Trying To Talk Yourself Out of Depression Does Not Always Work

The actual professionals and the self-acclaimed psychology experts have embedded an idea via articles, blogs, and social media posts that talking about mental health issues, particularly depression, is perhaps the first and many times, the last step to reclaiming a life without feeling the daily blues. However, the truth couldn't be any different. For starters, people suffering from depression are often in jobs and family roles where they have to speak throughout the day. Many people with depression have a rather well-established circle of friends with whom they converse every day. People visiting the family psychologist might continue to have long conversations about redemption, loss, and unhappiness, and still might feel that the therapy is not really making an impact. People need to realize that you cannot talk your way out of depression, at least not in most situations.

Medical Cannabis for IBS: Indica vs. Sativa… or Chemovars?

Your reference piece suggests indica-leaning products may soothe abdominal pain/cramping and stress, while sativa-leaning products may help inflammation—two symptom drivers in IBS. That’s a useful starting frame for patients exploring options under clinical guidance. However, modern clinical guidance cautions that “indica vs. sativa” is a loose folk taxonomy. Effects vary widely plant-to-plant and depend more on chemovar (the actual cannabinoid + terpene profile) than the label. Look at THC/CBD ratios and key terpenes (e.g., linalool, myrcene, limonene, β-caryophyllene) rather than the marketing category. 

Why cannabis might help IBS (biological rationale)

• Endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the gut: CB1/CB2 receptors modulate motility, visceral pain, immune tone, and nausea. Targeting this system could reduce hypersensitivity, normalize contractions, and dampen stress-gut signaling. PMC
• Gut–brain axis: ECS signaling intersects with stress circuits; calming central arousal can secondarily calm the bowel in stress-triggered IBS. Mamedica
• Barrier & inflammation: Preclinical work shows cannabinoids (notably CBD via CB1) can influence epithelial permeability and inflammatory signaling—mechanisms relevant to flares. (Note: translation to clinical IBS outcomes is still limited.) MDPI

What the evidence actually shows (and what it doesn’t)

• Symptom relief signals, not disease modification: Trials and reviews in GI disorders show improvements in abdominal pain, stool urgency/diarrhea, sleep, and QoL, but little change in objective inflammation markers. Expect symptomatic relief, not a cure. MDPI
• IBS-specific data are sparse: Most clinical work is small or indirect (IBD, functional abdominal pain, nausea). High-quality, IBS-specific randomized trials remain a gap. Verywell Health
• Indica vs. sativa evidence is weak: Even in IBD, authoritative patient resources note no proven “best strain”; suggestions that indica helps pain/sleep are largely experiential. crohnsandcolitis.ca
• Patient preferences vary: Real-world research shows wide variation in product choice and perceived effects—another reason to personalize by chemovar, dose, and route.

Matching chemovars to IBS symptom clusters

Use this as a clinician-guided framework, not a prescription.

1. Pain & cramping; sleep disturbance

   • Consider balanced THC: CBD or CBD-dominant with small THC at night; terpenes like linalool/myrcene (sedative) and β-caryophyllene (CB2-active) are often sought. Start low, go slow. Your reference aligns this with “indica-like” choices. cannabisaccessclinics.co.uk

2. Diarrhea/urgency & visceral hypersensitivity

   • Low-dose THC may slow transit and reduce hypersensitivity; CBD may temper anxiety-driven urgency. Daytime use should remain low to avoid psychoactivity. Verywell Health

3. Bloating & inflammation-related flares

   • CBD-forward products (with β-caryophyllene/limonene) are often trialed for their anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic profiles, though hard IBS trial data are limited. MDPI+1

4. Stress-triggered symptoms

   • Formulations emphasizing CBD (± micro-THC) can reduce stress arousal that perpetuates gut symptoms via the gut–brain axis. Mamedica

Route, onset, and dosing basics

• Inhaled (vape flower/oil): Onset minutes; easier as-needed titration for acute cramping/urgency. Short duration, variable dose control. (Avoid smoking for pulmonary risk.) Healthline
• Oral oils/capsules: Onset 45–90 minutes; longer duration; better for scheduled, steady background control, but variable absorption in IBS. Start very low (e.g., CBD 5–10 mg; THC 0.5–1 mg) and uptitrate slowly. Releaf
• Sublingual tinctures: Intermediate onset; decent dose control for day-to-day management. (General pharmacology guidance.) Healthline

