Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
The Read Soul
My agent gave his best effort to look at me soberly. He wanted me to know that what he was about to say was important. I didn’t know why he was trying so hard to be serious. It was making me nervous. “John just tell me what the news is,” I said. “Fine. Fair enough,” he responded. “Ben, when last we spoke you pitched me on an idea for a book and you gave me a sample of what you wanted it to look like in this little book.” He held up the elegant black journal I had given to him with two handwritten chapters in it. Of course, I had also emailed him the text. He went on: “You explained that your vision for the book was, upon completion, to have a publisher reproduce copies to look as close to this journal as possible, down to the handwriting.” “Yes, I know John, and...” He cut me off and continued: “I was, and I continue to be, skeptical of this idea. In fact, I think it’s a bad one. I tried to talk you out of it, but you said there was no turning back.” I could tell what was coming, and I attempted to intercept his rejection so that I could transmute it into some kind of new possibility, but he wouldn’t have it. “Just shhh for a moment Ben.” His gray mustache fluttered. “Where was I?”
By Adam Noble Roberts5 years ago in Psyche
Lady Luck's Game of Karma
Have you ever played cards? It could be on a friendly Saturday afternoon with a close knit group or strangers that sat down to the table for the first time together. Maybe you played with your parents on quiet nights around a table that was a bit too tall for you? Perhaps you were hiding from the world in a corner casino table hoping to get the perfect hand? Regardless of where or what game was played, there is one unifying factor; we all have had a moment of hope on the next hand dealt that we are going to win. There is a peculiar feeling on winning something that has much chance involved. Why do we feel that rush? Could it be the adrenaline pumping as we see “lady luck” finally greets all of our misery, turmoil, and troubles are recognized and we deserve a brief reprieve? The chances of “lady luck” acknowledging you is the same for you as it is for every person sitting at that table. While some hope for their dance with “lady luck” others admits exactly what is already happening and grasp the opportunity. At the same table there are those who don’t concede exactly what is already happening and are waiting for “lady lucks” arrival. So, in this example which are you?
By Anthony Pilla5 years ago in Psyche
PTSD Reclassification & Our Nation’s Heroes
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or ‘PTSD’ means many things to many people. Put simply, it is considered a disorder which occurs in persons who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. It often occurs in survivors of war, natural disasters, serious accidents, and other traumatic events. Symptoms range from person to person, but can include anxiety, nightmares, re-experiencing of trauma, and other symptoms. It is unfortunately a common occurrence amongst veterans of war, although statistics vary across different periods of wartime.
By Mickey Markoff5 years ago in Psyche
Hyperfixation: My Story
Hyperfixation, commonly associated with ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – and autism, is an occurrence when an individual becomes fully engrossed with something, may it be a hobby, movie, book, person, etc. Often, this hyperfixation affects the rest of the person’s life as they have a challenging time focusing on anything other than their fixation, including work, school, self-care, and relationships. While hyperfixation is associated with ADHD and autism, it is also present in various mental illnesses, and as someone with mental illness, I often experience hyperfixation and would like to share my story with you.
By Ashley Nestler, MSW5 years ago in Psyche
Troubled Waters
It all came to a head on a beautiful crisp spring morning. My fiancée was driving. We both worked as independent contractors for financial firms and had recently relocated across the country to where the work was more plentiful. The move had been expensive, stressful and tiring, but ultimately we were very happy. We had met some great new friends, we were both earning good money, and we had our wedding planned for the end of the year. By all rights it should’ve been smooth sailing.
By Shaun O'Neill5 years ago in Psyche
There can not be Light without the Shadow
If I had only known this two decades ago. Maybe it would have changed my life entirely. Maybe I would have been going through the same experiences but with a different attitude towards it. Or maybe everything would have happened just the same.
By Natalia Vaduva5 years ago in Psyche
