Journaling can help. Journaling can reduce your mental distress. In one study, researchers found those who journaled three days a week over a 12-week period had fewer depressive symptoms and increased feelings of wellbeing.

Journaling can help you stop obsessive thinking. Writing about our emotions and experiences broadens our perspectives and gives us new insight.

Journaling also helps regulate emotions. Brain scans showed people were able to control their emotions better when they wrote about their feelings verses a neutral experience.

Take time to write out your feelings using these journaling prompts below:

►  Today, I am really missing ...

►  I have been feeling __________ a lot lately.

►  When I think about my loved one, I miss this the most ...

►  I do/do not feel comfortable asking for help because ...

►  Describe a memory of your loved one that makes you laugh.

►  Describe a memory of your loved one that makes you cry.

►  What was your loved one’s favorite holiday? Meal? Song?

►  If you could tell your loved one about your day, what would you say?

►  List people you can turn to for support.

►  List some activities that make you feel better.

►  Name one thing you could try today to make things easier for yourself. Why do you think this will help?

Study cited by WebMD at www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-benefits-of-journaling