Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
The 5-Minute Rule
For the first few years after my brain injury, whenever I was faced with making a decision I would momentarily freeze. My mind would go blank, I’d stare into space, and I became catatonic (in other words, in an immobile or unresponsive stupor). Being in an already-stressful environment would make it even more pronounced. This involuntary behavior caused a great deal of misunderstanding and argument in our household and amongst family. It tested the limits of my marriage and my sanity, until I learned how to deal with it. Thanks to the Ontario Brain Injury Association and Brock University for helping me put this approach into practice. I think it's helpful for everyone who finds themselves decision-making challenged.
By Catherine Kenwell4 years ago in Psyche
What is psychosis
I was 17 when I had my first break with reality, I was likely having my first psychosis episode linked to having bipolar disorder. I had not yet been diagnosed with the disorder, that would happen in my early 20s. For 6 days I did not sleep I was so full of anxiety fear and paranoia I literally could not get my eyes to close. Mental pain is very disturbing, I would rather be in physical pain then be disturbed in this way. Soon I could not distinguish from reality. I was living out illusions in my subconscious reality, or what I believe to be dream state. I couldn't even open my eyes to see the world around me. Can you imagine how scary that was, I knew I was stuck somewhere in my mind and was no longer functioning in the real world. I was in a dream world, being created by my subconscious. I tried to "awaken" myself several times. But I was trapped. Let me describe this way. Have you ever had a nightmare or night terror? Someone is trying to attack you and your telling your body "wake up wake up!" because it feels so real and you are afraid. I was in these dream states for not just a night but days and it was a level of torture I had never known. Because it did not feel like a dream it felt like I was living out every dreadful moment and could not escape. In one of these realities I was in a deadly game. Everyone was being hunted down to be killed and the last to survive would be the winner and allowed to live. While being hunted down my murderers and tortured it felt so real. At one point they were burning my skin with fire and I could feel my skin melting, boiling and burning I was screaming. I often wonder how I was behaving in the outside world. Was I sleeping? Was I screaming bloody murder and being sedated since I wasn't conscious during these times I will never know. When I woke up I believed strange things, like my teeth were gone and had trouble seeing my reflection. I had to get used to being in reality again.
By Julia Stellings4 years ago in Psyche
Sober Living program in Tallahassee, Florida
If you need help with alcohol or drug abuse, you might be looking for a Sober Living program in Tallahassee. Sober Living provides many services to the addict that can help them kick their habit. These services are provided by licensed professionals who know about addiction and how it affects a person's life. Sober Living in Tallahassee FL is one of the many treatment options available for alcohol and drug addicts in Florida.
By Marina Olenick4 years ago in Psyche
Has Your Drug Use Caused You Problems with Motivation Or Concentration?
Drug abuse is a growing problem in society today. There are many people who abuse drugs, and it is very easy for them to get hooked on these substances. Unfortunately, many of these people do not realize how serious of an addiction they have until it is too late. When someone goes through drug rehabilitation treatment, they will learn to develop healthy behaviors and new ways of thinking. This will help them live a life that is free from drug use.
By Marco Taggert4 years ago in Psyche
Surrendering to Grace
I lay on the floor not knowing if I could get through the night, if I could live one more day. My mind was so loud, having constant thoughts of the past, hearing words of hopelessness and stuck in a momentum of resistance to what was. I felt so much pain, my heart hurt, it felt like I had been stabbed in the heart and it wouldn’t go away. Would I stay like this forever? How long until this pain affecting all levels of my being would subside or go away? I felt like I had no strength left, I just wanted the pain to end. I started asking myself what was the meaning of life if there was so much suffering and pain? Why am I here? Is there purpose in this suffering? As I lay on the floor, I cried out loud “God if you really exist then I need you to help me right now!”. That was the last of my strength, my final request. I didn’t know if God or some higher power existed, but if there was any chance I would take it. I cried out those words, full of pure intent and completely surrendered. I felt my tense & weak body soften and surrender into the floor.
By Hayley Zammit4 years ago in Psyche
5 of the Best Work Boots for Flat Feet
One of the challenges with having flat feet is that you can have a hard time finding shoes or boots to accommodate for your condition. For those looking for work footwear, there are some great options out there if you know where (and what) to look! Here's our list of 5 best work boots perfect fit and comfortable enough in every type of environment:
By work boott4 years ago in Psyche
The Curious Case of Not Wanting Unconditional Love
I just spent the last hour and a half crying to my mother for reasons she doesn't even know. She just assumed it was my severe depression acting up again like some rash flaring up. But I realized something, it didn't feel good. It felt upsetting. it honestly made me angry knowing that I had her unconditional love. The caring words she said only made me angrier. It's when I come to realize, in an over-psycho-analyzing way that don't want love, at least just simply handed to me. I may be grateful for it, somewhat, but I just can't shake the feeling for me that love shouldn't just be there.
By Kevin Williams4 years ago in Psyche
Is it Hard For You To Control Your Drug Addiction?
Do you find it hard to control your drug addiction? This article provides three ways on how to get rid of your addiction without any outside help. You can follow the steps outlined in this article if you are serious about achieving a drug-free life. If you are just starting to explore alternative treatments for your drug addiction, read on.
By Delia Benfer4 years ago in Psyche
6 Lesser-Known Introvert Characters
How to spot an introvert on the spot? Introverts cannot hold or maintain eye contact with the person they are talking to. That’s it. You now know the top-secret. Next time someone does that, know that you were talking to an introvert.
By The Soulful Scribbler 4 years ago in Psyche