---

Safety, side effects, and drug interactions

• Common: Sedation, dizziness, cognitive slowing (THC), dry mouth.
• GI-specific caution: Rare cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome with heavy chronic THC exposure.
• Interactions: THC/CBD can affect CYP450 metabolism—review other meds (e.g., SSRIs, TCAs, PPIs, anticoagulants).
• Dependency & tolerance: Especially with higher THC. Use the lowest effective dose, prefer CBD-forward by day, reserve THC for targeted use.
• Legal/access: UK access is specialist-led for specific indications; IBS may require individualized clinical justification and is not a routine qualifying diagnosis. (Clinic resources emphasize patient-by-patient selection and careful monitoring.)

How to translate “indica vs. sativa” into practical selection

1. Ignore the label; read the lab: Choose by THC % / CBD % and a consistent terpene profile known to suit your symptom goals. 

2. Match timing to symptoms:

   • Day: CBD-dominant or very-low-THC balanced products to manage stress/urgency without cognitive drag.

   • Night: Balanced or THC-leaning with sedative terpenes if pain/spasm disrupts sleep. (Echoes your reference’s indica-for-pain/sleep angle.) 

3. Titrate methodically: Start low, increase every 3–7 days, track stool form, frequency, pain (0–10), urgency episodes, and sleep in a diary to identify a personal therapeutic window. (Real-world research supports individualized titration.) 

Bottom line

• Your reference is directionally consistent with patient experience: “indica-like” (sedating, pain-relieving) profiles often help cramping and sleep; “sativa-like” (energizing) profiles are sometimes explored for daytime function and inflammation-linked discomfort.
• But clinical science says don’t rely on the label—rely on the chemistry (THC/CBD balance and terpenes) and careful, clinician-supervised titration. 
• Expect symptom relief, not a cure; evidence for IBS is promising yet limited, with stronger data for QoL and pain than for objective inflammation change. 

Patient Guide: Using Medical Cannabis for IBS Support

Understand the Goal: Symptom Relief, Not Cure

• Cannabinoids may help relieve pain, cramping, urgency, bloating, and sleep issues, but not treat IBS root causes.
• Evidence is limited, so think of this as experimental symptom management.

Know the Chemistry, Not the Leaf

Term	Meaning	Why It Matters
THC	Psychoactive compound	May reduce spasm and slow bowel; use low doses to avoid “high”
CBD	Non-intoxicating compound	Helps with pain, anxiety, and inflammation
Terpenes	Aromatic compounds (like linalool, myrcene)	Influence effect—“sedative” vs “energizing”
Chemovar	Cannabis variety defined by chemistry	More important than the “Indica/Sativa” label

---

Match Your Symptoms to the Right Formulation

Time of Day	Symptom Focus	Preferred Type	Notes
Daytime	Urgency, bloating, anxiety-led gut tension	CBD-rich or balanced THC/CBD, energizing terpenes	Start with very low THC (≤1 mg)
Nighttime	Cramping, pain, poor sleep	Low-dose THC + CBD, sedative terpenes (e.g., linalool, myrcene)	Helps with relaxation and rest

---

Choose Route of Administration

• Inhaled (vapor)

  • Onset: within minutes

  • Duration: ~2–4 hours

  • Use: As-needed relief for sudden cramps or urgency

• Oral Oils/Capsules

  • Onset: 45–90 minutes

  • Duration: ~6–8 hours

  • Use: Scheduled dosing for baseline control

• Sublingual Tinctures

  • Onset: ~15–30 minutes

  • Duration: ~4–6 hours

  • Use: Faster edge between inhaled and oral for controlled dosing

Safety & Precautions

• Use the lowest effective dose; prioritize CBD-forward options during the day.
• Risks: dizziness, sedation, cognitive slowing, dry mouth, and potential GI upset. High THC may lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis with overuse.
• Drug interactions: THC/CBD affects CYP450. Check against other medications like SSRIs, PPIs, and blood thinners.
• Mental health caution: Monitor for anxiety, mood shifts—particularly with THC.
• Dependence risk: Limit THC frequency and avoid escalation without medical input.

7. Legal & Medical Oversight

• Legal access varies—some regions require specialist approval; IBS may not be listed, but can be considered in compassionate use or off-label contexts.
• Consult your healthcare provider, who knows your full medical history and local cannabis regulations.
• Document progress and side effects; follow regular review and adjust as needed.

