Writing through Painful Life Experiences

We often tend to slow or stifle our creative output during difficult painful experiences, in part because coping with challenges can drain of us of energy and increase stress and anxiety. But finding a way to continue write during difficult times can be healing. Expressive writing , based on the techniques pioneered by James Pennebaker, can be a form of self-care and a low-commitment way to continue to write through difficult times. This isn’t writing for craft, but rather is writing as self-care. Expressive techniques allow individuals to explore their feelings without the pressure to produce work for publication, which, at the same time, eliminates the possibility of rejection. It’s highly effective, but may require some adaptation for people with ADHD. I’ve used these techniques when coping with grief over the loss of loved ones and when grappling with the repercussions of the revelation of disturbing family secrets.