How Writing Has Helped Change My Life
And How Powerful The Written Word Can Be
“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
— Anne Frank
I used to suffer from crippling anxiety. I don’t mean worrying a little here and there. It was much, much worse. My anxiety would not allow me to sleep and led to panic attacks. I experienced it daily, and it didn’t matter what I was doing. It was there at work, at home, with my kids, and when I was alone. It was my shadow — in the light and especially in the dark.
I isolated myself for a long time because of the anxiety. The anxiety and isolation combined led to depression — which led to even more isolation. It became a merry-go-round of debilitating emotions, and there wasn’t any way to stop the ride.
It sucked.
However, my anxiety is nothing like it used to be because I’ve learned how to not let it control me. Now, it is rare because I’ve learned what helps me manage it — and writing is one of those things.
Like a lot of you, writing allows me to get the thoughts out of my head and onto the screen or paper. It allows me to let go of the emotions I’ve held in for so long. It’s helpful to me.
