Writing Really Is Theraputic

Putting feelings into words: affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli is a study published at the National Institute of Health which determined writing down your feelings really does help manage negative feelings. 

Abstract

Putting feelings into words (affect labeling) has long been thought to help manage negative emotional experiences; however, the mechanisms by which affect labeling produces this benefit remain largely unknown. Recent neuroimaging studies suggest a possible neurocognitive pathway for this process, but methodological limitations of previous studies have prevented strong inferences from being drawn. A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of affect labeling was conducted to remedy these limitations. The results indicated that affect labeling, relative to other forms of encoding, diminished the response of the amygdala and other limbic regions to negative emotional images. Additionally, affect labeling produced increased activity in a single brain region, right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (RVLPFC). Finally, RVLPFC and amygdala activity during affect labeling were inversely correlated, a relationship that was mediated by activity in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). These results suggest that affect labeling may diminish emotional reactivity along a pathway from RVLPFC to MPFC to the amygdala.

I have often thought this site is for me therapeutic. It helps me cope, although I am sure others would tell me I should just move on. Just let it go. Just accept. 

I still sometimes get a sinking feeling in my gut due to the money I have lost, lost due to criminal fraud not just by my ex-wife but more significantly the lawyers and justice system. I am even more upset by the open corruption prevalent within our legal system. 

It is not, however, just about me and the money I lost and the harm done to my kids. It is about the continuing harm done to others which I have no doubt has caused and continues to generate violence, crime, self-destructive actions, and misery to many innocent victims. 

Moving on is meaningless unless there is an end to the trauma. Although the acute trauma has ended for me, it continues for others which is in fact a type of trauma for me as well. Not only is it an obligation for me to speak up but it is good therapy for me as well.