8. When to Stop or Pause

• If symptoms don’t improve after 2–4 weeks at reasonable doses
• If side effects outweigh benefits—e.g., cognitive clouding, GI upset, dependency signs
• If legal status changes or new medical advice contraindicates use

---

Quick Checklist

• Select CBD-heavy or balanced THC/CBD with a clear terpene profile
• Start low dose, track symptoms and side effects
• Prefer vapor for crises, oral/sublingual for planned dosing
• Adjust dose every 3–7 days under supervision
• Know drug interactions and legal status
• Stop if no improvement or side effects emerge

This guide is not medical advice but a structured approach to trying cannabinoid therapy when standard IBS treatments fall short. Work with your doctor or clinic, stay within legal bounds, and always monitor progress carefully.

Prozac works but why not try the un-chemical way to feel good?

This discussion is not about whether Prozac helps with anxiety. Yes, medicines like Prozac can help you control your anxiety levels, but here, I am discussing some DIY methods that are not equally chemical and don't require you to chase around for a prescriptionI have had issues with restoring my mental energy levels every time they get depleted over a few hectic days. Ever since I turned 25, a pattern emerged where, after a couple of days of sustained physical and psychological work, my mind would go into a caffeinated mode, unable to wind down, and as a result, my anxiety levels and the associated digestive symptoms would surface. The medicines I tried over the years to control this habit and its root cause helped to some extent, but there is a catch to using them.No matter what the pharmaceutical world says, there is a downside to every drug out there, prescription or over-the-counter. Once you get into the habit of using mood boosters, or in my case, mood-sustaining salts, there is a big chance your body and mind will stop evolving to help you navigate and manage different phases of your life, and some need you to be alert and calm. My continuous run-ins with these meds also helped me uncover some things that could boost the overall mood and energy levels. These mental health tips are not stolen from the web or blatantly rewritten to engage the search engines. This is from my cup of psychological wellness, and I am sharing some of it with you:

Take some bites: the easiest way to control anxiety on a bad day...

You need to boost your sugar levels, but just a bit, not to the extent that you get a sugar rush. A few bites of literally anything, spaced across one hour where you nibble and munch a lot rather than consume a heavy meal, can help. Don't gulp aerated drinks as they don't hold for much time. Try more bread, cornflakes, some ice cream, a smoothie, a shake, or a small sandwich that you keep biting into. Yes, chocolate helps, but in moderation. Nuts, roasted or with something sweet, can help too. Raisins work in some way and are also a physical energy booster. Bananas tend to make me feel sluggish, so I avoid them despite a whole lot of natural sweetness. This is not meant to cure your anxiety, and it does not help you to cure anxiety. This simple exercise can help you get over anxiety for a few hours and navigate a hectic day at the workplace when there is a distinct burden you are carrying.

Don't force sleep: slightly offbeat anxiety prevention tip

Trying to route your mind towards a relaxing mode could have disastrous results. You could end up feeling more irritated and less energetic. Don't sit alone and do too many deep breaths...this generic advice does not help many people like me. You might want to lower the intensity of the lighting around you, put on some music, and start engaging your mind with videos or music you like. Trying to put yourself to sleep is often the cause of bringing about anxiety. Your mind starts to dig up answers. You start examining everything that has happened over the course of the day or even yesterday. The further you dig, the farther you are from a good night's sleep. Sometimes, this can make you overthink to the extent that a small daft of anxiety comes knocking. As a rule, don't lie down for too long just because it seems like the right time to sleep or just because someone recommended a quick nap. If you are not someone who is genuinely good at power naps, don't stress it. Don't go chasing the general rule of an 8-hour sleep cycle. Keep it simple - sleep only when you are naturally slipping into it.

Online window shopping or OTT indulgence: easy ways to control anxiety

For shopping enthusiasts like me, an easy way to maintain sanity on a slightly stressed day is working on an online shopping cart. Prune the wish-listed products. Cancel items whose items have just escalated. Try to read into the current sales campaign. Save items you might need in the near future. De-link or upload more of your payment cards. Update shipping addresses or link a digital wallet that can provide some savings the next time you actually buy something. Indulge in some online product comparisons. Overall, this exercise might not lead to actually buying great products, but it occupies your mind in a way that takes the focus away from something that has been bothering you. It also takes away the need to sip beer. Making a big bowl of homemade popcorn and catching up with that OTT show that has been waiting in the watchlist is another good idea. Let the OTT zombies chew down your anxiety levels. A bit of butter on the popcorn will not make you morbidly obese, and renewing the monthly OTT subscription is still a lot cheaper than getting dependent on Valium or Prozac.

