If you are unable to share certain thoughts or feelings with any other human in any meaningful way, how can a person manage this in a healthy way?
Both psychologically sound and proven methods as well as personal anecdotes are welcome.
Please assume sharing is non-negotiable which precludes close friends, family, and/or professionals.
Why the hold up on unrestricted thoughts? Are you afraid someone will see it? Journals are as private as you make them. If the only person seeing it is you, let it flow. If you really feel ashamed of something you wrote you can always rip the page out.
If you’re afraid of what you’ll write then look at it like this. It’s better to get thoughts out than let them linger. Treat your brain as a refrigerator. You try to keep it full of fresh food. If something lingers for too long it gets moldy and disgusting and the fridge starts to smell. Whatever is rotten, you throw it out.
Both the reasons you listed may be part of it. I will try to approach it from your perspective which can help me to force myself. I will be able to do it if I really dedicate time and attention to it.