an obvious example is when a friend tries to convince you to cheer up and you end up arguing yourself into an even more depressed mood. Writing about mental illness has similar dangers.

To make it easier to follow through, he suggests keeping cards on hand, so you can compose a note whenever the mood strikes. “Writing gratitude letters seems to come at little or no real cost.

A mood journal is similar ... Here’s more on the questions to consider in each column when you’re writing: When journaling, consider using a diverse vocabulary to describe your emotions.

Drawing, music and writing can elevate your mood. Here are some easy ways to welcome them into your life. By Christina Caron When Dr. Frank Clark was in medical school studying to be a ...

She would help shift her mood by journaling right in our sessions, writing a compassionate paragraph to herself, or jotting down notes about what was beginning to work for her. A new study suggests ...