Find getting-rid-of videos: easiest tools for managing rising anxiety levels.

This must be the strangest advice for controlling anxiety, but sometimes, it actually works. There are a lot of videos on YouTube and Instagram where people are getting rid of some strange wart or mole, overgrown nails that challenge Shrek, or hair that has never been clipped for decades. How does this work? When you are watching this type of visual content, there is a feeling of superficial, artificial relief that kicks in as the ugliest nails are clipped off, unruly locks are shaven away, or blackheads are pulled out.This helps in unwinding in a private, aloof manner, and such content is available at all times. While I call it getting-rid-of content, it can be slightly overbearing if you are watching it for the first time. Believe me, nobody really likes watching ultra-magnified views of ingrown hair on the chin being pulled out, but when you are out of quick answers to manage anxiety, anything is worth trying. However, if you chance upon animal slaughter videos uploaded by PETA-type agencies and find the recorded killings somewhat calming, you probably need help - the idea here is not to turn sadistic.

Online & Offline Clean-up: the simplest way to distract away oncoming anxiety 

You need an instant boost of goodness, and this is closely associated with a feeling of accomplishment. You need instantly doable tasks that help you feel that way. How can you do it? Get on your smartphone or get on your knees. Dust away things that are cluttering your desk or room, and your mailbox. Kick away, dump, and delete everything that seems mundane or highly unusable. From glamorous Apps to what seems no-long-usable on the bedside table, eradicate, and kill stuff that is not serving any purpose. This keeps your mind busy, works up the body a bit, and you get a nice feeling of gaining more control. Plus, your room partner or your mom would have one less reason to scream at you - how is this a bad deal?

NOT sure-shot ways to reduce anxiety - find your own fix...

There are days when running or heavy weight-lifting, even stretching, and some burpees can bring back that feeling of being alert, a reasonably good mood, and restore energy levels to some extent. And there are days when all of the things shared above don't make any impact. Like I said, this is not swallowing a pill and slightly numbing your mind. The entire efforts here are on managing your anxiety without using prescription pills or things that can be addictive. Usually, having too much caffeine or sugar does not help. Driving around aimlessly also does not get the job done. In contrast, something as simple as sipping some form of fluids might not take away that feeling of low, but it can prevent ruining your mood. You have to try it all and find what works best for you. For instance, every time I am snacking on crispy, crumbly stuff, making all sorts of horrible eating noises, my mind seems totally distracted, as if the focus has been taken away from over-analyzing things. And in the work-from-home schedule that has been enforced upon us, anxiety can come calling in the most unusual ways. You have to find simpler, non-medicated ways of keeping up your state of mental health.

I recommend trying out:

• Slow, conscious exhaling with a slight humming sound

• Chewing your food more consciously, taking extra minutes to swallow each bite

• Listening to music that tends to make your mind travel, even if for just a few minutes

• If you are connected to paper & pen, try to write a bit, try to journal your feelings a bit

• If you are addicted to blogging, write about anything - it really works [personal website]

• Tightening the grip on a body part, almost to the point of making it numb, and then releasing 

What is self-compassion and it is important for you to accept your body?

Self-compassion is a critical psychological concept that entails treating oneself with the same kindness, concern, and support one would show to a good friend. Rooted in ancient Buddhist practices, self-compassion is fundamentally about recognizing our shared human experience, which includes suffering and imperfection. Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneering researcher in this field, defines self-compassion through three main components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.

Components of Self-Compassion

Self-Kindness: Instead of being harshly self-critical, self-kindness involves being gentle and understanding with oneself. It means recognizing that it's okay to make mistakes and that imperfection is a part of the human experience.

Common Humanity: This aspect emphasizes the connection between oneself and others. It involves acknowledging that suffering and personal inadequacy are part of the shared human condition, rather than feeling isolated and alienated by one's imperfections.

Mindfulness: Mindfulness entails being aware of the present moment in a balanced manner. It involves neither ignoring one's pain nor being overly immersed in it, but rather observing it with a sense of clarity and balance.

