30 Creative Journal Prompts for Mental Health

I have always loved writing. I used to do it all the time as a child, pouring my heart out onto paper in the form of stories and poems. But, as I got older, I became less inclined to write.

Sometimes, I could hardly bring myself to pick up a pen. It was as if the words were no longer there, waiting for me to put them down on paper.

However, one day, everything changed.

A family member encouraged me to write what I’m feeling, especially when I don’t want to talk to anyone else.

This idea sparked something familiar within me. I had always written down certain things, but it was more reflex than intentional. So I decided to change that habit.

I made it a priority to sit down with my notebook very often and explore different creative expressions. 

Sometimes, I would write short stories or poems. While other times, I would simply doodle or make lists of things that made me happy. 

Soon, I found that by focusing on expressing what I feel creatively, I could manage and understand my ever-changing moods.

It wasn’t until years later that I learned what I’m sharing with you in this blog post.

What I partook in was something called creative journaling, and there have been many studies conducted over the years that have seen significant improvement in the participant’s mental health.

Creative journal prompts for mental health can be a lifesaver for those struggling with their day-to-day lives. It can be a great way to help improve your mood and a fun way to express yourself. 

Without further delay, here are 30 journal prompts for mental health that you can use the next time you’re feeling down or need a creative outlet!

• Journaling Prompts Guide
• SECTION ONE: 5 Journal Prompts To Help Improve Your Mood
• SECTION TWO: 10 Journal Prompts To Get You Thinking Creatively About Mental Health
• SECTION THREE: 15 Journal Prompts Focusing on Different Aspects of Mental Health
• Questions You May Have

Journaling Prompts Guide

I broke the prompts into three sections:

– Section 1: 5 Journal Prompts To Help Improve Your Mood

– Section 2: 10 Journal Prompts To Get You Thinking Creatively

– Section 3: 15 Journal Prompts Focusing on Different Aspects of Mental Health

SECTION ONE: 5 Journal Prompts To Help Improve Your Mood

1. Make a list of things 15 things that makes me happy and put it somewhere you can see it every day
2. Every day, write one thing I’m grateful for.
3. Pick my favorite childhood memory and write what makes it my favorite.
4. What negative thought(s) did I struggle with today? How can I change them into positive thoughts? 
5. Draw or write about my happy place; what brings me joy about this place?

Recommended Article: 4 Self-Improvement Stages: A Guide to Personal Development

SECTION TWO: 10 Journal Prompts To Get You Thinking Creatively About Mental Health

1. Write a short story with the following prompt: “The day started like any other, but you’d never guess what happened.”
2. If I could be anyone else for a day, who would I choose to be and why?
3. What would I do with a kiosk in my room, where you could order anything I want for delivery to my doorstep without speaking? What would I order and why?
4. I come across a genie who grants three wishes; what would I wish for? Are they attainable in real life?
5. I’ve just won the lottery, what do you do with the money?
6. I’m going on a month-long vacation, but I can only take three items with me. What do I choose to bring and why?
7. If I could have any superpower, what would it be and why? How would that superpower enhance my current self?
8. Do I sometimes struggle to see the positive in things?
9. What are three things I wish I could change about myself? What’s stopping me from doing so?
10. What is one thing I enjoy doing and wouldn’t mind doing for the rest of my life? Write the first thing that comes to mind and why.

Recommended Article: 7 Easy Ways to Stay Creative And Inspired

SECTION THREE: 15 Journal Prompts Focusing on Different Aspects of Mental Health

1. What triggers my sadness?
2. How does my mental health affect my day-to-day life?
3. What activities make me smile?
4. How do I deal with anxiety and/or depression?
5. What are some things I do on a regular day that makes me happy?
6. Who or what is my support system? If I don’t have a support system, how can I create one?
7. What are some things I can do to relax and de-stress?
8. How do I deal with negative thoughts?
9. What are some things that I’ve learned about mental health?
10. How has my mental health affected my relationships?
11. How has my mental health changed over time?
12. How do I know the difference between just feeling down or the start of depression?
13. Make a list of all the things that make me sad? Why do they make me sad, and how can I change that?
14. If I could send a message to people who keep misunderstanding me, what would I say to them about my mental health?

If you found these journal prompts for mental health helpful, please share this blog post with someone else who might need it!

Also, what journal prompt are you looking forward to answering this week? Let us know in the comment section below.

Questions You May Have

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