stigma

People with mental illness represent one of the most deeply stigmatized groups in our culture. Learn more about it here.

The Closing Wind
Lying up, staring at the ceiling, thinking, longing. Surrounding him only darkness with the small light that shone from his phone’s screen. Calm music filled the room and surrounded what appeared to be, at first glance, a statue. Motionless, expressionless. Looking closer and closer, two spheres appeared to shine like two moons in the glow from his phone. His eyelids, flickering shut from time to time, only to be reopened every so often with a stream running through and from them. Going deeper we see a dark figure, towering over him, consuming him, becoming him. He gathers enough energy to start to rise from his bed, the figure still looming over him, surrounding him. He goes downstairs, puts on a coat, and leaves. That evening 3 moons could be seen, the one in the sky, and the two eyes, sparkling in the moonlight.
By Karol A Kubicki4 years ago in Psyche
7 Things You Won't Believe Introverts Are Better At
There are many misconceptions about introverts. People often believe that we are unable to socialize, that we do not like to leave our home or that we cry easily.
By Mindsmatter.4 years ago in Psyche
?!! Paranoia !?
Recently, I came home from my Mother's house via public transport for which I used a bus pass. Later that day I couldn't locate my pass anywhere. I expressed my concerns to both my spouse and my mother. My spouse suggested I had maybe left it at hers. She suggested maybe it was still in my bag or somewhere on my person. I just had a gut feeling that I had lost it on the way home. Both of them dismissed my thoughts and said "Don't be paranoid, absolutely no chance have you lost it outside. It will turn up." without any authority at all.
By SOPOETIC4 years ago in Psyche
I Am Not A Trend
I was reading some stories on vocal in psyche, as you do, scrolling through the ones about depression and anxiety and tips and advice, everything I've seen and lived before when I came across one about dissociation. I lit up inside like a little child, excited to see something that's a huge part of my life finally being talked about and represented. And the first few paragraphs lived up to my expectations.
By L. J. Knight 4 years ago in Psyche
Life after Narcissistic Abuse
Too many of us have encountered people with Narcissistic personalities. This could be a parent, spouse, sibling or friend- the list goes on. And unfortunately, sometimes it’s not always easy to escape the subsequent abuse we endure. For example, if you have a narcissistic parent and are yet to reach adulthood, you may develop a wide array of self-esteem issues, accumulate trauma and develop mental health issues as a result of years of narcissistic abuse.
By Leah 4 years ago in Psyche
In the clouds
There was a time I thought I would never come down. Being up there is all I’ve ever known. All that I am comfortable with. And everywhere I wanted to be. Whenever I was grounded, only bad things happened to me, or my body for that matter. People used me, for their pleasure. And luckily, I learned how to leave whenever those instances came around.
By Tru Sol5 years ago in Psyche
Self-Sabotage and Sertraline
I am a naturally positive person, and I have depression. It feels like an inherited curse that I tried so hard to run from. You see, depression runs in my family, so over the years I've become very aware and vigilant with my own mental health. I've known that I need to 'keep an eye on it' and take a proactive and preventative approach. Meditation, self-care, journaling, movement, fresh air, getting enough sleep, managing my stress - I did all the right things. And I still struggled.
By Georgia Holliday5 years ago in Psyche
Motherhood: Always and Never Alone
I used to be woken up to the sound of a gentle soundscape coming from the speakers of my iphone. I'd roll over to see my dogs still cuddled up next to me and I'd think to myself, "What should I do today?" The possibilites were endless, I could write, paint, watch a movie, go on a drive or even take off to another city or state if I wanted to. Fast foward to the present day, I am woken up to the sound of crying or the crippling anxiety that I face. I roll over and think okay time to get up, get the dogs out, start a bottle, change her diaper, etc. The list of things to do already slowly taking over my eight hours I have without my husband home to help. I try to take breaths and not let the never-ending daily tasks overwhelm me before I even get out of bed.
By Kacey Baker5 years ago in Psyche
It’s Not a Dirty Word.
With the month of June over, Pride Month has slipped into Disability Pride month. In anticipation, corporations have stopped using their rainbow logos and instead begun to post inspirational pictures of employees in wheelchairs and activists with white canes. The professional side of the internet is abuzz with activity in the meantime— what can we do to make workplaces more accessible? they ask.
By Victoria L5 years ago in Psyche
WOMEN MAKING HER-STORY MEET ASHLEIGH SCIPIO
July is Minority Mental Health Month. I wanted to share a blog post I wrote a while back. Mental Health is a topic that needs to continue to be discussed. If you or someone you know needs any mental health resources NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) is a great place to get information.
By LaShunta H5 years ago in Psyche
Life Under The Radar: A Story About Mental Illness & Other "Invisible" Illnesses
I'm living in the world, as well as you are, and it feels exhausting to just exist. When struggling with any invisible ailment; life is exhausting. The world demands you to provide for it, or it won't provide for you. It seems like there are a lot of people out there who just can do it! how though? When dealing with extreme mood dysregulation or pain, due to mental illness or other "invisible" ailments, it makes going to the store for things you want exhausting. There are some people who can do things they don't want, and they seem to manage just fine.
By Haley C.5 years ago in Psyche
Recess Was A Nightmare
Living with Autism and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) has some perks, but also some downsides. Autism and GAD made it possible for me to inspire many of my teachers, classmates, friends, family members and other people around me, nevertheless it also made socializing with other children a challenge for me. As I've mentioned in multiple stories, I'm an extremely sociable and affable person by nature, but that still doesn't outweigh the social challenges I've endured in the youth. Recess was lots of fun, but also quite the struggle for me! I definitely felt somewhat like the "black sheep" during my elementary and middle school years.
By Talia Devora5 years ago in Psyche