Is Writing Bad for You?

On keeping thoughts to yourself, nude sculpture modeling, and travel anxiety.

I’ve always loved writing, ever since I was a kid. I kept meticulous journals, starting when I was 7 years old. I listed out everyone I liked and didn’t like, my hopes and dreams, and who I thought had the best snacks for playdates. It was a little much, but I’m glad these very important records exist. However, for as long as I’ve been a writer, I’ve also been an awful communicator.

I was terrified to share how I felt growing up, but I felt safer writing it down and processing my emotions in my own time in my journals. Now, as I get older and really value open communication, I sometime wonder if writing can feel like a crutch. Could it even be bad for you? Was it preventing me from expressing myself more fully?