Published: December 30, 2020 ​
The Bottom Line
- Chronic conditions have a significant burden on those who suffer from them, their caregivers and the entire health and social system.
- Alternative strategies, other than medical treatments, are increasingly being used in clinical practice to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- There are several ways that writing can impact physical health, for example as catharsis, to express ourselves or through cognitive restructuring linking memory, emotions, chronic stress and physical health.
- Guided therapeutic writing can improve physical and mental health.
Do you suffer from depression, social isolation or chronic conditions? Wondering how to get through the winter, confined in your home because of COVID-19? Could writing help you get out of the winter gloom, or even improve your physical and mental health?
Let’s take a look at the evidence on the effects of therapeutic writing on people with chronic conditions.
The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (mcmasteroptimalaging.org), a unique online health resource created by McMaster University to support the healthy aging of Canada’s older adult population, is highlighting ways to stay active and engaged while practicing physical distancing during the current COVID-19 pandemic.​ Read more.