The Importance of Self-Compassion

Emotional Resilience

Practicing self-compassion is crucial for emotional resilience. It allows individuals to navigate through life's challenges without being overwhelmed by negative emotions. By treating oneself with kindness during difficult times, one can maintain emotional equilibrium and recover more swiftly from setbacks.

Mental Health Benefits

Self-compassion has been linked to numerous mental health benefits, including reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Individuals who practice self-compassion tend to have higher levels of emotional intelligence, which helps them manage their emotions more effectively and maintain a positive outlook on life.

Enhanced Self-Acceptance

One of the most significant benefits of self-compassion is enhanced self-acceptance. Accepting oneself means recognizing and embracing all aspects of oneself, including one's physical appearance. This acceptance is not about resignation but about acknowledging reality and treating oneself with kindness despite perceived flaws.

The Role of Self-Compassion in Body Acceptance

Self-compassion plays a pivotal role in body acceptance. In a society that often promotes unrealistic body standards, many individuals struggle with body image issues. By cultivating self-compassion, individuals can develop a healthier and more accepting relationship with their bodies.

Challenging Unrealistic Standards

Self-compassion encourages individuals to challenge unrealistic body standards and to understand that beauty and worth are not determined by physical appearance. This shift in perspective is crucial for developing a positive body image and self-acceptance.

Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being

Accepting one's body is not only important for mental well-being but also for physical health. Individuals who accept their bodies are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as balanced eating and regular physical activity, rather than resorting to extreme diets or harmful practices.

Strategies to Cultivate Self-Compassion and Body Acceptance

Mindful Self-Reflection: Engaging in mindful self-reflection can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings about their bodies. This practice involves observing one's thoughts without judgment and recognizing negative patterns that may hinder self-acceptance.

Positive Affirmations: Using positive affirmations can reinforce self-compassion and body acceptance. Affirmations such as "I am worthy of love and respect" and "My body is strong and capable" can help counteract negative self-talk and foster a positive self-image.

Self-Compassion Exercises: Incorporating self-compassion exercises into daily routines can significantly enhance one's ability to accept and appreciate their body. Exercises such as writing a compassionate letter to oneself, practicing loving-kindness meditation, and keeping a self-compassion journal can be highly effective.

Seeking Support: Building a support network of friends, family, or a therapist can provide the encouragement and validation needed to maintain self-compassion and body acceptance. Sharing experiences and receiving feedback can reinforce positive changes and provide additional perspectives.

Self-compassion is an invaluable tool for fostering emotional resilience, improving mental health, and enhancing self-acceptance. By integrating self-compassion into our lives, we can challenge unrealistic body standards and cultivate a healthier, more accepting relationship with our bodies. Accepting our bodies as they are allows us to live more fully and authentically, free from the constraints of societal pressures.

You might want to know:

Dr. Kristin Neff did pioneering work in helping us understand self-compassion. She is widely recognized as one of the leading researchers in this field and has developed a comprehensive framework for understanding and practicing self-compassion. Her work includes defining the three main components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Dr. Neff's research has significantly contributed to the field of psychology, highlighting the importance of self-compassion for emotional resilience and mental well-being. The book "Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself" by Dr. Kristin Neff is widely regarded as one of the best resources for understanding self-compassion. In this book, Dr. Neff explains the concept of self-compassion, its benefits, and practical strategies for cultivating it in everyday life. The book combines scientific research with personal anecdotes and exercises, making it a comprehensive and accessible guide for anyone looking to improve their self-compassion...

How is compassion different from self-compassion?

Compassion and self-compassion share a common foundation in recognizing suffering and responding with kindness, but they are directed toward different recipients. Compassion involves recognizing the suffering of others and feeling motivated to alleviate it. It is an outward-focused emotion that drives us to extend care, empathy, and understanding toward others in distress. Compassion encourages actions that support and help others, fostering a sense of connection and community. Self-compassion, on the other hand, is the application of these same principles towards oneself. It entails recognizing one's own suffering and responding with the same kindness and understanding one would offer to a friend or loved one. 

