Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
The Other Side of Suicide
When I eventually snapped out of it, I discovered to my astonishment that life actually got much better. Because, hey, if death was on the table, then so was taking an impromptu trip to Vegas and blowing $800 on a necklace. (I only did that once, and honestly, zero regrets. It's one of my favorite things and I wear it all the time.) My eyes were opened to the many, many paths of escalation available to me before reaching the nuclear option.
By Rachel Lee5 years ago in Psyche
On Grief
The Story: The Story: I had a friend die the other day. I had another friend die back in the day and then another friend and then another friend and then another... Many, many, others. Dead. I have no idea why I am still alive. Well, actually, I have some idea why. Whether it is God, the Universe, the ocean, my cat, or my pet rock, somebody out there has a plan for me. Back to the story. I had these two friends, great friends. I had a feeling that we shared the same struggle. That is why I held so much love for them. I cannot explain it. Nobody can really explain it unless they have been through it. We all battle demons, however, there is a specific kind of pain that hovers in the realm of deep internal turmoil. I can speak to this pain. I have lived this precise pain. I have laid in hospital beds listening to the doctors tell my parents that they do not know if I will ever wake up. I remember not being able to move or open my eyes but still praying, praying hard, to anybody that would listen to me. Please, please let me wake up. Just wake up. I did. Every. Single. Time. The struggle. I cannot express the pain of lingering in limbo hoping I do not wake up but at the same exact time not wanting to inflict pain onto the ones I love so, so dearly. I want to try but it is so hard. So, so, hard. Back to my friends, I see you and I pray for you. I understand this pain and I love you for feeling it with me. I remember the first time I smoked the green, weird, weird, skunky smelly stuff (that is sometimes-most, MOST times-where it starts). I was sitting in the attic of some neighborhood friend’s house. We were listening to Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues. Trying to remember all of the lyrics, which now, I absolutely still can do. These boys, these beautiful, beautiful boys were in the room at that moment (at least one them was there-they were always there-we were neighbors, buddy's, pals). The moment my head changed (pretty, pretty positive that it was the last pal to leave us). I remember these times. They were great times. I still miss them. All that I can do for these friends is share my story as it may relate to them and to you. I will do this persistently, yet gracefully in the best way that I know how. This should not be happening. Let me repeat myself, this should NOT be happening.
By Claire Geeee5 years ago in Psyche
Living Through Bipolar Disorder
***Disclaimer: This article, in no way, should be taken as medical advice. This is just MY experience with bipolar disorder. Persons with this diagnosis must remain in treatment and remain on the medication regimen that their doctors prescribe. Always consult your practitioner.***
By J. Delaney-Howe5 years ago in Psyche
What is the use of Paxil?
Paxil (chemically spelled as paroxetine), also known as Prozac (Tofranil), is in the serotonin reuptake antidepressant (SSRI) categories of antidepressants. SSRIs boost the serotonin levels in a person's brain and this improves a person's mood. Paxil is primarily used to treat severe depression, anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder in people. It has also been shown to be effective in treating the sexual dysfunction in men.
By Stephani Pimental5 years ago in Psyche
15 Ways to Manage a Panic Attack at Work
That sudden feeling of sheer terror. Am I having a heart attack? Dying? Going crazy? Why won’t it stop? If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, then you know just how terrible this experience can be. It can happen when something triggers a trauma or it can wake you up mid-sleep, seemingly for no reason.
By john bruce5 years ago in Psyche
A List of Common Gaslighting Phrases to Look Out For
Gaslighting is a form of emotional-abuse that is used to make the target question their reality. While gaslighting can be used unintentionally by unhealthy adults, it is most often used on purpose as a tool of emotional-control. People who gaslight to gain control of others are committing emotional abuse, and are likely using other forms of manipulation to control the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of others, such as smear-campaigns, the silent-treatment, and passive aggressive behaviour.
By Rachel M.J5 years ago in Psyche
My Dark Inside Sea
I've lost something that I loved. Well, I think I have. I know I'm not the only one. I'm actually very fortunate. This has been a hard year and I have lost less than other people. But that doesn't stop me from feeling sad. Feeling a deep sense of loss that is so profound that if I access the feeling I fear that I might sink totally into the angry dark sea inside that covers it. I have to survive from one day to the next, to function and enjoy things. The way I do that is to keep the sea deep inside. It is there, but it is covered by stones, grass and trees so I can't always see it.
By Rachel Dodman5 years ago in Psyche
What is Alcohol Addiction
You don't need to have an alcohol problem to know that alcohol is a dangerous substance. Unfortunately, even many non-drinkers already know how terrifying alcoholism can be for family or friends who struggle to drink. If you are an alcoholic or someone you care about, you know what it feels like to be worried about someone drinking.
By Simransingh5 years ago in Psyche
