by L.M. Redding

Created on: October 07, 2008

Start writing. That's the advice I gave a depressed colleague several months ago. Because when I had mentioned to her about going into therapy she immediately went into a defensive mode and refused to listen to anything else I said. Saying the word "therapy" was equal to calling her crazy. "I'm not crazy," she said, "just really depressed."

She's like many people who don't have the time, money or inclination to see a therapist. So here's five reasons why I think writing is definitely a cheap form of therapy.

1. It's Inexpensive: All you need is a cheap spiral notebook and a pen. You don't have to shell out $60 or more an hour. Therapy is expensive for the average person and if you don't have health insurance, well

2. It's On Your Time: You can write pretty much whenever you want or when you have some time alone. Before work in the morning. During your lunch break (it's a convenient reason to escape co-workers). After work, you can grab 10-15 minutes in your car to write out your frustrations. Late at night, you can write when everyone is asleep. You can go to the park, a diner, the library or sit in your car and whip out your notebook. Of course if you live alone you can write when the need over takes you. But don't wait for your needs to overtake you. Set aside time to write every day. Every little bit will help.

3. It Stays Private: You don't have to force yourself to open up to a stranger and reveal embarrassing and painful details about yourself or yourself and your family. Also, you don't have to tell anyone that you're in therapy, explain why you're therapy and endure their shocked and/or pitying stares. With that in mind, make sure to keep your notebook well-hidden. You don't want prying eyes, the very prying eyes belonging to the person(s) causing you the NEED for therapy, reading what you've written.

4. It Brings Clarity: Instead of cycling thoughts back and forth in your head get them down on the page. Can't stand your boyfriend? Write it down. Wish you could fire your boss? Write it down. Wish you could send your relatives to a remote corner of the earth? Write it down too. Vent your frustrations on the page. Peace of mind is invaluable.

5. You Will Feel Better: And this is the ultimate reason for therapy. To help you take control of your life and learn to enjoy it. Better to write it out, than say something you will regret or worse, do something you will regret.

I told my colleague that writing it out would allow her to regain control of her emotions and get a grip on the issues that were disrupting her mind. Her anxiety, worry and depression would continue to grow unless she provided an outlet for them. She could write herself well, once she gave herself the permission. Whether she chose to, I'm not sure, but she has the tools available to do so.

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