In essence, while compassion is directed towards others, self-compassion is an inward-directed attitude that involves treating oneself with the same care and concern one would offer to others. Both are essential for fostering emotional well-being and building healthy relationships with oneself and the world. Incorporating more self-compassion into your daily life can significantly improve your well-being and emotional resilience. Here are ten easy ways to practice self-compassion every day:

1. Practice Mindful Breathing

Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath. This helps anchor you in the present moment and fosters a calm, non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts and feelings.

2. Use Positive Affirmations

Start your day with positive affirmations. Phrases like "I am worthy of love and respect" or "I am doing my best" can set a compassionate tone for the day.

3. Keep a Self-Compassion Journal

Write down moments of self-doubt or criticism and respond to them with kind, understanding words, as if you were comforting a friend. Reflect on these entries regularly to see your growth.

4. Engage in Loving-Kindness Meditation

Spend a few minutes each day sending loving-kindness to yourself and others. This meditation involves repeating phrases like "May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be safe" and extending these wishes to others.

5. Treat Yourself as You Would a Friend

When facing a difficult situation, ask yourself what you would say to a friend in the same position. Then, offer that same advice and comfort to yourself.

6. Set Healthy Boundaries

Recognize your limits and set boundaries that protect your time and energy. This act of self-respect is a key component of self-compassion.

7. Take Care of Your Body

Engage in regular physical activity, eat nutritious foods, and get enough rest. Treating your body with care is an essential part of self-compassion.

8. Allow Yourself to Feel

Acknowledge and accept your emotions without judgment. Permit yourself to feel sadness, anger, or frustration without pushing these emotions away or criticizing yourself for having them.

9. Practice Gratitude

Regularly reflect on things you are grateful for, including aspects of yourself. This helps shift focus from self-criticism to appreciation and positive acknowledgment.

10. Seek Support When Needed

Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist when you need support. Recognizing when you need help and seeking it out is a powerful act of self-compassion.

By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can cultivate a more compassionate and accepting relationship with yourself, enhancing your overall well-being and emotional health.

Overcoming Barriers to Self-Compassion

Recognizing Negative Self-Talk: Identify and challenge negative thoughts that prevent you from being kind to yourself. Replace them with more compassionate ones.

Setting Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals that consider your well-being and don’t overextend yourself. Understand that it’s okay not to be perfect.

The Role of Self-Compassion in Mental Health

• Stress Reduction: Self-compassion helps reduce stress by allowing you to step back and take breaks when needed, rather than pushing through exhaustion.
• Anxiety Management: By fostering a kinder inner dialogue, self-compassion can alleviate feelings of anxiety and promote a more balanced perspective.
• Depression Mitigation: Practicing self-compassion can help mitigate symptoms of depression by reducing self-criticism and increasing feelings of connectedness and self-worth.
• Self-Compassion in the Workplace: Workplaces that encourage self-compassion see employees taking breaks without guilt, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

Understanding the connection between self-compassion and giving yourself a break is crucial for long-term well-being. By embracing self-compassion, you give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and ultimately lead a healthier, more balanced life. Creating a culture that values self-care and compassion can significantly improve overall workplace morale and employee well-being. When you practice self-compassion, it improves your personal relationships by allowing you to be more empathetic and understanding towards others. Self-compassionate individuals tend to communicate more effectively and empathetically, fostering healthier and more supportive relationships. Practicing self-compassion leads to sustained mental and physical well-being, helping you navigate life's challenges with greater ease. Self-compassion enhances resilience by allowing you to recover from setbacks more quickly and with less emotional turmoil.

For the sciency folks: this link contains some researched information by the National Library of Medicine, providing deeper, intellectual insight about the subject. 

For those who want to give it a real try, try this link - the information here by Positivepsychology.com provides some handy exercises and activities to do, to kickstart your journey toward loving yourself and becoming more compassionate for your own mind and body.

For those who believe that self-appreciation should be a part of self-love and self-compassion, try this link that talks about the easiest of daily-life habits that can make you more appreciative of what you do, helping you navigate the tougher days in your personal and professional life...

The Pencil Thing: When Life Pulls You Back to the Basics!

I could have never imagined that sometime later in my adult life, I would have to make a comeback to writing with pencils. At school, progressing from pencils to pens was regarded as a significant shift. It is treated as one of the many signs that you have arrived at the doors of young adulthood. As we progress further, lives take a more professional form where pencils are regarded as childish and pens, sometimes the luxury variety, are looked upon as standard tools. However, sometimes Life can pan out in such a manner that whatever seems standard or natural needs to be re-evaluated.

