“Writing for Wellness” Helps Members Process Complex Emotions

OCEAN PINES, Md. – In a small library conference room, an Ocean Pines based group are dealing with complex emotions by coming together, and putting pen to paper.

“Writing for Wellness” is a group that focuses on the positive mental effects that come with creative expression. Susan Bashore is the coordinator for the group, and vouches for the impact of writing feelings down, and sharing them with the room.

“It’s reassuring.” Said Bashore. “You don’t feel lonely and you feel like, oh, maybe I’m doing okay, you know, and, all of those things are positive.”

Through a variety of writing prompts, the group dives into themes such as grief, anxiety, stress, and practicing gratitude. The idea is backed by psychologists, and members of this group, such as Joan Comstock, say it really works.

“I’m not sure how, but I know that it does.” Said Comstock. “I know that it. You know, it does make me more mindful. Make us more mindful. Just I guess by the very fact that we’re coming together.”

The group meets the second Monday of every month, from 1:30-3pm at the Ocean Pines branch of the Worcester Public Library.