Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Alcohol and Motherly Parenting
As a small child, I was raised in an alcoholic home. My father worked long hours every day of the week. It was my sister and me, for the most part, at home. My mother was a very broken person. Her grandmother raised her due to her birth mother dying eleven hours after my mother was born from pneumonia. She died in 1957. "Nana" did her best raising my mother. Nana spoiled her to no end because she felt horrible for her being without her mother. So, my mother was given anything she wanted, went wherever she wanted, and never had a curfew. She was a wild child because she had so much freedom. I will share stories of her later in the series.
By Jessica Girdler5 years ago in Psyche
Learning (Not) To Sleep With The Enemy
"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." - Dr. Seuss I was not yet 18 and even at that my consent was not sought nor did I grant it. You won't be wrong to call it child abuse. She was vastly experienced and knew the tricks and called all the shots. I was rather too young to manage her presence in my life.
By Obinna Uruakpa5 years ago in Psyche
Alone Time
Keeping to the topic of things I’m not very good at: alone time. Being alone is my biggest fear. Yes, spiders still creep me out and small dark spaces usually trigger a panic attack, but nothing hits quite like being alone. I never know what to do with myself, and I always do the wrong things. I can be half a pack deep in cigarettes and not realize I’ve been sitting in the garage for hours doing nothing. Mindlessly scrolling social media or binge watching a show or movie series. I can get lost in something don’t get me wrong, but I’m not being productive or using my creative juices. I used to be so crafty. Even if I wasn’t good at something, I still had fun creating.
By Tabitha White5 years ago in Psyche
What is Anxiety?
Imagine that you've just come home from work. You want to relax. You sit down on the couch and just breathe. You look to the side, and you realize that it's raining. And then you look again to the window and see that the window's open. You think - at first everything is calm. But then, everything goes haywire.
By Axay Patel5 years ago in Psyche
Pregnant & Battling Depression
Firstly, it’s more than likely that I’ve carried depression and mood disorders my entire life. Surpressed for certain occasions, certain emotions. However, pregnancy, although has been a completely miracle and joyous time, has heightened my depression and anxiety immensely. I find myself playing out scary and fearful situations through my head on a daily basis, casually. It’s terrifying! Usually it’s myself in a car accident or worrying about my S/O on his way back home. Practically anytime he holds me and showers me with love I begin to sob in tears and worry relentlessly about him. After all, he’s my soulmate and my bestfriend. I couldn’t make it through everyday life without him. Whatever it may be it’s never easy for me, it’s paralyzing. When riding in the car with loved ones it’s become common for me to panic and “make a scene” practically anytime any other cars are nearby or if at a busy intersection. It’s become pretty embarrassing I have to admit! Grabbing the door handle, pushing myself back, and preparing for the hyperventilating scene. But keep in mind though if you will, I was in a car accident just last year and although nobody was hurt I often believe that it did cause PTSD to a degree. I do believe becoming a mom has hightened those fears and anxieties though. On top of being pregnant, you’re basically not only responsible for yourself but for another person who is completely dependent upon you. No pressure!
By TotalMomBlog5 years ago in Psyche
Imagine
Imagine... You are 5 years old. Your mother is driving the family mini van to drop your older brother and sister off at school. Your siblings get out of the car, and you give them a hug and a kiss and say goodbye for the day. They run into the building with their friends, and now you and your best friend, your mom, are alone in the car. You get to spend the whole day with the most important person in the world. The one you love more than life itself. You ask, “Mommy, what are we doing today?” Her reply- “I have to go to a friends house to pick up something, then we can do whatever you want.”
By Eliza Cahill5 years ago in Psyche
Alcohol
I grew up in a semi small town, less that 30,000 people. For California that was a small place and everyone knew everyone. It was one of those towns that you ask who their parents were and who they were related to before you asked someone out on a date. Didn't want to kiss a second cousin.
By Randi Hulme5 years ago in Psyche
