The Art of Self-Expression: How Writing Can Be Your Mental Health Muse

Many people don't consider themselves artists because they believe creating art requires a final product they deem a masterpiece, like a painting, a sculpted figure, or some other traditionally recognized art form. Unfortunately, this thought process keeps people from giving themselves the space to create for the sake of creating. A different way of thinking about ourselves as artists is to recognize that within all of us is an art form readily available, portable, and deeply personal, waiting to be explored. Imagine embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery, guided by the art of stream-of-consciousness writing and journaling.

For mental health professionals, artists, and all humans alike, the power of self-expression is undeniable. Yet, the act of writing itself is often underappreciated. Creative writing offers a unique set of tools to explore and navigate the complexities of the human mind.

For clinicians, writing can be a transformative tool for self-reflection. Journaling about challenging client interactions or perplexing cases allows therapists to evaluate and assess their patients differently. Putting pen to paper opens space for unconscious biases or emotional responses to surface, leading to a deeper understanding of how you approach your work.

For artists, the written word can be a springboard for creative exploration. Writing prompts, character sketches, or stream-of-consciousness explorations can spark new ideas and illuminate hidden themes within artistic endeavors.

Emotions often run high and are raw in the clinical and artistic realms. Writing provides a safe and therapeutic space to process these BIG feelings healthily. For therapists, journaling can be a powerful tool to acknowledge and work through feelings of frustration or helplessness that may arise from particularly challenging cases. Similarly, artists can use written expression to explore the emotional core of their work or grapple with creative anxieties, leading to a renewed sense of hope and clarity.

The act of writing itself is a cognitive workout. Writing strengthens critical thinking skills, improves memory, and enhances problem-solving abilities. For clinicians, this translates to sharper analysis and more effective treatment plans. For artists, it leads to a deeper understanding of their craft and a more nuanced approach to the creative process and their work.

In Julia Cameron's best-selling book The Artists Way- A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, she emphasizes incorporating a writing exercise called 'Morning Pages' into your everyday routine. She encourages writing 'Morning Pages' to invite more spaciousness, creativity, and clarity into your life by emptying your brain of thoughts. This technique, called Stream-of-consciousness writing, can be a potent tool for clinicians and artists. This technique bypasses the internal editor and lets thoughts and emotions flow freely onto the page. This unfiltered expression can unearth hidden connections, bring subconscious worries to light, and spark unexpected creative breakthroughs. It's a mental massage that can loosen tangled thoughts and lead to surprising revelations, empowering you to take control of your mental health and artistic expression.

Many people struggle to write because they judge their work, believing they must create a more polished masterpiece. Allowing yourself to put pen to paper and pour your thoughts and feelings onto the pages can be cathartic. Releasing negativity, anxieties, or past traumas onto the pages can liberate you from the burden of thoughts and feelings stored inside of you. This release can add to a sense of lightness, improved focus, and renewed creative energy for both mental health professionals and artists.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, lacking inspiration, or need a mental health boost, try putting pen to paper and allowing yourself to write without judgment. You might be surprised by the sense of relief you will feel and by the narrative masterpiece you create.

by Dr. Amy Vail and Alli Fischenich