Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week, and it seems relevant to talk about writing fiction, and the positive way it can impact your mental health. I’m sure a lot of writers write as an outlet, so I thought it’d be appropriate to talk about 5 of the reasons writing fiction is good for you mental health.
Writing is cathartic
There’s just something about the act of writing that’s cathartic. It’s relaxing, calming, and allows you to outpour your thoughts and feelings. This is true of journaling, poetry, stories….any writing. When you need a release, getting words down is immensely healing.
It enables you to explore and understand emotions
Pent up emotions often lead to further stress and complications. It’s important to go through your emotions and do all you can to understand them. Writing gives you the space to do that. You can use emotions in your work, and through your characters explore them and their outcomes. Often, writing helps you understand how you’re truly feeling, and that can be vital.
Provides a safe outlet for negative emotions
Negative emotions can cause a whole host of reactions. Lashing out, shouting, causing physical harm, internal stress…and in those situations it can be tempting to turn to unhealthy outlets. Writing is a healthy and safe way to let out your negative emotions. Channel your anger, grief, frustration and fear into your story. I name annoying characters after people who’ve upset or wronged me – it’s a private win!
You get a sense of accomplishment
Writing always feels like success. Whether you write a little, or a lot, it’s an achievement. And when your mood is low, an accomplishment can really lift your spirits. Anything that makes you feel good is worth practicing regularly.
Gives you something to look forward to
Self-care is so important, and taking time out to do something you love and enjoy is essential. When I’m having a stressful day, thinking forward to setting out some writing time really helps me relax. You can add to the self-care element of your writing time by enjoying coffee and cake at the same time for an extra treat!
How does writing impact your mental health? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Until then,
Keep writing,
M
x
Uninspired Writers 
Such excellent points, Meelie. I find my mental health does poorly if I don’t write for a period of time. It definitely helps me to feel more in control of my life.
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Thank you Kate ❤
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I love your new blog profile picture too!
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Meelie, well said. In this age of political tribalism and untruthfulness, writing has allowed me to keep my sanity. Keith
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Thanks Keith!
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Are there also actual fiscal changes in the brain?
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I’m not sure but I’d love to know more info on this! Thanks for commenting!
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When it’s going well, it’s great therapy. When it’s going badly and the sentences are coming out constipated and strangulated, it winds me up even more!
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There is that! But you keep going back even on the bad days, so your accomplishments are always there 😀
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True! 🙂
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For me, it allows my brain to focus. It has become a kind of meditation, a way to switch off the unnecessary chatter in my brain.
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That’s such a great way to look at it, and so true!
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Yes you are right; Self-Care now a days people doing self-hurting well than this one. Nice description
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I wonder if this varies with the amount of time spent writing as once I would have agreed with you completely. Years ago I would recommend writing to many, suggested they try it; some did and still enjoy it. My experience is somewhat different. I find that writing messes with your head, too many years with competing characters arguing in your brain, obsessing over lines or dialogue. Wondering if this book is as good as your last or if you are letting readers down.
I find that whilst I once wrote for the simple enjoyment of telling a story and did not give a damn wither others liked it or not, now my whole focus is on the reader and doing things correctly. What do you think?
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Interesting thoughts Ray, and absolutely like all things in life it’s about balance. If it brings you any negative emotion it’s a sign to stop for sure.
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Writing is indeed therapeutic. Wonderful points and meaningful ones!
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thank you!
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Brilliantly expressed, Meelie! ❤ These reminders are so important to remember – writing's helped me channel my poorer days into writing something powerful and therapeutic and really enhanced my better days into crafting something bright.
Love how you explained it so clearly! 😀
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Ah, thanks Tom! Hope you’re well 🙂 xx
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