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Therapeutic Effects of Reading and Writing on Personal Challenges

Everyone in the world has their own personal problems, illnesses and complications. Whether they seem serious or not, these challenges affect our lives in different ways. Consequently, these problems need solutions.


Traditional treatments are not always effective. That’s alright; sometimes a new approach is needed. That’s why I want to stress the importance of reading and writing.


This may sound unusual to you. “How can they be a solution to my problems?” Well, while they are not a substitute for professional, medical or psychological treatment, they can complement existing therapies or promote mental and emotional well-being.


I’ve personally tried some of these methods in my own life. I have heard about some of them from friends and read about others online. Of course, I can’t guarantee any particular solution, but I can assure you that they may be helpful in some way in your life.


In our moments of stress, depression or anxiety, we often seek an escape from reality. We may not like the place we are in, the time we are spending, or the situation we have to deal with later. At that moment, however, novels can help us find an escape route through other realms and lives.


Reading and writing can sweep away problems, or at least the power to alleviate problems. I won’t lie, it can be harder than you think to concentrate in these situations, but it’s always worth trying.


These challenging moments can have a significant impact on our lives, similar to experiencing trauma. Here’s what some psychologists suggest: Put your thoughts in writing. Writing about trauma can be very powerful. I know what you’re thinking: “Won’t that make them relive the moment?”


But as you know, many of the most painful and distressing moments become less distressing when they’re shared with someone who cares. It’s perfectly reasonable if someone can’t or doesn’t want to confide in someone. No one can or should force them to. But they do need to let go of these thoughts, and writing may be the best way to do that.


I went through this in my life after a difficult break-up. I realised that I had very few friends to talk to about it, and even that wouldn’t have been very helpful. So I started writing down my feelings and it soon became a habit. That’s how I got into journaling.



Sleep disorders, chronic illnesses, mental health issues or addiction recovery… All require monitoring. You need to be reminded of the steps you need to take, how you’re doing and how you’re feeling. Consistent reminders will help you track your progress towards a better mood, health or life stage.


There may also be gaps in our knowledge about things we think we understand. Reading about some of the scientific approaches can help us understand the problem better. Of course, there’s a wealth of material on the internet that can help clarify these issues, and some of it is presented in simpler terms. Be careful about your sources of information; they should be reliable if you’re going to learn from them.


What I personally continue to do is to write in my diary and look at my life from time to time. This helps me to gain a broader perspective on my life. Being aware of your achievements, progress and goals can help to steer you in the right direction.


It reminds me of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite life’s challenges. I use journaling as a form of meditation, along with reading what I’m passionate about and writing to create what I enjoy.


Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash


I’d like to end my article by emphasising that there is always a way forward. Time can be hard and unfair, but it also brings better days. You don’t always have to face your challenges alone; share your problems with those who genuinely care and want to help.


Remember that even when you feel isolated, your inner strength is always with you. This means that you need to be resilient in your own life. Write down your problems, keep reading, keep educating yourself and remind yourself of the beauty of your journey.


If none of these methods work for you, or if you find them difficult, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With their guidance you can improve.

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