Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

Being an Empath
So decided to try writing a blog and this is going to be my first one so I hope this will help someone. I wanted my story to be about something others could relate to and get something out of it as well. So I am writing about being an empath.
By Cindy Wharton5 years ago in Psyche
Window to the Soul
I've been an actor my whole life, in every sense of the word. I found a home under lights and standing on a stage, and eventually made it my professional career. I've also been a fantastic liar who's been able to pull off a lot more than I probably should. Strict parents made sneaky kids - I was no exception to this. In moments of the highest necessity, I can hide every dead giveaway. But in a state of zapped mental and emotional energy, I found myself unable to hide it from the lens of a camera.
By Alba5 years ago in Psyche
Acceptance
The air was cold and breezy on December 15, 2004. The midnight hour set in as the demons looked for light to cast their shadows. As time ticked forward the shadows began to dance. On this particular night, the shadows zeroed in on Melinda Cline.
By Mel Cook5 years ago in Psyche
Reclaiming Your Mental Health
Mental health is an issue in America, and many other countries, during the best of times. In 2019, the National Institute of Mental Health conducted a study that revealed that 51.5 million Americans were living with a mental illness. That number equates to nearly 1 in 5 American adults, and that was before our world was thrust into a viral pandemic! Our country has been through more trials over the last year than most of us have seen in our lifetime and it has had a strong effect on those of us suffering from diagnosed (or undiagnosed) mental health disorders. As someone who suffers from both generalized anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder, I understand how difficult this year has been, and it has been difficult, make no mistake about that. For those of you who are reading this and suffering as well, I hear you, I feel for you, and you are not alone. This will not last forever. You will feel happy and healthy again.
By Emily Flanagan 5 years ago in Psyche
anxiety
The gold paint was peeling. Badly. Coming loose from the runner-board along the wall in large chunks and sections. On first glance, even on second and third, the place looked so stunning, so eccentrically artistic – or was it artistically eccentric? – but then she saw the peeling paint, and now it was all she could see. Just like life, she thought. And she willed herself to look away. There was a car outside – just hovering there, not parking, but not not parking, pulled up in front of the building halfway in the marks and halfway still in the street, as if that would make a difference, as if pulling at least somewhat into the designated area made him less of an asshole to all the cars that had to drive around him. She stared at him a while; wondered what he was doing. He was just staring straight ahead, hovering, in that halfway place of non-committal passive aggression. Just like life. She looked away from him, too.
By Joy Read5 years ago in Psyche
Drudging through Depression
Whenever I see articles or self care tips of “just go outside,” “take a shower,” “clean anything,” or something else to that effect when in a depressive slump, it just makes me feel worse. Do you know how much energy those tasks take? How much I have to force myself to do these things, only to feel worse by the end of it? Even the thought is exhausting.
By J. Lee5 years ago in Psyche
5 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Experiencing Imposter Syndrome in University As you move deeper into your major, you will start to weed out all the students who are just taking elective courses or prerequisites. Suddenly you will be left with a handful of students that you see almost every day in every class. You grow with these people. Bond with them. Struggle with them.
By Tessa5 years ago in Psyche
Book Review: "Drug Use for Grown-Ups" by Dr. Carl Hart
When I first heard of this book I expected it to be someone simply teaching us how marijuana can help and heal us like many other people are trying to teach us. CBD, weed etc. But I was so very wrong. Instead, this is a book about how the history of drugs is so very different to the modernisation of drug culture. How it was once a free choice and now is overtly policed. It is about how 'drug' has been turned into a derogatory term and how the socio-economic factors surrounding 'junkie culture' has impacted the overall view of drugs. The argument: should adults with their own choices, with their own human rights, be allowed to put something into their body that they choose? The answer in terms of alcohol and cigarettes is 'yes'. But if we are to look at drugs, the answer is exclusively 'no'. This book is mainly about this argument and its history.
By Annie Kapur5 years ago in Psyche
The Problems of Social Media Trends
Social Media trends have been around since these websites first started up. If you remember things like MySpace, Bebo and the like, then you will know what I'm talking about. The drama that ensued on MySpace would quickly lead to 'trends' which involved various things to like which seemed 'cool' and harmless. But in fact, as time progressed and MySpace turned into Facebook and Facebook turned into Instagram - these trends got more and more harmful for the new teenagers growing up today.
By Annie Kapur5 years ago in Psyche
War Games
When I was 5 or 6, before my mother became abusive, she had a boyfriend who lived with us named KB. KB took us to a drive-in movie one night.
By Byron Hamel5 years ago in Psyche
Therapist: Exit Stage Right
Recently I have had to face the hard truth that I have depression and I am at a really rocky stage in my life. So I did what most people do, I got a therapist.
By Jennie Jeanne5 years ago in Psyche
My Depression Saved My Life
For most of my life, I lived in poverty. Growing up, it was just the reality of working class America. But it was a comfortable, happy poverty. We had everything we needed, and I mostly had a good childhood.
By Leigh Wynter (she/her)5 years ago in Psyche