ep 002 - The Benefits of Writing and Not Writing About Trauma
Dec 31, 2020
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Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of writing about trauma, including cancer survivorship. The emotional challenges after overcoming cancer and the potential benefits of writing about trauma. The importance of writing beyond trauma as a coping mechanism. Reflection on a poem and experience in Iceland, emphasizing the transformative power of travel.
Writing about traumatic experiences can help individuals process trauma, improve psychological status, and potentially find closure.
Writing about aspects of life unrelated to trauma or cancer can reduce the biographical disruption caused by cancer and contribute to maintaining a sense of self.
Deep dives
Writing about the cancer experience and emotions
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the benefits of writing about the cancer experience and the emotions surrounding it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing the traumatic feelings and emotional issues head-on through writing. By writing about the cancer experience, individuals can process trauma, improve psychological status, and potentially find closure. Expressive writing and poetry therapy interventions have been found to be helpful in managing concerns, reducing negativity and anxiety, and improving emotional resilience for cancer survivors.
Writing about unrelated topics as a form of coping
The podcast episode also explores the benefits of writing about things unrelated to cancer or trauma. The speaker suggests that writing about other aspects of one's life can help reduce the biographical disruption caused by cancer and provide a distraction from the emotional turmoil. It can serve as a reminder of one's identity beyond the cancer experience and contribute to the creation of a global self. Writing about hobbies, relationships, goals, and other interests can help individuals maintain a sense of self and reduce the overwhelming focus on cancer.
The potential risks and considerations of writing
While writing about cancer can be beneficial, there are potential risks to consider. Some individuals may not benefit from writing or may experience short-term sadness when delving into traumatic experiences. Rumination and analyzing excessively without finding resolution may also be potential risks. Privacy concerns and negative judgments from others regarding personal writings are additional factors to consider. Furthermore, the episode highlights the importance of self-care while writing, taking breaks, and being mindful of one's emotions during the process.
The significance of storytelling and self-affirmation
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of storytelling and self-affirmation in writing about traumatic experiences. Narrative structure and metaphorical expressions can help individuals organize their thoughts, gain control over their stories, and find resolution. Self-affirmation, when honest and authentic, can contribute to creating a sense of a global self, integrating various roles, values, beliefs, and relationships. However, the risks of self-affirmation, such as reinforcing disbelief or sadness, should be considered. The podcast also mentions the potential benefits of writing poetry as a form of self-expression and exploration.
We take a look at some research to help us decide whether it's beneficial for us to write about traumatic experiences, and if writing about other things can help us work through this trauma in their own way.
Find out more about us at peekingcatliterary.co.uk and writersam.co.uk.
Music: Trap Hamza by Arulo
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