Blogging now considered a therapeutic tool

A few weeks ago, it seems everyone was talking about the health hazards of being a blogger after the New York Times published this article in light of the death of two very high-profile bloggers. But blogging doesn't always have to be a stressful experience, especially if you're doing it for therapeutic reasons.

I spotted an article on Switched about a study that found more and more people with serious conditions are turning to the blogosphere for solace. Scientific American magazine says research has shown that writing about personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings helps people cope with stress, improves memory and sleep, boosts the immune system, and speeds healing after surgery, so it's no wonder blogging is so popular all over the world.

Now a study published in the Oncologist February issue, appears to support this theory saying cancer patients who engaged in expressive writing before treatment reported feeling mentally and physically better, compared to patients who did not write.

This has Nancy Morgan, lead author of the study, talking about incorporating writing programs into supportive care for cancer patients. If she succeeds, she won't be alone. Some hospitals have already started hosting patient-authored blogs on their web sites to help patients form a support group or community where they can connect and encourage each other during their journey. Let's just hope more hospitals continue to do this, and perhaps set up private social networks for its patients.

Now if you're feeling a little depressed, go ahead and set up a blog.

Here's some information to get you started:

Are you blogging?
Postpartum depression blogs help moms
How to set up a family website
Family website or family network?