Our elderly and senior population have so many experiences and so much knowledge to share. Though some might say “I don’t want to talk about it” studies have been done, and researchers have documented that like prediction, visualization and manifestation, a pen coupled with a piece of paper is a powerful tool. Beyond overcoming specific life changes, and facing obstacles, encouraging seniors to write it down has its benefits. Research shows the use of journaling furthers mental, physical, and emotional wellness; lowers anxiety, and reduces stress.
Many patients feel they are a burden to the family caregiver, they feel embarrassed when someone toilets or baths them, they feel a loss of self when they can’t make decisions for themselves on when to get up, when to go to bed, what to eat, or how to dress. Journaling gives them a way to recall good memories, document history, and express frustrations. It is an outlet and useful tool in understanding feelings and coping with anxiety. Dr. John A. Patterson, MD, MSPH suggests, “Emotionally expressive journal writing can lower high blood pressure, reduce arthritis pain, asthma severity and cancer pain. Journaling correlates with intelligence, boost memory, improves self-discipline and spurs creativity as it furthers mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness.” It is also a great tool for family and caregivers to monitor their patients’ inner thoughts and feelings.
Psychotherapist and journaling expert Maud Purcell says, “Writing accesses the left hemisphere of the brain, which is analytical and rational. While your left brain is occupied, your right brain is free to do what it does best, create, intuit and feel. In this way, writing removes mental blocks and allows us to use more of our brainpower to better understand ourselves and the world around us.”
Inspiring your patient to begin journaling can be challenging. Today less than 23% of our population journal. Many say their lives lack meaning, or no one wants to know what they are thinking. Others push back because they’ve experienced trauma in their life and don’t want to share it. Letting your patient know they have something to offer, that their life experiences can help someone else, and the importance of lessons learned, can get them started.
June is Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Brain Awareness Month. The psychiatric community strongly suggests journaling for patients with brain injuries. Researchers found journaling helps the person with dementia with their daily orientation, gives them a way to express their feelings, and maintain a sense of self.
This form of relief is strongly suggested for both the patient and the caregiver – particularly if there are children in the home. Children, especially adolescents and teens can feel someone is intruding on their life. If they had to give up a room, help in caregiving, or be told they can no longer participate in extra-curricular activities, they are suffering a loss. Though they eagerly give help, and support, journaling gives them an outlet. Parents can begin by saying “write me a letter telling me how you feel about grandma moving in.”
Whether it’s a leather bond journal, a three-ring notebook, a MSWord document, or scratches on a yellow pad, take advantage of the many mental health benefits of journaling.