Memoir Therapy

Memoir therapy, otherwise known as storytelling, is a less-common form of therapy in which individuals tell their life stories either in a written form or verbally. Memoirs help people to acknowledge their past, find closure, as well as reminisce on all of their happy memories. The end result is a happier and more content life. The use of memoir therapy, or storytelling, as a therapeutic method will not only help elderly individuals struggling with depression in relieving a number of their symptoms but will also give them a positive outlook on life. Memoir therapy includes handwriting about their life experiences, verbally speaking to a group about said experiences, or even recording themselves on camera. 

Writing a memoir can make people happier. Writing and publishing a memoir requires one to reveal and share the "authentic self". It's scary to write about your own experiences and share a hunk of the real you with people you've never met and even those that you have met, but writing can actually bring people closer together. 


People that struggle with depression have been known to show feelings of worthlessness and have been known to have trouble making and keeping connections with other people. Through memoir therapy, individuals are able to find that their stories and their lives matter. In addition, they are able to share their experiences with others, thus, strengthening their relationships. Connections are what give meaning to our lives. 


We are all afraid of being vulnerable. We tend to dwell on how others will perceive us and fear the criticism that comes with it. Brene Brown, an author and researcher, researched what exactly makes us vulnerable and speaks about how we can find fulfillment in life and strive for a "full-hearted" life.



Brene Brown's Keys to Living Full-Heartdly:

•   Having the courage to be imperfect 

•   Having compassion to be kind to ourselves and others 

•   Connecting as a result of authenticity

•   Having the ability to give up who they should be in order to be who they are 

•   Fully embracing vulnerability by believing that what made them vulnerable made them beautiful. 

While we are all imperfect in our own ways, we all strive for happiness and connection. Depression, to some, may be considered a weakness and some may be afraid or even ashamed to share their feelings and experiences with others; however, if one hopes to overcome these feelings, they have to seek help. Asking for help is not a form of weakness: it is a form of strength. All of these keys to living full-heartedly can be found through memoir therapy. Self-reflection is a strong tool that is too often underutilized as a treatment option.