when you said ...find 10 min. and because I will enjoy writing what I want and like.... will result in spending more time expressing myself. Thanks

[@paulmchugh1430]

Your stream of consciousness video was a great presentation. So is this one. I used to write in a journal daily while I commuted to work. I had an hour on the train each way. It greatly helped me prepare for the day and "power down" to go home.

[@omyogagal]

This is such a wonderful public service. Rarely seen fountain pen review channels actually talking about writing activity itself. Much appreciated! Personally I found keeping a gratitude journal is really beneficial for the state of mind, especially when going through difficulties or challenges in life. And writing with fountain pens helps to calm down my monkey mind.

[@desertcrab6331]

So glad I came across this video, thank you for posting it. This is just what I needed to kickstart my writing career and get some much-needed healing in the process.

[@JohnD357]

At the risk of sounding like a "Negative Nancy", it's important to watch what you say in a journal, depending on the topic or situation. I have heard of journals being used by police when investigating suspects. I don't know if they could be used in a court room because of the right against self-incrimination, but you hate to have your lawyer have to fight that. So I agree that having a journal is important of logging what you're doing or "venting your spleen" (I've been doing it for almost 25 years), just be careful of what you say in certain circumstances.

[@ronaldchapman2806]

I hear what you say - my Mother read my diary as a teenager and there was hell to pay - but unless the bodies start to pile up, you should be all right, and it's far more secure than the internet.

[@markc.5750]

Best thing to do would be not to engage in activities which would necessitate the police needing to read your journals.

[@ronaldchapman2806]

@@markc.5750 Very true. Psychopaths often feel the compulsion to write roman a clef fiction. With criminal groups, their downfall can often be attributed to rivalry, greed and betrayal, but the solitary figure is caught by his ego, which is a good thing as otherwise they would go undetected. That, and forensics.

[@ruthfeiertag]

I think about this issue, too. It’s not as simple as “just don’t engage in activities that would necessitate the police needing to read your journals.” Think about what would happen if an angry ex acquired one’s journal to use against one in a custody battle. Think about _Harriet the Spy_. Think about who might read your journals should you die before disposing of them. I’m not suggesting we give up journal writing, but I do think there’s reason to consider what we entrust to paper. And yes! Paper journals are much more secure than ones on line!

[@ronaldchapman2806]

@@ruthfeiertag You raise some good, nuanced points, Ruth. Possibly, like you, I only post comments under my real name that I am prepared to stand by. I completely understand the reasons for pseudonyms but all too often they serve as an illusory cover for malicious content, and give false courage to the cowardly. Aren't custody battles about who is forced to take them? As far as posthumous journals are concerned, are we so seriously deluded by our own inflated sense of importance that we believe that anyone would take the time to wade through our turgid ramblings? If they do so, they fully deserve the punishment for prying. I may well have "So sue me!" carved on my gravestone. Have a great day, Ruth.

[@davidholmessr9788]

Great advice. Having been in the art/sculpture world all my life, I can honestly say that at times there is nothing more intimidating than the blank page. Actually you are just drawing from what’s in your mind and storing it in paper.

[@ronaldchapman2806]

Very true. The blank page and the block of stone are like staring at the tightrope. We risk disaster with every stroke but, as I remember Monty Python advising in one of their sketches, "It's better than bottling it up!"

[@juanitasalicrup6653]

Loved this video! I have been a journal error since I was fifteen years old. I read advice about journaling as I am interested in learning as much as I can about the different processes and attitudes people who journal have developed over time. This video was enlightening and well grounded. Thank you for your insights.

[@kari.bullet.journal]

Thanks for the great video Tom! I appreciate the acknowledgment of mental health being a priority 🤍🤍🤍 and happy notebook day as well!

[@izzyhezz]

Thank you for sharing! I love all this information!

[@Kimbopolo]

Thanks for providing the links to the articles!

[@richardnathandaniels2534]

Great stuff! Even just a daily gratitude log is helpful for me.

