Benefits of keeping a journal while managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa

There are numerous benefits to journaling with a chronic illness like HS. It’s inclusive and meant for everyone, no matter who you are. 

I’ll outline the main points below. 

Maintaining a journal is useful when consulting with any medical professional, as it provides a comprehensive record of your condition’s behavior. It can provide insight into you and your approach to managing your illness. It can also help mentally, emotionally & spiritually too.

Keeping a journal can help you identify symptoms and behaviors that may occur because of your HS. Over time, you will become familiar with your personal situation (s). You’ll recognize when you’re having unfamiliar symptoms or something out of the ordinary for you.

A few examples of what a journal log might look like

It should be whatever fits your personal situation, and it is all important.

Keep Track Of Your HS Triggers

Journaling can be extremely beneficial in identifying triggers like soap, stress, hormones, friction, mechanical stress, heat, food, and so forth. Once you make daily journaling a habit, it will feel effortless and help you identify your triggers.

Keep Track Of HS Photos

In addition to journaling, think about taking pictures of your active flares and affected areas. This can assist you in multiple ways during your HS journey. 

Here are a few examples. If you have Stage 1 or 2, you might not have any or very few flares during your medical appointment. In that case, you can show the dermatologist photos of your previous active flares. Some individuals have also required them for disability reasons.

What to use?

• A pen and a regular notebook are sufficient.  
• There are numerous journal apps accessible for free. 
• Many people prefer using voice journals or voice recording devices, which are widely available, often equipped with flash drives. Alternatively, most smartphones also come equipped with voice recording capabilities. In case you don’t have one, there are multiple free apps available for download. 
• For a lot of people, the hand to paper, using a physical paper and writing with a pen, can be very therapeutic. 

Choose whatever makes you the most comfortable.

Overall Journaling has the potential to provide various therapeutic benefits, especially for people battling with depression and anxiety. Dedicate some time to express your thoughts and emotions in writing. Writing down and / or getting your emotions out can relieve stress and negative feelings. Do this on a daily basis if required or as often as necessary. 

Remember to document those special moments in your journal on good days. When you’re having a series of bad days, it’s beneficial to think back on some positive ones. Embrace and celebrate the challenges you overcome. If you’re having trouble finding good days, just keep practicing. Develop the habit of discovering and recording one thing you appreciate daily.

_{Special Note: Researched, compiled, and written by Denise Fixsen. This information is backed by my 46 years of living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, 10 years of dealing with multiple chronic illnesses, 36 years of advocacy, and continuous education. And to ensure accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness, I incorporate peer-reviewed studies and other high-quality sources into my articles and material. I also wanted to inform you that I’ve chosen to end my collaboration with editors on my articles. Although there may be grammar errors due to brain illnesses (mostly), with this said, my content remains reliable, factual, and solid. With genuine TLC.}

_{Medical Disclaimer: This content is solely for information, education, and support. The purpose is not to serve as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatments.}

_{Sources: doi:10.1136/fmch-2021-001154, doi:10.2196/11290, doi:10.1192/apt.11.5.338, doi.org/10.7812/TPP/20.250, doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15183,doi.org/10.4000/pratiques.3175, doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.906191}

_{Article posted on 10-10-2024}