I started this blog to record our family memories. So our daughter could look back and see how much we loved her every day she was growing up. A modern day baby book. As I began writing down our memories, I started to realise that the process of writing is cathartic, like a therapy, it helps me in so many ways. Last year, I was diagnosed with PND, which was a shock.
I stupidly never thought that it would happen to me. I am a pro active, get up and go kind of person, a do-er. Plus, I had finally got my little girl, everything I had wanted for many years, how could I be depressed? I soon realised it is something that you have no control over. Whether it’s a chemical imbalance or your reaction to that imbalance, it is certainly isn’t a matter of choice or character. Things that you normally can do, become a struggle. Your confidence is low and silly things cause you stress. You can be in such a happy setting, an amazing family day out, yet a feeling of incredible sadness washes over you.
Blogging as Therapy
Like many other mums, having a baby is the best thing to happen to me. However, since having a baby, I do not feel like me anymore. For the most part I am fine with that, people change. Physically and mentally I am so far away from the person I was before. I would like to recognise myself a little bit more. Writing this blog helps me to get me back. It encourages me to look for the silver lining and to focus on the positive things. I can still cry, when I have a really lovely day, but that is just how it is at the moment.
However, I feel that without this blog, the nice moments and happy times would be less frequent. This blog is helping to build my confidence and my self esteem. Through this blog, I am part of a community of like-minded supportive people, where previously I have felt isolated. It’s amazing how many ‘friends’ no longer bother calling when you have a baby. My blog has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment, my own corner of the internet.
So thank you to everyone who reads my blog, thanks to everyone who has left a comment or who has tweeted me.
For those who tweet words of support and encouragement when I (and others) have a bad day. Thank you to all the lovely bloggers, who give their support and their friendship so willingly. Who make a newbie blogger feel welcomed and at home. You have all helped me create something I am proud of. Whether that be my blog, or my network of now friends, I am eternally grateful.
Blogging as therapy blog
Oh and if there are still any doubters to the positive health benefits of blogging, this makes for an interesting read.
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Comments 147
Oh I hear you. Great article. Glad that blogging also helps bring you joy. 🙂 x
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Thank you very much. Glad you liked it x
Glad you have found blogging help you thru. It is fun blog!
Author
Thanks very much x
I can completely understand what you mean about not being you anymore. I have really struggled with giving up work and making the decision to become a SAHM. Blogging has really helped keep me sane and the support network is brilliant! Glad you have found something to help you through the tough times.
Author
Thank you. I hope you are finding ways to find the old you too x
Awww sweetie, you don’t need to thank us all! Blogging definitely gives you a sense of community and it’s wonderful to be a part of it. I’m so glad that your blog has helped you through the tough times and celebrated the good times! xxx
Author
Thanks hun, I love being part of this wonderful community xxx
I wish i had discovered blogging years ago!! I suffered from depression and felt so alone even though i was surrounded by people. I love it so much and find it a great release. Your blog is fab! Keep on keeping on!! 🙂 xx
Author
Yes it is strange, how you can feel lonely in a room full of people. Thanks for the comments about my blog, glad you enjoy reading and I am glad your blog helps you too xx
I have loved every step of my blogging journey and it’s brought so many things to my life! Love reading your blog and I’m sure Baby will love reading it back one day too! x
Author
Thank you hun, that is really kind. Blogging is, bar having my daughter, the best thing I have done x
I am glad that blogging is so positive for you. I absolutely love it and it has opened my eyes to a whole new world. Bloggers are such a supportive group of people 🙂 Your blog is ace! x
Author
Thank you very much. You wouldn’t imagine such a supportive network from the outside x
I have to say that I also do this, I blog to keep my anxiety at bay and it has helped me lots in the past 8 months, best of luck and well done hun x
Author
Thanks and I am glad you find comfort in your blog too x
Lovely post and massive ((((hugs)))) I suffer with anxiety and find the online world much easier to handle, and Blogging friends are wonderful. Well done for sharing what must be a tough topic.
