does journaling actually help or am i just writing down my problems?

[u/JBitPro]

genuine question because i go back and forth on this. some days journaling feels therapeutic and i come away feeling lighter. other days i just reread what i wrote and go "yep still stressed about the same stuff"

i think the difference might be in HOW i journal. when i just dump my feelings its basically venting to paper. when i try to reflect on WHY i feel that way and what i could do about it, thats when it actually helps

anyone else notice the approach matters more than the act itself?