Writing for Depression in Health Care

Abstract

Introduction: The study concentrates on two models of writing used in community facilities and inpatient settings in mental health: a six-session course of Using Writing as Therapy (UWaT) with a therapist, and Creative Writing (CW) with a non-therapist facilitator. UWaT is a structured, new, brief writing therapy; CW is unstructured use of writing as a creative arts activity. Method: This qualitative study utilised a post-positivist, subtle-realist paradigm, using qualitative methodologies (action research and participant observation) by an occupational therapist to understand and clarify how writing, as a form of emotional disclosure, worked with clients with depression, with flawed identity and low self-esteem. Findings: The findings indicated that UWaT clients reported cognitive changes, an increase in self-knowledge through gaining distance from their stories through writing and benefit from using the page to reorganise or play with memories and experiences. CW clients distanced themselves from painful emotions by writing and expressing their feelings but not discussing emotive content. They experienced a less safe environment, deprivation of positive feedback and problems with ‘writer’ identity. Conclusion: Both writing models have potential benefit for clients with depression and more research is needed to establish fidelity of delivery and results.