The Importance of Expressing Your Emotions

Many people with PTSD experience their emotions as very intense, unpredictable, and out-of-control. As a result, they may be more likely to try and avoid their feelings, such as through alcohol use or deliberate self-harm. However, although these coping strategies may be helpful in the short-run, they only increase distress in the long-term. Therefore, it is very important for people with PTSD to learn healthy ways of expressing and managing their emotions. One such strategy is journaling or expressive writing.

Expressive writing has been found to improve physical and psychological health. In regard to PTSD in particular, expressive writing has been found to have a number of benefits including improved coping and posttraumatic growth (or the ability to find meaning in and have positive life changes following a traumatic event), as well as reduced PTSD symptoms, tension, and anger. Learn how to start writing for your psychological health here.