Journals or diaries are often thought of as a place to share your most intimate thoughts, but the traditional spiral notebook hiding in your nightstand is no longer the only place to keep them. While some people choose to keep a private journal, many are now taking to the Internet to share their story.
However, just because journals are on the Internet doesn’t mean they have to be available for everyone and anyone to see. There are services like CaringBridge that have multiple privacy settings, so your online health journal can be a way to share only with those you allow access.
Having a central location where all of your health information is stored is helpful if you need to reference it in the future. The process of writing things down can help you clarify your thoughts and clear your head.
If you decide to keep an online journal, you give your friends and family a better understanding of your situation and how they can help. Connecting with your circle might result in more than a refrigerator full of casserole dishes; it can remind you of how many people care about you and bring you a renewed sense of optimism.
If you share your story online, it can be difficult to decide how much to write. Should you describe everything you’re going through? How personal should you get? Do you need to explain detailed medical information? There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. The information you decide to share will depend on your own comfort level. Do what feels right for you and your situation. If you are uncomfortable or struggling to decide what to write, take a break. Just remember: the journal is ultimately for you.
About the Author
Sona Mehring is the Founder and CEO of CaringBridge.org, a nonprofit providing multiple ways for people to care for each other during any type of health event.