Journaling for Coping with Emotional Abuse

During a routine assessment, the nurse identifies that the patient has a history of emotional abuse in their relationship. The patient expresses feelings of worthlessness and has difficulty trusting others. In addressing the patient's needs, the nurse aims to provide interventions that foster resilience and improve coping strategies.

One effective approach in helping the patient cope with emotional abuse is to encourage them to engage in activities that promote self-esteem and self-worth. A recommended activity is encouraging the patient to keep a daily journal to reflect on their thoughts and feelings. The nurse provides the patient with a prompt for the journal entry: "Today, I felt ____ when I was reminded of my past experiences."

The blank in the journal prompt represents an essential part of the patient’s healing process. The nurse emphasizes the importance of identifying and expressing emotions as a therapeutic coping mechanism.

Fill in the blank with a word that signifies a constructive feeling the patient should aim to recognize and cultivate in their life.