Author
Thank you very much. The blogging community is so accepting and supportive x
I’ve always found writing incredibly relaxing, I’ve kept a diary on and off since I was 9 years old and getting the crazy jumble in my head down on paper has helped me through some very difficult times. Blogging seemed a natural progression from that, and I must say I’m really enjoying it 🙂
It’s also great to read other people’s posts and realise you are not the only one going through certain things x Char
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Blogging is such an amazing thing to do, I am so glad I started and it’s great that you are enjoying it too x
I could have written this post myself. Like you I have found a release for my thoughts and feelings that I hadn’t got in everyday life. The support network amongst bloggers is amazing. I’m glad it is giving you a place to be you. xx
Author
Thank you and I am glad you have found blogging helpful too xx
Well done on a great post, and a great blog. Mummy loves our blog, and enjoys writing it so much x
Author
Thank you, I am glad you liked it x
Blogging has some great benefits!
Author
It certainly does x
I find blogging hugely therapeutic! It brings out my creative side and my honesty too!
Author
Glad it helps you too x
I am so glad you have found blogging to be therapeutic. I know it works for me too. It is a great creative outlet for when I need one.
Author
Thanks, I am glad that blogging helps you too x
Oh what a lovely post. I totally get where you are coming from, I often have days where I feel so over whelmed with everything. I call my blog my therapist, my councillor, when I am down I write to get it out of my system. I am glad that you have found that your blog helps you xx
Author
Thank you very much hun. I am so pleased you find comfort in your blog too x
Fantastic post, I completely agree with you I find blogging so therapeutic it’s my go to thing when I am feeling low. x
Author
Thanks so much hun. I am glad you have found blogging too x
What a great post and its so true about the friendships you find and therefore the unexpected support you have,
Author
Aw thank you so much x
I totally agree and am so pleased you see other bloggers as a supportive community. It is so important to have somewhere to go. I have also recently been writing about depression. It feels pretty hideous but there will be an end. Xxx
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Thanks. I hope you can start to feel better and glad blogging helps you x
Totally agree that blogging is a great way (whether private as journalling or publically) to make your own space and voice heard.
Author
It is one of the best things I have ever done x
spot on , blogging is my therapy
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I am happy that you found it too x
I started blogging for fun and it has definitely helped me get through some tough times!
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Glad it helped you too x
What a lovely post, so right about writing being cathartic. It’s hard to describe the multiple benefits of blogging to people who think you’re just tinkering around with something strange on the internet! Glad it’s helping you too and thank YOU for being part of our community and for this post 🙂
Author
Aw thank you, that is very true and very kind x
So pleased that you’re feeling better. I agree, blogging has been like free therapy for me at points too #bbp
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Thanks, I glad it helps you at times too x
Blogging has kept me sane! It’s given focus to my days, and more than that, it’s made me look at my days differently x So glad to hear it’s been such a positive experience for you too x #brillblogposts
Author
I feel exactly the same as you x
I so understand this post. I started my blog when I was fighting PND too, but as a break from being a mom, doing something that I enjoyed. Four years later the blog is like another baby.
#Brilliantblogposts
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I am pleased that you found a way to help yourself x
Oh this is wonderful. What a truly lovely post! #brilliantblogposts xxx
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Thank you very much x
I started my blog for my kids to read when they’re older as well. I never imagined it would take me into a world of wonderfully supportive people 🙂
Author
The community truly is amazing x
PND, though never welcome is a great leveler. It effects all people of all walks of life. It’s chemical and does not just prey on the sad and vulnerable. I am so glad you find catharsis in blog writing. So many precious memories to treasure. Thank you for sharing your journey with us – I always love reading your posts <3
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Thank you Vicky, that’s very kind of you to say. x
Starting my blog this winter helped pull me out of a serious depression. It might sound weird but this thing grounds me and gives me purpose. I’m glad you are doing better and finding your stride and your new self.
Author
Thank you so much and I’m glad your blog helped you through a difficult time x
Blogging is hands down the best form of therapy – I wrote a blog post on my suspected post natal depression with my eldest daughter 7 years ago, and it helped more than I ever imagined it could. Welcome to the blogging community – you’re going to love it here!
#BrilliantBlogPosts
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I’m glad it helped you too x
I completely get what you are saying. I’ve not long had number 3 and it’s gotten to me more this time.
Blogging does help with the sad days and afterall memories are so important.
