Hi @witsend000, such a good question. While I don't think there is a right or wrong way to journal, I agree that there are tips and tricks to make your method right for you.

You'll notice that I moved your question about journalling for depression and anxiety to this super helpful and fun discussion called:
- Journaling - The Write Stuff For You? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/

I did this so you can connect with other journallers like @gingerw @hopeful33250 @rely1ngonhelp @harriethodgson1 @paulalina @suzbyrne @yvilletom.

What tips would you share to get started?

Hello @witsend000

What a good question! Actually, ramblings are just a fine way to journal. However, if you want some more specific guidelines here are some that I have used.

Think back to a particularly difficult event that brought about anxiety. Just write about it. What you were doing, who was there, how you felt. Then, if you had to do it over again, would you change the way you handled that event.

You can go back to childhood memories using this method. Take the same steps, remembering that when you were a child, you didn't have the mechanisms to deal with it differently. In thinking about painful childhood memories, you can acknowledge that the youngster had been hurt and also did not have the ability to deal with those feelings differently.

I'm sure that others in this group will add some of their favorite journaling steps,

Do these ideas sound like a way for you to get started?

@witsend000 I have journaled for years, decades even. And my dad was a lifelong journaler. He would start his pages by noting the date, time, where he was physically, and the weather. He always wrote longhand. Yes he started in high school, in the 1930s! I like the way he started his pages, and do that, also.

You know, many times our thoughts are jumbled and flit from subject to subject. There is nothing wrong with that! If you want to try stream-of-conscious writing, just put pen to paper and write whatever comes out. It doesn't have to make sense to you. You are laying a foundation. After some time, you may find your words and thoughts take a more organized form. There is no timeframe for that.

If you want to focus on a particular feeling, or event, do that. Turn it over and over in your mind, and write about it. Perhaps write a letter to that feeling, asking why you are there in my life, what you would like to accomplish with that feeling, how it makes you feel emotionally or physically.

There is no right or wrong way to journal about depression or anxiety. Some may write a poem or write something and draw pictures. Please be gentle on yourself while you explore this new-to-you expression of yourself. I hope you find it rewarding, as I have.
Ginger

I have journaled for years. When I start a discussion on Mayo Clinic, I often reflect my style of Journaling. The advantage of Journaling publicly is the expectation of interaction through empathy, suggestions, recommendations and support. Knowing that I'm writing to "someone" is comforting, engaging, and less lonely.
Unfortunately, and ironically, I've received some inappropriate PM requests.
If I perceive their concerns are authentic, PMing can provide some direct communication generally to answer specific questions related to the topic.
When I received a message, "I read your profile and I'd like to establish a relationship. "
Uh...nooo...spidey senses. Especially When I mainly communicate in the group Depression and Anxiety...boundaries. I am not going to open myself to phishing.
Anyway I journal:
Documentation
Purging and venting
Monitor my moods.
I can see patterns, trends, efficacy of meds. When I journal by hand, my handwriting even offers insight into its efficacy of meds and can reflect mood.
One time while in-patient, I covered a whole page in red pencil. "You know what Depression looks like?" Here it is.
Journaling is relative to the needs of the person--no right or wrong way.
At Christmas, my granddaughter gave me a journal. I believe she expected me to return it ASAP. NOPE.
Taking my time. Addressing each goal, prompt, and participating..
Starting to drift. Sleep texting is not fun. Thank goodness I had a window of opportunity to edit...not a pretty sight...eliminated gibberish. Good night.