[@DenisJava]

Thank you for including the pen, ink, notebook used in this video. Because yes, I was curious! :)

[@dalilbrickle3755]

Thank you so much this was well thought out and well received

[@TheBohemianStyle]

You have nailed it on the importance of journal writing.✍️

[@serendipitysisters84]

This week I’ve become a writer! 😊 Thank you! 💚

[@IAmSam_TheMan]

you got my pen moving!👏 I'm using paper mate Inkjoy 1.0 (color 8 pack) and a Sharpie S Gel 0.7 (couldn't find a 1.0) and i just found an old Evernote Moleskins notebook to journal in. Fantastic Video!!!!!!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@giovannifurnari8668]

This video is exactly what I needed thank you 🙏 from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Ken-wz9vy]

Just listening to Tom's review of pens and suggestions on how to use them, along with the tips on journaling are de-stressing.

[@njc9911]

Well put and quite complete. Great work

[@ExiledExia]

Tom, thank you so much. I needed this.

[@GoldspotPens]

Happy to help! Most welcome.

[@LiviaTavNaether]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Love your handwriting 🤩

[@davecharvella4854]

Excellent! 👍👍

[@amlhoman4845]

Great video thank you😊

[@pennyoflaherty1345]

I’m finding writing helps a lot, thanks 😊

[@ronaldchapman2806]

Thank you, Tom, for an inspired post with valuable suggestions. Obviously, combined with diet, exercise and conversation, this is excellent, sensible and well reasoned advice. I discovered the pleasure of expression in putting pencil to paper, as many do, as a small child and still find the activity immensely rewarding. The writing instrument and the paper have become far more sophisticated but the activity remains essentially the same, be it called journaling, organisation, bullet point listing, poetry, sketching, a scrapbook, or whatever. I have fairy terrible handwriting but I still enjoy the physical act of marshalling thoughts, rather than using a keyboard, as here. As pen and stationery lovers, we often exhibit marked fetishist behaviour and can obsess over style and finish, but from the most modest "dime store" pad to the most expensive leather journal, and the most humble, disposable roller ball to the most luxurious Montblanc, we are all equal in our passion.

[@GoldspotPens]

I totally agree, Ronald. If getting a fancy pen helps get you to write more - great! If all you need is a no. 2 pencil, then you can save yourself a lot of money! Whatever works best. Just like you said, we're all equal in our enthusiasm for writing.

[@ronaldchapman2806]

@@GoldspotPens Thanks for the acknowledgement, my friend, but we're the addicts and you're the supplier. Just joshing, compadre. I guess the lovely Narwhal Nautilus I bought from you rests happily somewhere in the middle and it has certainly reignited my enthusiasm.

[@georgeanngash9896]

Thank you

[@debpaynepurnell6131]

Good info!

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Having a nice pen, encourages me to write more.

[@buntysvintageemporium3632]

I've shared this on my wee fb group. I think it will be very useful. BTW I love those Giant Pens.

[@GoldspotPens]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JennReese]

I've been "microjournaling" for 2 months, and my mental health has improved dramatically. Very much agree with this video.

[@tristantheoofer2]

what is microjournaling

[@JennReese]

@@tristantheoofer2 Just a few words or sentences at a time, which I do instead of checking social media. It was a suggestion I found in one of the KZbin videos by Struthless.

[@tristantheoofer2]

@@JennReese ah ok

[@lisawilson7889]

ILOVE your larger-than-life Pelikan!

[@dejandjokic5919]

Thank you good sir.

[@jasbookish]

u shld be invited to ted talks! u talk so well 🤣

[@GoldspotPens]

Thank you for the compliment!

[@Carla2637]

Going through a very ugly period of anxiety and depression because of the big need to sell my apartment. I'm not seeing good results so this makes me sad. How do I start journaling with this negative thoughts constantly going inside my mind.

[@GoldspotPens]

That is rough. You could start journaling by writing down things you are learning from this experience. It will be difficult to look for any positives at this time. But, writing can help focus your attention on the possible good that can come from this downturn and how you can become stronger due to the adversity.

[@Psherpachoi]

I dont want to journal anymore. it actually makes me say things not real to myself. this probably would work for someone who has it all together. but venting is actually harmful for you. say no to journal but pray instead. or meditate. whichever sounds best. journal can harm you. if you want a controlled mind dont vent on your journal. do something else instead. go on a walk. think about nature.

[@subramaniantr2091]

There's this big risk someone will read your mind if they get their hands on your handwritten stuffs. I'll never be able to write anything on paper because of that.

[@barryperri6629]

It's kind of annoying we have to worry about things like this, and people who are supposed to police the internet for crazy manifestos like the shooter in buffalo posted.