Xxx
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Oh I am sorry that you are having a hard time (rubbish isn’t it). Glad blogging helps you xxx
Really felt the same post my first child, I was lost and lonely and hence started my blog, it gave me my voice back, a purpose outside of the new world of parenting and for that last two years has become a full time career for me. I’ve blogged about how and tips on my blog recently too! Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts, hope you feel more like you soon x
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Thanks so much hun and I am glad you found what you needed through your blog x
I totally understand how writing can be therapeutic, I started writing after my councillor gave me something to focus on after loosing my baby at 15 weeks. I love doing it now and it has transformed into something else. I’m glad it helps you too. X
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I am so sorry, but I am glad you found help through your blog. x
Nice to know that others are dealing with the same thing as me. I am trying to start my own blog for the same reason. A positive way to document my babies growing up. Thank you for your honesty in that post. Good luck x
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Good luck with your blog and I hope it helps you x
what a great post, I also had PND, it seems so clear looking back but at the time I couldn’t see it! x
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Thanks hun. I hope you are o.k now xx
Loved this blog – simple and to the point!! Very true too!! x
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Thank you x
anxiety is a terrible thing but the great thing about blogging is the support network, no one judges in my experience but the support encourages you to share more.
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I am constantly amazed by how wonderful the blogging community is x
xxxx can’t wait to hang out with you next week! xxxx
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Me neither hun, really looking forward to it xxxx
From a fellow new blogger (5 months) What a great post! My husband often says ‘your blog is cheaper than therapy’ in a rather flippant way and I’ve sort of ignored it, but this post has made me consider his words – and yours – more carefully. You’re right, as a blogger you come into contact with so many like minded people who are there to offer support, inspire and delight and don’t mind if you’re having a rant or celebrating some success. Being a parent blogger can be a great place to be!
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Thank you for taking the time to comment and good luck with your blog. I don’t know what I would do without my blog. The community is fantastic. Glad you enjoyed the post x
I love logging on to see that you have a new post. I love to follow your journey!
You are such a lovely, brave mummy.
Well done xxx
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I think this is probably the nicest comment I have ever had. Thank you so much and I am so glad you enjoy my posts. Thank you for your kind words xxx
I rediscovered writing in my blog after a family bereavement. It’s helping me having something to look forward to and pour out feelings x
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It is very cathartic and gives you a sense of purpose when you need it x
This is exactly why I started my blog . it was a place for me to let of steam ,focus on achieving something . finding me time again .
It has helped loads
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It is amazing how beneficial blogging can be x
I couldnt agree more to this post. In fact i was planning on writing about blogging as therapy on my blog next week.. i will certainly point this post out as i think you say what i mean much better than i will 😀
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Glad you liked it and thanks x
Beautiful post, I had a few months of PND with my third baby who is now 7months old. I realise now that it wasn’t to do with him, or any three of them. It was a battle against myself trying to be miss perfect everything! Trying to do too much. Blogging has helped me re-identify myself too (slowly) it’s a Lovely thing being able to just think and write not to mention document our lives with our families. 🙂
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Thank you so much for commenting and thank you for your kind words. I hope you are feeling better now x
Great post. I have very recently gone back to blogging to try and crack my ppd for once and for all. Keep up with the fab posts!
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great blog and entry!!!
Aby I just discovered this old post and had to comment. My little corner of the internet was an indirect result of the cognitive behavioural therapy I had in China for PPD when I decided I didn’t want to take anti-depressants after my daughter was born. Writing therapy blocked the demons and brought me back to myself slowly. It also reignited my love of writing and thus Bod for tea was born. Blogging connects people in a unique way and and the ability to share our mental health issues is SO important for others as well as ourselves. Thank YOU for sharing this too x
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Ah bless you! Thank you for commenting. I am not sure what I would have done/do without my blog. I am glad you have your too x
thank you for sharing 🙂 really appreciate your honesty…
blogging is one of my forms of therapy too – to get it out… as well as the hope that it will support and empower others going through what we went through… that there will be some positives from the harshness…
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Thanks so much for your comment. It is amazing what our blogs give us back isn’t it x
yep what you said! I understand exactly where you are coming from. Since I found my voice it has helped me too
You are truly inspiring and this was such a great post to read as a first time blogger and a mum. Thank you!
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That is so kind of you, I don’t feel much like an inspiration but really appreciate your comment x
I was just talking about this with my oldest the other day. It really is wonderful to have a way to express myself… no matter what it is I have to say. It just makes me feel more like an individual as well as a mother/wife/homemaker. Thank you for this post!
