Journaling Tips for Moms: Supporting Teens' Mental Health Challenges
Laurie Moser . Published January 29, 2024
Source: Styled Stock Society
A few years ago when I was going through one of the most challenging times of my life with my daughter and her mental health challenges, journaling brought me out of that dark hole. I was in such a place of despair, feeling exhausted, helpless and alone on this journey. I didn’t know how to support, help or connect with my daughter. I wanted someone to tell me what to do, to fix the problems. Just give me the answers and solutions to make everything better again. I wanted to feel that calm, stability and certainty in our home again. I wanted to help my daughter, to connect and have a relationship with her again. She felt so distant from me at that time. But, I couldn’t control or fix my daughter. The only thing that I could control or fix was taking control of my own mental health and wellbeing. If I wanted to connect with my daughter again, I needed to become a mom that could be there for her. Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and burned out was not going to achieve this for me. That’s how my practice of self-care started. I started with daily journaling for 5 minutes a day.
Why is journaling so powerful? Journaling is more than just putting pen to paper; it's a practice that can provide a lifeline for moms navigating the complexities of their teen's mental health challenges. When you’re feeling stressed, exhausted and overwhelmed, journaling provides an outlet to brain dump all of those thoughts that can start to turn into negative rumination in your head. Getting those thoughts out of your head and onto paper, is like a huge weight being lifted off your shoulders. After I journaled, even if it was just 5 minutes, I felt lighter and more clear headed. It was a process of being able to get those sometimes dark and terrifying thoughts out of my head and onto paper that helped me during one of the hardest parenting times of my life.
Here's how a simple journal practice can have powerful results for YOU in this situation:
1. Emotional Release: Journaling offers a safe space for you to release your pent-up emotions. Whether it's frustration, fear, or sadness, putting feelings into words can provide a sense of relief and validation, helping you process your emotions in a healthy way.
2. Clarity and Perspective: In the middle of chaos, journaling can offer clarity and perspective. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain insight into your own emotions and reactions, allowing you to step back and see the bigger picture. This newfound clarity can help you make more informed decisions and navigate challenges with a clearer mind.
3. Self-Reflection and Growth: Journaling encourages self-reflection, allowing you to explore your thoughts, beliefs, and values. Through this process, you can identify patterns in your own behavior and reactions, gaining a deeper understanding of yourself. This self-awareness lays the foundation for personal growth and transformation.
4. Connection and Support: Journaling can also be a tool for connection and support. By sharing some of your journal entries that you feel comfortable with, with trusted friends, family members, or support groups, you can find solidarity and understanding from others who are walking a similar path. This sense of connection can provide much-needed comfort and encouragement during difficult times.
5. Empowerment and Resilience: Finally, journaling empowers you to take control of your narrative and build resilience in the face of adversity. By documenting your journey, you can track your progress, celebrate small victories, and remind yourself of your strength and resilience. This sense of empowerment fuels you to keep moving forward, even when the road ahead seems daunting.
I know from first hand experience, that a simple journal practice can be a powerful tool for moms of teens struggling with mental health challenges. From providing emotional release and clarity to fostering self-reflection and connection, journaling offers a myriad of benefits that can support you on your journey. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or alone, consider picking up a pen and starting your journaling journey today. You might be surprised at the powerful results it can bring. Just 5 minutes can make a difference.
Remember, you're not alone, and your story matters!
LAURIE MOSER
Laurie Moser is an advocate for moms’ mental health. Supporting moms who have teens with mental health challenges using self-care tools & group support. Laurie has been featured by Focus on the Family, Real Biz Moms, Tracking Happiness and a guest on 5 Minutes for Me App, Voice of Women (VOW), and I Never Knew (INK).
