Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
I changed my world: so he did too
The Phonecall March 2008, it's a little passed midnight and I'm sat in a friends house, trying to get high with the fierce daggers of said ex ticking for another joint and some how holding me responsible for his lack there of. It was 'dry season' in my city and we had spent the day looking for some kush and still came out dry. I had one last idea. I text my old school friend and asked if she knew anyone who could hook me up. She did. She gave me the number of someone she was in cooking with at college. Liam.
By Kayleigh Taylor5 years ago in Psyche
Lower Levels of Serotonin and its Effects to the Body
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in the CNS and affects the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Serotonin is a known monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized from the amino acid, tryptophan. In the CNS, serotonin contributes to the regulation of sleep, appetite, and mood. It’s intricates are involved in memory and learning. While serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter in the CNS, it acts as a vasoconstrictor in the blood. It is also a growth factor which promotes healing and controls the release of insulin. Serotonin levels in the body is affected by many factors which include diet and drugs. Alban, (2019) suggests low serotonin levels is partially responsible for our current epidemics of depression and anxiety. Evidence base studies propose serotonin deficiency occurs when a person’s body doesn’t have enough serotonin activity. Furthermore, low levels of serotonin is linked to a range of physical and psychological symptoms, resulting; anxiety, depressed mood, aggression, impulsive behaviour, insomnia, irritability, low self-esteem, poor appetite, poor memory. In addition, suboptimal levels of serotonin are also thought to be associated with several psychological conditions, including: eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder (Healthline, 2005-2019).
By Shanie Walker5 years ago in Psyche
Addicts Hurt Themselves and Others
Story 1 I’ve recently begun marriage counseling... alone for now. My therapist suggested I research and gain some insight from Al-anon as some of our marital concerns stem from alcohol abuse but after reading through many of your posts I am not sure I am in the right place or if Al-anon is the right fit for my situation. For those of you with experience would you consider someone who may not drink regularly (daily) but when they do drink they tend to binge drink an issue? The binge drinking tends to get excessive, often leads to driving when he probably shouldn’t, he’s verbally abusive if you suggest he’s had enough to drink or if you’ll drive instead of him, he’s defensive and just plain mean. The more he drinks the more he needs to drink over the years. The last few times this has happened he’s blacked out. He’s ruined my kids birthdays , vacations, anniversaries, etc. I’m typically his target so I’ve just learned to move out of his way. I’m grateful after hearing many other stories this typically only occurs monthly and not daily. After 30 years it’s old, tired and heartbreaking. I thought he’d outgrow the binge drinking, I always thought it was young immature behavior as I always thought of alcohol abuse as being someone who drank daily or something totally different than what was going on here. I now realize there are different types of addiction and ways they affect peoples lives. All that I know is that looking back on our memories and a life I had hoped to be a happy one I have vivid regular memories of a lot of drunken horrible tear filled ends to what should have been beautiful days and now my children are grown. A lot of time lost I won’t get back. I’m hurt and I’m angry.
By John Charles Harman5 years ago in Psyche
Endorphins
Endorphins are endogenous opioids released through the pituitary gland which are thought to mediate analgesia, induce euphoria, and has a key role in the reward system in the brain (Leuenberger,2006). Endorphins play an important part in the psychological benefits of exercise with depression. Furthermore, improved self-esteem is also a psychological benefit of regular physical activity. When a person exercises, their body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in the brain which reduces a person’s perception of pain. The endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, like morphine, thus, the feeling which follows a run or workout is commonly described as "euphoric." This feeling, is known as a "runner's high," and is generally accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life. The endorphin theory postulates; mood elevations and reduced anxiety following acute exercise because of the release and binding of β-endorphins (endogenous opioids) to the receptor sites in the brain. Studies conclude; exercise increases endogenous opioid activity in the central and peripheral nervous system that could induce a euphoric state and reduce pain (Anderson & Shivakumar, 2013).
By Shanie Walker5 years ago in Psyche
Art Therapy and Personal Aspirations
Art therapy is influenced by the disciplines of art and psychology, which uses the creative process and pieces of art created in therapy. A person using art for creative expression uses several types of art media, to help explore the person’s innermost emotions and thoughts, reconcile conflicts, manage stress and anxiety, develop self-awareness, manage addictions and self-deprecating behaviours, and an increased sense of self-esteem. Artwork in treatment can develop self-awareness, explore emotions, address unresolved emotional conflicts, improve social skills, and raise self-esteem. In pursuit of attaining personal goals of improved quality of life, wellness and becoming an accredited practitioner of choice. The integration of art therapy, primarily aims to help with experiencing emotional and psychological challenges to achieve personal well-being and improved cognitive functioning. As a psychologist, my career aspirations include art therapy to combine CBT treatments for my patients (GoodTherapy, 2007-2019).
By Shanie Walker5 years ago in Psyche
End The Stigma
Society has a funny way of making stigmas for the uncomfortable and the unfamiliar. Society says an addict is the homeless man down the street or the young mother not taking care of her children. Society says an addict doesn’t have a job, doesn’t take showers, and looks dirty. Society says mental illnesses are “chosen” by white women, with a lot of responsibility to take on. Mental illnesses are designated for women who drive around a soccer team 4 times a week and pick their 3 kids up from three different schools daily. Society says addiction is “a choice” made by someone who is weak, uneducated, and who grew up with parents who didn’t care for them. Society looks at someone and thinks they know that person’s life story. I am here to tell you that is all a lie.
By TheAddictMom5 years ago in Psyche
Poly vagal theory and practical ideas to get out from the immobilization zone | MindfulStack
Today we are talking about poly vagal theory. What’s this about? I am NOT a psychologist or an expert in the field, but in small terms the poly vagal theory explains man’s reactions in dangerous situations.
By Manuel Alonge5 years ago in Psyche
