Memoir Apps – Personal Story Apps:

Using a Personal Story App can be a valuable therapeutic experience, because it can help you heal from both physical and psychological wounds.

The writing process often creates self-reflection, emotional release, and cognitive restructuring, which offers substantial therapeutic benefits with a minimal financial cost and risk.

To reinforce that point, have you ever heard these quotes?

• “Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.” (EL Doctorow​)

• “Writing is like prostitution. First, you do it for love, then with a few friends, and finally for money.” (Virginia Woolf)

• “Writing is a form of therapy. Sometimes I wonder how those that do not write can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the fear inherent in the human condition!” (G Greene)

I like them all, and especially number two.

Those quotes humorously capture the therapeutic and often absurd nature of writing itself, which highlights how it can be a cathartic and even life-saving activity.

Find that hard to believe?

Then Check This Research Out:

James Pennebaker’s Research

James W. Pennebaker, a pioneering psychologist in the field of expressive writing, conducted numerous studies demonstrating its benefits.

In one study, he asked participants to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings regarding traumatic experiences for 15-20 minutes over several days.

Participants showed significant improvements in physical health, including fewer visits to the doctor and better immune function. Emotionally, they experienced reduced stress and enhanced well-being​​​​.

But, don’t just take the “academic” word for it, read about the real-world impact on writers:

1. Elizabeth Gilbert

The author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” used memoir writing to heal from a difficult divorce and a period of deep personal turmoil. In her memoir, she documents her journey of self-discovery and healing as she travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia.

Writing the book allowed Gilbert to process her emotions and find a new sense of purpose and happiness.

The memoir not only became a bestseller but also resonated with millions of readers who found inspiration and solace in her story​.

2. Jeannette Walls

She wrote “The Glass Castle” to come to terms with her unconventional and often traumatic childhood.

Her memoir recounts her experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family with an alcoholic father and an eccentric, irresponsible mother.

Writing the memoir was a cathartic process for Walls, helping her make sense of her past and heal from the emotional scars left by her upbringing.

The book’s success brought her story to a wide audience, many of whom found comfort and understanding through her honesty and resilience​​.

3. Mary Karr

Author of “The Liars’ Club,” “Cherry,” and “Lit,” used memoir writing to explore and heal from her tumultuous childhood and struggles with addiction.

Her candid and poetic storytelling helped her confront painful memories and find a path to recovery.

Karr’s memoirs have been praised for their raw honesty and literary beauty, and they have inspired many readers dealing with similar issues to seek healing through writing​​.

Why does that matter to us non-celebrities? 

Because we ALL need to reduce stress, be happier, and connect with others.

Stress Levels Today

Stress levels are high today and influenced by many factors: 70% of Americans are stressed about not having enough emergency savings​.

64% of millennials are stressed about high housing prices, and 57% of American workers are stressed about their low pay.

Approximately 61% of Americans experience physical symptoms such as headaches or lack of sleep from stress, while 55% state that stress prevents them from enjoying life.

The younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, report the highest stress, with Gen Z rating their stress at 7.00 out of 10 and millennials at 7.18. 44% of

Americans have even skipped meals, to pay their bills!

How a Personal Story App Can Help to Relieve Stress

Via Expressive Writing

Engaging in expressive writing—where individuals write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to traumatic or stressful experiences—can significantly improve both physical and emotional health.

Stress and Trauma

Writing about emotions can alleviate stress and trauma, helping individuals to cope with challenging experiences.

For example, studies have shown that expressive writing can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

This process allows individuals to process their experiences, gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, and achieve a sense of resolution​​.

Mood and Psychological Well-Being

Engaging in expressive writing has been associated with mood improvements and better psychological well-being.

For instance, college students who wrote about their deepest thoughts and feelings before exams experienced reduced depressive symptoms and improved mood​​.

The act of writing helps in organizing thoughts, which can lead to a clearer understanding of personal experiences and emotions.

Immune Function and Disease Management

Expressive writing has been linked to improved immune function and better management of chronic diseases.

For example, a study by Smyth et al. found that patients with asthma and rheumatoid arthritis who engaged in expressive writing showed significant improvements in lung function and reduced disease severity compared to control groups​​.

Additionally, patients with HIV infection who participated in expressive writing programs experienced an enhanced immune response, comparable to the effects of certain medications​.

Cancer and Chronic Pain

Cancer patients have reported better physical health, reduced pain, and a decreased need for healthcare services after engaging in expressive writing.

Women with chronic pelvic pain who participated in such programs also experienced reductions in pain intensity​​. This suggests that writing can play a role in managing and alleviating symptoms of severe and chronic conditions.

The Humor Angle

Who knew that a pen and paper could be as potent as painkillers, and far less judgmental than your therapist?

The next time you’re feeling stressed out, consider writing it out—it’s like venting to a friend that won’t ever interrupt you. 🙂

In Conclusion

Writing can be a valuable therapeutic experience, helping individuals to heal from both physical and psychological wounds.

By promoting self-reflection, emotional release, and cognitive restructuring, writing offers substantial benefits with minimal cost and risk.

So, grab a notebook, computer, tablet, or even a smartphone and let “the ink” flow.

Start writing your way to better health—it’s way cheaper than therapy and no one will judge your bad handwriting.

… Your family and friends will even LOVE it!

Using a Personal Story App is a great way to heal, create happiness, and produce a memoir at the same time.

Want to learn more about WHY you should write a life story memoir?

If yes, check out this great article from READERS DIGEST magazine:

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-nonfiction/how-to-write-a-memoir-thats-personal-and-deeply-researched

Memoir Apps – Personal Story Apps.