Storytelling Health Benefits
Storytelling is an ancient means of passing on and sharing wisdom and it is no less relevant today than it was for our hunter gatherer forefathers. It has evolved over the years, like many other forms of behaviour, to ensure our survival. Storytelling and sharing true life stories makes us human. It is pervasive through life; a means for us to store, index and retrieve information, to connect us, to drive us to action.
Sharing a story has a proven positive impact on others. For example, it is the cornerstone of the 12 step recovery programmes. It also helps us to process past events and the impact that they have had on us, with various talking therapies being offered as a treatment for low mood and poor mental health.
Sharing a story has a proven positive impact on others. For example, it is the cornerstone of the 12 step recovery programmes. It also helps us to process past events and the impact that they have had on us, with various talking therapies being offered as a treatment for low mood and poor mental health.
The benefits
Scientific research shows a wide range of health benefits which can be gained from sharing our true-life experiences. They include, but are not limited to:
- It helps us to reorder and understand our thoughts and emotions, enabling us to relax and lighten the psychological burdens we face as a result of our past.
- Writing about our trauma helps us to process and understand it. By facing our emotions and acknowledging them, it is easier for us to make positive steps forwards rather than suppressing it and not being able to move on.
- It makes us more courageous. Having our voice heard and acknowledging our mistakes makes us less fearful and more understanding of failure.
- Sharing our stories boosts confidence and overall wellbeing. It makes us feel good about ourselves to be able to help others and offer advice in an area we know about.
- Listening to a story we can relate to can be an emotionally rewarding experience. It helps the brain to secrete oxytocin, the neurochemical associated with bonding. This in turn lowers blood pressure and makes the body physically relax.
“It was honestly so therapeutic to get out. I just sat in my garden and just let my fingers type, defo push people to do it because it’s been really nice getting all this off my chest and I didn’t even feel I needed to!”
– Anonymous Contributor
Research
Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing, Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2005)
Writing about traumatic, stressful or emotional events has been found to result in improvements in both physical and psychological health, in non-clinical and clinical populations.
Trauma and the Benefits of Writing About It, Psychology Today (2019)
Writing about emotional events can be difficult. However, the long-term effects of a recent study shows that over time it leads to less illness, less visits to the doctor and less symptoms of depression in the future.
When Patients Share Their Stories, Health May Improve, New York Times (2011)
Studies monitoring the blood pressure of African-American patients have shown that listening to the real life experiences of others can have a significant positive impact on reducing hypertension. In some cases, results were in line with the results seen in patients using prescription medication.
How and Why Writing Heals Wounds of Child Abuse, Psychology Today (2012)
Research shows that excessive holding back of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours can place people at risk for both major and minor diseases. In her analysis of Dr James Pennbaker’s Opening Up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions, Catherine McCall explains how translating events into language can positively affect the brain and immune functions.
For a summary of the identified research, please read our blog: How true life storytelling can make us physically and emotionally healthier.
“I write this story as a thank you to my friend (you know who you are) for opening a door I did not realise needed opening and allowing myself to accept the past and look forwards to tomorrow.”
– Anonymous Contributor