Mental health

Read the evidence before choosing a writing practice

Explore research explainers and general reflection resources about journaling and mental health. These pages distinguish studied writing tasks from everyday diary keeping and do not provide individual treatment advice.

Begin with the evidence overview if you are assessing a health claim. You can skip any exercise and seek appropriate support for ongoing difficulties.

1. Start with the research

   Understand what journaling studies tested and why their results do not apply to every kind of writing.

   Read the journaling research overview

2. Distinguish reflection from going in circles

   Explore the difference between a useful observation and repeatedly revisiting the same question.

   Reflection and rumination explained

3. Know how we use sources

   See how the site separates published evidence, practical suggestions and app descriptions.

   Read our editorial policy