Writing is therapeutic.
Simple but true, writing is a wonderful way to alleviate many stressors, including the stress of living with a chronic illness. Many depression sufferers also use writing as a way to train their thoughts, analyze episodes, track triggers, and even to keep depression at bay. For those who are not fluent writers though, the idea of keeping a journal or constantly jotting down notes may be unappealing. But consider a few simple ways to use writing to help ease your depressive symptoms.

Writing Methods to Aid Depression
Journaling: Maintaining a journal is a common, useful way to track thoughts, pour out your innermost feelings, and express your creative side. Whether it's poetry or angst, transferring your feelings to a private journal is a great way to use writing.

Blogging: Writing in a personal blog is similar to journaling - but your thoughts will be available for the world to see unless you choose to set strict privacy settings. Blogging - once known as weblog - is the online way to log your thoughts and feelings. If you choose to have your blog accessible to the public, you can also take steps to keep it anonymous.

Creative Writing: If you write poetry, stories, or essays, you are a creative writer. The quality of your writing is irrelevant when you write for yourself. Writing a short story about a person who successfully navigates a trialsome situation you're currently dealing with can be encouraging. Pouring out your sadness in a poem can be uplifting. Expressing your opinion on how the world treats a depressed person can be reassuring. Write creatively to allow your mind to soar wherever it wants to. You may also choose to write creatively about topics completely unrelated to your illness, which can be a positive distraction.

Emails, Letters, and Commentary: Having a friend or relative to email frequently can be a wonderfully positive outlet. Sending a snail mail letter to someone who would enjoy hearing from you is another great way to write. And adding your two cents to current event news articles, blogs, or forums can allow you to write in small increments.

Use all of the methods listed here, or just one. Either way, try to use writing as a simple way to lighten the burden of depression.