Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

The Cyberbullying Problem
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the newly founded Tik-Tok (of which I know very little about unfortunately) have become more and more of a part of our lives on a daily basis with the latter gaining popularity more rapid than most things I have ever seen. Before all of this though, there was MSN and chatrooms etc. these are the things that I spent an evening or two a week a part of - chatting with friends or even going on to chatrooms to talk about things I enjoyed such as: films, books and at that time I was also a massive Green Day fan. But, since way back then until now, I have noticed one, main thing: cyberbullying was around back then and it is still around (and far more rampant) now.
By Annie Kapur5 years ago in Psyche
Crying Tears of Joy
Fantastic news! The first full draft of The Addiction Healing Pathway book is now complete. To celebrate I would love to share the Introduction with you. Of course, this may change somewhat for the final version, but it provides a great overview of my motivations and intention for this book.
By Belinda Tobin5 years ago in Psyche
Take notes. Make cuts.
I told myself I wasn’t going to, and for a second, I managed to replace the tears with a half hearted chuckle. “It’s just how he is, it’s probably my fault, things are always alright the next day...”
By Rachel Wooten5 years ago in Psyche
Pregnant by a Monster
I lay quietly in my bed. I didn't rustle the sheets, or move a muscle. I didn't even dare to blink, for fear he would hear me. I prayed uselessly that he would just walk by my room, and leave me alone tonight.
By Beck Daugherty5 years ago in Psyche
Keeping the Focus during Covid19
I feel like I am wasting time. I have stopped playing games on my PS4, unplugged it, and packed it away in hopes that I would be able to focus on my writing. You ever get that nudging or like something should be getting done? I am coming up on 2 years of sobriety from drugs and alcohol on the 12th of February and my brain and heart honestly are pushing in the direction that I should be writing a book about my addiction and the disease of alcoholism. The idea would be to help other sick and suffering to know that there are solutions and help is out there for those that want it. I would like to put into words how I used to live, what happened, and what my life is like now. My sobriety date is 2.12.19. My story takes place in NJ and ends in NYC. I thanked God today for the ability to open my eyes and draw breath today. My relationship with my higher power is in the healing process currently. From the time I was 15 years old, I had abandoned God. I was an altar boy in the choir, communion confirmation as my Aunt was a hardcore Catholic. It took me 25 years to surrender my will to a power greater than myself. As we say (self-will) run riot and believe me it did. I went from binge drinking and heavy metal vomit parties, smoking weed, and thinking that I was in control. Waking up in my car from blacking out with vomit and urine all over myself. As time went on and on I didn't see what was happening and that my life revolved around drinking and drugging. By the time I sniffed the first line I had already begun to burn bridges with a lot of friends and slowly losing family members when I made the final descent into my spiral to rock bottom with smoking crack. I was ok with losing everything just as long as I could get high. I was homeless for a short period of time, sleeping on trains or platforms with a bookbag and a giant Dunkin bag filled with what remaining clothes I had. Addiction had me tight in its grip and it has erased all of who I once was, and being in the rooms of recovery has given me a chance to be reborn. I am now grateful for life, living life on life's terms. I am reliable and can be trusted with money. My journey is not a destination, I must remain vigilant against picking up or using. Progress, not perfection, one day at a time I accept I am an addict/alcoholic that my life was unmanageable and came to believe in a power greater than myself, I turn my will over each morning thy will be done, not mine. However, in-person meetings have started returning but with smaller numbers, and Covid restrictions. I do miss going to my homegroup's Tuesday night beginners meeting. Shortly after coming back to the rooms, I was given keys to run an open meeting on Sunday afternoon which I chaired. Setting up the room and brewing the coffee kept me sober. It was me doing service for something that was given so freely to me, the tools of sobriety. I haven't been to a meeting since earlier February 2020. I know there are zoom meetings but haven't really tried any. I do miss it very much and continue to stay connected to the program by speaking with my sponsor, working the steps, talking with God, and reading literature. I hope we can all return to the big meetings, sober breakfast, and conventions one day.
By Joe INCZ5 years ago in Psyche
Dobby is a Free Elf!
I adore the Harry Potter series. I first read all the books as a youngster and was excited when the movies came out. Many of the movies fell short, leaving out key content; however, after years of therapy, I finally came to terms that I can tolerate the movies. Any good bookworm will tell you the book beats the movie every single time, so my feelings weren’t misplaced. But I have grown quite fond of Harry Potter movie marathons. Hard to top that! Well, maybe marathons of the LOTR trilogy and Star Wars.. #nerdforlife #noshameinmynerdgame.
By Denae Taylor5 years ago in Psyche
Why Did I Think This is Good Idea?
I had a dream last night that my cat, Sebastian, returned home. He was a dusty thing, covered in cobwebs and mewling with annoyance, but otherwise in good shape. I called to my husband, who stood by the garage, that the cat had returned.
By Nicole Anderson5 years ago in Psyche
Why I know your anxiety will get better
Since I lost my parents, I have had what I can only express as anxiety. I didn't lose them to death, like many have sadly suffered, I lost them to life, which, honestly, hurts me even more.
By Ellie Jackson5 years ago in Psyche
The Pink Elephant
Anxiety can interrupt your everyday life and take a hold of your mental health. The constant feeling of worry along with the physical symptoms of rapid heart rate, dry mouth and trembling are enough to distract you from normal tasks. It is easy to get wrapped up in anxiety and for it to handle you, instead of you handling it. With that, I understand that most of the articles I write are easier said than done because when you're stuck in an anxiety attack it's easy for your rational thoughts to fly out of the window. Hopefully, something I say in this article will resonate with you and help you discover a way to control it.
By Jazmyne 5 years ago in Psyche
The Devils Details...
I I don't feel like a good person, nor do I want or desire to exist in this world anymore. I am narcissistic and I'm aware of how I want to heal from it but can't seem to find any motivation to do anything I might enjoy because I know I wouldn't find it emotionally satisfying.
By Jeremy Howard5 years ago in Psyche
I Believe
I believe that life is a tool to harness understanding. We are given so much to see and embrace yet how much do we reciprocate? The word “believe” usually is attached to some form of traditional habit. In all actuality, to believe is a natural phenomenon for mankind when we hear an idea, think about if or how we want it, then we do what we were thinking to do to get the idea in our possession. In order to reach for an idea we are thinking, we have to “believe” in the steps we received to make it happen.
By R.F. Serious5 years ago in Psyche
And in sleep, in slumber.
For posterity. Hah! I am going to write because I want to. I will write for no one else but me, and if you're going to say, why publish on Vocal? Well, why not? Perhaps someone will read it, maybe only my mother will. Although I doubt it very much. She doesn't quite get my humour - and suffice it today, she thinks me a cynic. Anyhow, let's write. If only to release the bursting cells of emotion within me - about to explode simultaneously - if not unburdened immediately. You'd find me a puddle - oozing, unmoving - dead. So, let's write.
By Crissa Labara5 years ago in Psyche