​That's obvious in articles written by doctors and published on medically oriented websites, such as an article recently published on Medscape (Mandrola, 2024, February 22).[1] Medscape is a website claimed to be read by many doctors, so it's probably safe to assume that the conclusions stated by an article such as this are popular among doctors. Prestigious medical journals and medical websites are loath to publish articles that include unpopular conclusions.

​​Stress is not just a daily annoyance; for those with microscopic colitis (MC), it can be a significant trigger for symptom flare-ups and disease exacerbation. Managing stress becomes not just a matter of personal comfort but a critical component of disease management. Yet, as anyone with MC knows, finding effective stress management techniques that fit into our lifestyle is much easier said than done. The cycle of stress can become all-consuming, leading to a desperate need for accessible coping mechanisms. Could relief be as simple as putting pen to paper and then discarding it? A recent study from Nagoya University, Japan, suggests that the answer might be yes.

Led by Nobuyuki Kawai and graduate student Yuta Kanaya, a research team delved into the intricate relationship between written expression and emotional regulation (Nagoya University, 2024, April 9).1 Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, introduce a straightforward, yet potent method for reducing anger: writing down one's response to a negative incident on paper and then promptly disposing of it, whether by shredding or simply throwing it into a trashcan.