What a lovely blog! I am a mummy to a 13 month old little man and have just begun a blog. Any tips for a newbie blogger?
Lovely piece of writing. I also started blogging to document his life but have found is so therapeutic for my lack of self confidence and anxiety.
I thoroughly enjoy all of your posts, and you have been so helpful to me as a new blogger so thank you and carry on!
Lots of love
Cat Julia
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Oh thank you so much for your lovely comment and I am really pleased you enjoy my blog x
This completely resonates with me, I am often heard saying that “writing for me is like breathing fresh air, I need it to survive”, I wrote this quote because it is my truth. Writing my blog has been therapeutic beyond words (and I love words). It has transformed my life. Great post xx
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Thanks, I am glad you enjoyed it xx
Just re-read this post as part of wellbeing Wednesday, such a great post
Oh goodness, what a lovely post. I love the idea of the blog being a modern baby book. What power the written word has, not only for those who read it but for those that write it too. Wishing you more happy days than sad until the sad go completely. X
I love blogging also, I try to update my mummy edits blog at least once a month x
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It is such a great therapy x
Blogging has also been my therapy for a whole heap of different health reasons. It has helped me preserve some sanity in a personal world that is always changing. Excellent article.
It’s great that blogging helps you so much. I agree that writing is a good therapy. I was originally a beauty blogger but decided to blog about my first son’s birth, just to get it out of my head, it helped me so much. And it changed the direction of my blog totally! xx
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It is such a comfort isn’t it xx
I relate so much to this feeling. I started blogging after I lost my mother last year. it has helped me stay positive and busy. Its so easy to drift into the negative and sad thoughts. Everyone needs to find that thing that gives them joy!
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I am so glad you found blogging. It is really a wonderful thing x
Love reading your blog! Keep up the good work, you’re fab x
Another post that I first read when I started blogging! Just goes to show what an amazing person you are. I loved it then and I love it now! Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this and linking it up with #WellbeingWednesday lovely lady – your support means the world to me. 🙂 xxxx
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Ah thank you so much huni. You know anything I can do, just ask xxxx
You’re so brave for sharing your story with the world! PND still seems to be misunderstood, so hopefully, the more we talk about it, more people will be able to regognise the signs! I, like yourself, use blogging as therap. The first post was a positive that came out of a very bad day. I published my second at the weekend and I’m overwhelmed with the feedback, so many mothers feel the same as we do! I’m loving blogging and enjoying reading others people journey and learning about how it all started! Can’t wait to read more of yours 🙂
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I am glad you had good feedback lovely x
I love reading your blog. It’s great to know that you get as much out from writing it as we all do from reading it. Keep it up!
Author
Thank you for such a lovely comment x
I decided to do exactly this tonight. It’s amazing how exposed you feel opening up, but knowing it’s going out into the world is a really nice way to get things off your chest.
I’ve considered taking the post down about three times since I put it up but your post helped steel my resolve. Thank you. 🙂
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Aww I am glad you published your post x
Writing is definitely cathartic! I agree that having a baby just changes you somehow and I haven’t given birth yet! I admire your strength keep it up.
Lauren x
Blogging as therapy is a fantastic idea, it has definitely helped me learn more about myself and admit my failings, pick myself up again and stop being so scared to admit when I have made mistakes. Really glad it’s helping you too and you’ve found a great support network 🙂
Author
Thanks so much, I am so happy it has helped you too x
I would be insufferable if I couldn’t vent on here. It’s nice to connect with my long dormant creative side too!
Great post Aby. My mummy finds blogging therapeutic too 🙂 It’s her escapism and passion. An added bonus is that she gets to record me growing up too. Hopefully see you soon. If you see her grab her at BlogOnWin and she’ll love to have a coffee and a natter x
Aby thank you sharing this – every time we share about PND it helps to break down the barriers for others to seek help – as you know I started blogging as part of my CB therapy for PND and it really helped me to have a creative release. I’m so glad it’s helping you too. Much love to you honey x
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Absolutely beautiful post! So honest and very relatable. Really glad I read it it’s brilliant xx
My first year was tough too, though I’m lucky to be through the worst of it. And I suffered PNA (anxiety) rather than depression.
