{"id":512,"date":"2019-10-15T18:20:24","date_gmt":"2019-10-15T18:20:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/?p=512"},"modified":"2023-02-15T17:28:53","modified_gmt":"2023-02-15T17:28:53","slug":"writing-with-mental-ill-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/2019\/10\/15\/writing-with-mental-ill-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Writing with mental ill health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This is a blog I wrote back in August for the #WriteMentor Spark Programme<\/a>. Another of Stuart White’s wonderful inclusive and encouraging iniatives, Spark is a good affordable way to get help with your writing and engage with the children’s writing and publishing community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to keep writing when you have mental ill health – 6 practical tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alongside therapy, medication, and exercise, many people find writing<\/strong> can help to manage their mental health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Confused<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

But there\u2019s a catch: How do you write when depression <\/strong>means just getting out of bed is too hard? Or OCD<\/strong> has you stuck in a loop of some tedious behaviour? Or anxiety<\/strong> tells you that you\u2019re not good enough<\/strong>, you\u2019ll never be a writer, and sends your brain spiralling<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having lived with chronic anxiety since childhood, plus depression and OCD on the side, in my experience life is always better when I\u2019m writing. Any kind is good \u2013 non-fiction, journaling, memoir, poetry, therapeutic \u2013 but for me, fiction works best. Here, I offer some practical tips<\/strong> to help you keep writing on difficult days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How to keep writing \u2013 tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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#1 Keep your tools handy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sounds obvious perhaps, but have a notepad and pen with you \u2013 in your bag, in the car, by the bed. Even if you can\u2019t get out from under the duvet, you can write something. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Write<\/strong> ANYTHING<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Write about last night\u2019s dreams. Write down the brilliant comeback you thought of three hours after that irritating thing someone said to you. Write a word or a sentence that sums up how you feel right now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or maybe how you\u2019d like to feel \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 Use a routine prompt<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many writers swear by a writing routine<\/strong> however, it can be counterproductive. Not meeting targets gives anxiety<\/strong> and OCD<\/strong> plenty of ammo for \u2018you\u2019re a failure\u2019 type thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be helpful though, to have a routine prompt<\/strong>. This is a phrase to use daily, or as needed, to start off the writing. There\u2019s a certain comfort in having it there to fall back on. Make one up, or \u2018borrow\u2019 someone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Joanne Harris<\/a>, author of the novels The Strawberry Thief <\/em>and Chocolat,<\/em> amongst many others, often tweets a sentence starting: \u2018And this morning the Shed is \u2026 \u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018 \u2026 a ball of red string, rolling down a corridor \u2026 \u2019 14 Aug 19<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018 \u2026 a beach hammock, strung between two coconut palms, with bright birds singing overhead and the sound of the surf in the distance \u2026 \u2019 11 Aug 19<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My current routine prompt is: \u2018This morning\u2019s skies are \u2026 \u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you only follow this with \u2018blue\u2019 or \u2018grey\u2019, you have a sentence. And one sentence is the start of something<\/strong>. But it\u2019s not really about describing the colour of the sky. Use all your senses \u2013 how does the day feel? Sound? Taste? Stay real world or go fantasy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 Use a random prompt<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gather random prompts: words or sentences that strike a chord, and keep a list of them in the back of your notebook to use when the thought of a bigger project is too much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try: <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"renee<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n