The Healing Power of Journalling – How Writing Helps Survivors
Writing in a journal is a voyage of self-discovery and healing, not just writing. It can serve as a beacon of hope for victims of sexual and domestic abuse, pointing them in the direction of emotional healing and a better future. If you or someone you know is on this journey, journaling may be a very effective healing and empowerment tool. Take this into consideration. Survivors frequently bear heavy emotional loads. Creating a journal offers a secure way to let go of emotions like confusion, anxiety, rage, and grief. Putting these feelings into words may reduce their intensity and help people manage them by supporting them in processing what they have gone through. Expressive writing has been shown to significantly increase emotional clarity and release. They may feel more empowered as a result of this increasing understanding, which can motivate them to go farther in their recovery and take charge of their life alongside other forms of support. Finally, amongst many other things, having a journal creates a safe space free from judgement and retribution which is crucial for personal development and emotional exploration.
Here are some tips to get you in the habit to journal
- Set regular time aside – Dedicate a specific time of the day to write an entry, this will help with establishing a routine.
- Be honest with yourself – Journals are your safe space, no one can judge or criticise what you write. No need to worry about grammar or structure, just honest thoughts and what comes to mind.
- Reflect on previous entries – As some time passes, take a look back at each of your entries. From here progress can be noticed and new insights can be found.
At Quetzal, we recognize the transformative power of expressive writing, and we have a long-standing tradition of hosting workshops, sessions, and events dedicated to this craft. This year, we proudly presented the Healing Words Project, funded by the National Lottery Fund. Over six weeks, participants gathered each Wednesday to engage in creative writing workshops led by experts from the Global Wordsmiths. The outcome was a powerful anthology that showcases stories of courage and resilience drawn from real-life experiences. This anthology will soon be available on our website.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that Get Mouthy Leicester and Queer Coffee Link Ups are coming together for a poetry festival on August 30th to raise funds for Quetzal and the Leicester LGBT Centre. If you’re interested in joining us and unleashing your creativity, you can secure your ticket here.
References
- Healing Words- Creative Writing Project – Quetzal
- Healing Words: Empowering Survivors through Storytelling – Quetzal
- Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing | Advances in Psychiatric Treatment | Cambridge Core
– Written by Angelina Feenan, Campaigns Volunteer at Quetzal
