Writing is accessible to everyone and often people with Parkinson’s find it very therapeutic. It can take many forms, and goals may be different for each individual. You can write on your own or as part of a group, for example in a creative writing class. No special skills or experience are needed – just a willingness to explore experiences and thoughts.
Some say that when they write they feel able to express their feelings more openly because paper does not comment or judge. They may also explore issues that they would not otherwise delve into. It can be easier to tackle worries or difficult issues in writing, particularly if they are hard to discuss in person. Words can always be rewritten and writing can be helpful preparation for vocalising some of your thoughts. Many say that writing helps to overcome physical and emotional challenges and can bring with it a sense of optimism and satisfaction, whatever stage of Parkinson’s you are at.
Creative writing is often pursued as a means of sharing thoughts, memories, hopes or ideas, whether real or fictitious. Poetry and short stories are two popular ways of doing this and, as with all creative writing, can bring satisfaction in achieving a goal as well as a sense of optimism and wellbeing in being able to express yourself. Not only does writing present a way of communicating, but it also provides a means to work through difficult feelings.
Therapeutic writing
Therapeutic writing aims to focus on and explore subjects that are troubling; expressing such worries can help to overcome them or find a way forward. You may need to focus on a subject over and over again in order to achieve the self-expression you hope for but this can be a cathartic process because ‘bottling’ worries up can make them worse. For this type of writing the ‘normal’ rules don’t need to be observed – you can just write down whatever is in your head, paying no heed to grammar and spelling. The idea is simply to express what you are feeling and often this can bring with it a sense of control and purpose.