But I couldn’t agree more about the blogging. Writing helps me and the community is phenomenal.
I hope you have a good day xx
It’s amazing how much life changes in every way when you have a baby, hope you continue discover and enjoy the new you!
Such a good read. I have just started out in the blogging world, after contemplating doing so for such a long time. I was worried about what others would think of me, my writing skills, my content wouldn’t be good enough, literally every negative thought to prevent me from doing so, but I know when I continue, and push through I will grow in confidence, become a better writer and help me to appreciate what a blessed life I actually have. For a long time I feel I have suffered from PND, I really want to look into this further and see what help is actually out there! thank you xxx
This post rings so true with me. I feel like I could have written it myself. I was diagnosed with PND yesterday but my blog has been the thing that’s kept me going – a chance to do something creative and to write (a piece of me from pre-baby). Your post has really made me feel like I’m not the only one – thank you!
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Ah thank you for leaving a comment. I hope that you are o.k. Asking for help is the hardest thing, so you have taken a big step seeking help. I don’t think I know your blog, feel free to leave a link so I can pop over and say hi x
Ah thank you, my blog is here wickedworldofmotherhood.wordpress.com
I felt like a lock in before I started blogging. Like I had lost the person who I was and that I was just a “Mum”. I may still be a lock in, because I’m basically hooked to my phone reading everyone’s blogs, but I have some of myself back! Great article! Lucy xx
Totally spot on post – I find blogging very cathartic too and think it can really help with mental health aslong as we don’t
Let it take over us! Take care x
I totally agree that blogging is great therapy. Thank you for this post!
Great post. I’m new to blogging and I can see the benefits too. I used to love work ( I used to write as part of my job) and I struggled not feeling like the old me after having my baby even though I love being a mum. I’ve given up work to be a SAHM but now I’m finding blogging is giving me a bit of me time and something to focus on too. I’m glad it’s helping you too. X
Just saw this and wow what an honest and heartfelt post that really touched me. My sister suffered PND and it was such a surprise to all of us, she is the last person you would think would develop PND, but like you say here it has nothing to do with who you are or what you are like in life it is an illness and can affect anyone. She got through it with loads of support and patience and has amazing sons. I on the other hand thought after my sister had it I would too, and I didn’t. Yet I have suffered depression before having children and again since. It is such a struggle to get through and some days I feel the anxiety creeping in and I worry that I’m not on top of it. Other days I feel great! I work on myself and my positivity every day and my blog is a huge part of that, the support of other loggers is also so amazing and was so unexpected. Thank you for all you do and all you write, I truly admire and respect you xoxo
I started blogging to give a dads view of things happening around the home. I also love talking about my kids and being a dad as it has changed my life for the better. I also found it to be a way to talk about teen depression and anxiety which my oldest daughter suffers from. It has given me an opertuniy to share our story and bring light to a subject that isn’t really talked about. The blogging comunity has showed so much love not only to me but to my daughter as well which has helped her in so many ways deal with this.
Thank you for sharing. I know how hard it is to speak about it. You are right that writing down thoughts and emotions is a great release weather you post them or not. The hardest part is pulling yourself from the fog and back into the clear. Just remember its ok to take time for yourself. Find someone to vent to, and remember depression doesnt change who you are it changes how you process your feelings. You are that same person you were before. Just your happy times are happy but sad times are real low. Something you would have though before, ahhh that sucks, now makes your cry. The feeling was always there just now its at a higher level. Best of luck to you. I have beat this and my daughtr is almot there. There is light at the end of the foggy tunnel and you will get there.
I agree with what you say. My blog gives me a real sense of self. I am ecstatic that I have my perfect daughter (don’t we all have perfect children), but the sense of community, sharing my story and feeling that perhaps I am contributing to help others feel comfortable with their experience, makes me feel better. Will be keeping up to date with your blog!
This resonates so much with me – my confidence has soared since I started blogging. Most of my “real life” friends don’t understand it and probably think I’m faffing about online, but my blog life is fun, and it makes my real life tonnes better too! So they’re benefiting from my blog, even if they’ve never read it! Haha. It’s also really interesting to read one of your early posts 🙂
Anyway somebody added this post to the blogcrush linky because they really liked it. Congrats! #blogcrush
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Thanks so much x