Finding Mental Health Improvements Outside of Therapy
I am a big fan of therapy. I think it is incredibly helpful when you are in crisis and also when you are doing well. It helps you to understand yourself and others better so that you can make informed personal choices about your life. It is empowering.
That being said, I have noticed the mental health benefits that I get from blogging. I feel better after I write each post. I feel like I have been honest with myself and with others, which builds healthy relationships and a sense of self-respect. I like this new feeling.
I have done therapy on and off over the years and have seen several therapists. Some I liked, some I didn’t. But even with my latest one that I liked, I noticed myself curating my answers. I was repeating old patterns like people-pleasing even with my therapist.
For example, I wanted them to know they were doing a good job so I would be over-complimentary. I was treating them as a teacher or mental health authority figure whose advice I should obey. This was an old pattern of behaviour just now directed toward someone new.
The Mental Health Benefits of Authentic Self-Expression
But with blogging, I don’t have the urge to do that. It is just me talking to a computer screen. The screen doesn’t require any feedback from me other than me pressing the keys on the keyboard.
Art is the same for me.
A canvas is just a place where I can be honest with myself.
I think this space is important for everyone to have. A space where they can be honest about their internal thoughts. It builds self-esteem and a sense of identity, and these things lead to great mental health. My mental health has always been terrible when I have repressed these.
I titled this blog post “Blogging vs. Therapy” but I think a better title would be “Blogging and Therapy”. They both play a role. Sometimes guidance from an expert is helpful but listening to your inner guidance in a quiet space is also helpful.
Messy Bun Book Lover
(Originally posted on Apr. 24, 2025)