I am now returning to the basics, i.e., writing with pencils, and this is why…this is not about the medically documented benefits of writing with a pencil but about the psychological, more humane side to the story. You must have read about my mom’s Parkinson’s on this blog. It is a cruel disease, and sometimes I wish I could lash out at the health research community as to why a vaccine or cure for it is still missing. One of the primary, most prominent diagnostic symptoms of Parkinson’s is Micrographia. Here, your handwriting becomes smaller and smaller, up to the point that it is almost unreadable. Signing cheques seems like a task. You cannot fill out a standard form since you write almost out of control, scribbling with such great speed that it looks as if the pen you are holding has a mind of its own. My mother had this too.

An Observation

As part of her therapy, the neurologist recommended going back to writing with pencils. According to him, the pencil tip provides more grip and is easier to control. For nearly a month, I did not heed this theory, fully assured that pencils are in no way superior to pens that I hoard by the hundreds. After a few weeks, I saw my mother practicing her signature with a pencil. Her handwriting, though not back to normal by any standards, had improved significantly.

I Make a U-turn

Over the next few days, I put using pencils to the test. I have this habit of scribbling ideas that I deem worthy of being blogged. This includes spontaneous ideas for this blog, too! The results have been shocking indeed. I write much better with pencils. The grip is easier, the alphabet is clearer to read, and it doesn’t look as if the words are fighting a battle against each other. Invariably, there were some real benefits to writing with a pencil, and even if you happen to be a working adult, there are small avenues hidden in our daily lives that allow holding one of the most basic and forgotten tools of learning and skill development.

Floating Nostalgia

To give company to my mother for her writing practice, I plan to stick to the pencil for some time. Pens, just like adulthood, which I chased with such fervor, can wait…sometimes, going back to the basics helps you realize that what you left behind wasn’t necessarily as humble as it looked. Living life in the present with an eye on the future is critical. But every now and then, a peek into the past can help you reconnect with your past, and sometimes this can be therapeutic. If you want to read about this, try to search the web for psychological or neurological advantages of using a pencil over a pen and not those related to merely better handwriting...

Revisiting this Post in 2024...

Like I keep saying, when you are around the 40-year mark, things often seem to go around in circles and come back to you in different ways. In this case, I am reconnecting with writing physically, with the right pencil grip and all, to help my daughter. Vrinda, a 4-year-old bundle of excessive energy packed into a small frame, is into coloring up anything & everything, and while helping her out, I am revisiting my love for the tangible paper and the textures that cannot be felt via digital tools. I also see my mother losing her grip entirely, thanks to the invasive form of Parkinson's that has ruined her life. At my end, I still get anxious on some days, and on those days, I find my signature on the cheque leaves a lot less convincing. However, every time I look at Vrinda, I know that a certain part of me, no matter how flawed, is falling in love with something so simple and eternally beautiful. On this note, I want to share another thing: this piece on Getpocket.com - "Writing Can Help Us Heal from Trauma" - is an absolute must-read for people who have never maintained a personal journal or a diary. This is the real stuff, and there is no layer of argument to it or any contradiction whatsoever. The truth is that when you write, organically or using the keypad, you connect and process things a lot better, including those that are bothering you. While this might not take away the anxiousness or sadness in you, it can make the day slightly easier to navigate.

Getting Sciency About it

Content based on the article titled:

Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Expressive writing is a therapeutic technique that has been studied extensively, particularly by a researcher named James Pennebaker. The basic idea is that writing about your deepest thoughts and emotions can actually provide some amazing health benefits - both mental and physical. An article in the journal Advances in Psychiatric Treatment dives into Pennebaker's work on this subject. His research found that expressive writing, where people disclose traumatic or stressful experiences through their writing, can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being. The studies highlighted showed things like stronger immune system functioning, reduced stress levels, and even fewer doctor visits among those who practiced expressive writing. So how does simply writing provide these powerful benefits? Experts think it has to do with several factors - processing difficult experiences cognitively, releasing pent-up emotions, and becoming gradually exposed to upsetting memories in a safe environment. While the effects can vary from person to person, the research paints expressive writing as an accessible, low-cost therapeutic tool with great potential. The next time you're struggling with something emotional, you might want to try picking up a pen. Getting those bottled-up feelings out and onto the page could be more healing than you think!