Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
PTSD: My Journey
I am a survivor. I learned very early in life to protect myself, to stand up for myself, to kick the bullies to the curb. I am described as a very strong person. I know that I am strong, but wow, there comes a time when even the strongest of us just want to curl up and cry, to be comforted instead of always being the one who comforts. The onset of depression started in 2004, but being strong, I refused to acknowledge it. I would not admit to myself that I was depressed, damned if I would admit it to a doctor, friend, or co-worker. I learned to hide it, to "fake" being happy, being content, loving life. I hide this very well for six years.
By Leah Whalen8 years ago in Psyche
Shhh! It's Mental
Mental health is a taboo in many parts of the world. Its embarrassing to say I suffer with depression, anxiety etc. But why? Why do we feel its not something we can openly share with others in the hopes of a solution. 1 in 4 people around the world are going through something similar to you so why not compare and discuss?
By The Graceful Truth8 years ago in Psyche
DPD, Anxiety, and Me...
Sitting comfortably, let's begin... The prologue to my ramblings very much mirrors the epilogue; I'm OK, I'm great in fact. I have a fantastic job and a fantastic support structure. I'm a very different person than I was and with that in mind (pardon the pun) I feel more capable then I thought possible to talk and put it out there. My vulnerabilities, my emotions, and my self are all about to be mentioned to some degree and hopefully I'll be able to help someone... just one person.
By Therese Walsh8 years ago in Psyche
Love and Mental Illnesses
Mental illness seems almost taboo. Unrecognized, or underestimated, many people just cant seem to accept that you can have a disease in your brain. They tell us, "Its all in your head." Well yes, that is the problem. See, our brain is a very vital part of us living, being the center of all bodily functions. Many people can survive losing an arm, leg, finger etc. But tell me you can survive without your head. Now, I'm most definitely not saying that mental illness makes you lose your head. The point I'm stating is that, with a mental illness, your head doesn't work quiet the same as a healthy persons would. Some illnesses taunt you, making you feel worthless, some illnesses make you terrified, pushing fear deep into your bones. Personally I suffer from Anxiety and paranoia. This makes many normal tasks very difficult.
By Sierra Rose 8 years ago in Psyche
The Effect of Bullying on Young Minds
Every seven minutes a child is bullied, with only four percent adult intervention, and the federal government still has no laws in place to help prevent it. While some states have laws in place surrounding bullying, they are not always enforced the way they should be. Some people do not find bullying to be a big deal, but it is. One young woman put it this way, “They say ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but word will never hurt me.’ That quote is a lie and I don’t believe it. Sticks and stones may cause nasty cuts and scars, but those cuts and scars will heal. Insulting words hurt and sometimes take forever to heal.” The federal government should put laws in place to prevent bullying and punish bullies because more children are skipping school due to bullying, teen suicide and self-harm rates are on the rise, cyber bullying is a growing issue and bullying causes many physical and psychological problems.
By Elizabeth Rose8 years ago in Psyche
The Day I Broke Up with My Mental Illness
As a kid, I knew I was different. It started one summer when my best friend from across the street came over to play. Our days never seemed to stopped. Sprinklers under trampolines followed by pudding popsicles and frozen waffles. Slip n’ slides and wet grass and sunscreen. Endless days and sleepless nights. Summer was the best time of our lives. But not this summer. I couldn’t. My brain and body could not. I laid in my dark room for hours at a time running my hands over the silk sheets wondering what was wrong with me.
By Tabitha Shiloh8 years ago in Psyche
Fear of Being Alone
Recently I discovered my fear of being alone. I have been afraid to be alone in terms of romantic relationships. I think I've always known this to some degree but it became abundantly clear to me when I found myself staying in a bad relationship. Anyway that is another story, the recent discovery though is how scared I am of being alone with my thoughts and I have subconsciously always found ways to avoid long periods of just thinking and this is what I believe to have been the gateway to my debilitating depression.
By Yedzayi Nenjerama8 years ago in Psyche
