Posted by allisonm on August 19, 2000, at 19:19:13
In reply to Depression and Keeping a Journal, posted by Rhainy on August 17, 2000, at 10:05:20
Hi Rhainy,
I've kept a journal now for close to three years. I find I write in it especially when I am feeling bad. I try to write down what's happening in my life, what's bothering me, and how I feel. Over time I hope to see a pattern. Right now, there seems to be a seasonal pattern that I think has more to do with annual events than weather.I also find my journal helpful because I can look back a year ago and see what I was doing, ie it helps me remember when things happened.
I also find it invaluable in conjuction with my psychotherapy. I bring it with me to each session because I also record my dreams in it. I can look at the dreams and look back at what was happening, which might give some more insight. It also helps my doctor and me keep track of how I was at certain times of the year. I can look back and say "oh, yea, April was bad. From what I can tell, it was the beginning of a big slide and I was suicidal by June, but that started right after you took me off the lithium and then you put me on the Wellbutrin." He'll look back in his records too, and we can piece things together.
Likewise, I also write down what my psychiatrist and I talk about and my thoughts after the sessions. I can look back and see where a train of thought started and I can track my progress. I also use it to write myself notes about thoughts or points that I want to make in my next session so that I don't forget - being in session can be intense and I am apt to forget things I wanted to bring up.
The only problem seems to be that when I'm feeling good, I forget or haven't bothered to do entries. Thus, I have a gap of several months in 1999 that I cannot account for and wish I could because obviously I'd like to get back to that point again.
Best wishes,
allison
poster:allisonm
thread:30
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/93.html