Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Forevermore Abstinent...
So I bet you're asking yourself right now, 'What does a bunch of birds (above) have to do with sobriety?' The answer to this conundrum would be, absolutely nothing- on the surface that is. But in reality, recovering addicts are much like a flock of birds insomuch as they tend to congregate in places to talk about their respective addictions. That's about where the comparison ends from the birds' perspective anyway. I mean it's not like these birds are discussing what they did to make an ass of themselves last night, or how many of their bird friends they pissed off or made uncomfortable because of their use of illegal narcotics or perfectly legal alcohol...the birds have better things to do I'm sure. Nests to build, eggs to warm and the like...
By Joseph Willson6 years ago in Psyche
I Too Am the Face of Addiction
I’ve never met a person struggling with substance abuse that wasn’t fighting it in some way. Addiction is a destructive illness that divorces parts of the brain from itself and suspends the sufferer in a constant state of self-battle, like a person continuously drowning who can reach the surface just long enough to elongate the suffering and glimpse redemption yet never fully break free. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the suicide rate among those with this terrible affliction is so high. You can only go through this mental abuse for so long before you reach a breaking point. It doesn’t matter how strong you are. Torture breaks everyone eventually.
By J. Shifman6 years ago in Psyche
How To Help a Loved One Who Is Struggling With Addiction
When someone you know and care about is struggling with addiction, it can be difficult to deal with. Not only can it be painful to watch them struggle, but it can also be hard to know what you should do to help them, too. That doesn't mean, though, that there's nothing you can do. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding to seek help for a loved one dealing with addiction.
By Kevin Gardner6 years ago in Psyche
The Legendary Life
On Depression Do you have depression? Many people do. Some might say that they suffer from depression. Can you relate to this? According to the National Institute of Health in the United States an estimated 16.2 million U.S. adult had at least one major depressive episode in 2016. The NIMH states that this represents 6.7 percent of the U.S. adult population. Also, they state that depression is most common among in ages 18 to 25 (10.9 percent) and individuals belonging to two or more races (10.5 percent).
By Legend Gilchrist6 years ago in Psyche
Body Dysmorphia is a B*tch
I’m sure most of us have had thoughts of wishing a part of our body looked different, our hair was thicker, or our eyes were a different color -- because, who hasn’t, right? For me, I wish my boobs were a little bigger, more perky. I wish my bikini line didn’t get such bad razor burn. I wish my teeth were straighter, whiter. There are many physical characteristics I’d like to change, but I’ve also learned how to accept myself just the way I am. That’s not to say I don’t still have those thoughts, because I do. And I’m sure you’ve experienced them a time or two as well. What’s important is to be aware of how often and how extreme those thoughts occur.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
How cooking takes a bite out of my depression
For me, cooking is, and always will be, a joyous experience. I cook everyday, not just because I want to, but because I need to. It’s a ritual much like a form of meditation, there are steps I need to take in order to get into the right state, concentrating on time and temperature to keep the front of the mind focused, so you can truly discover the wonders of flavour. Ok the ‘wonders of flavour’ part sounds a bit daft, but seriously, my relationship with dealing with depression runs rather more deeply. You see it’s easy to say bake a cake and you’ll feel better, but really concentrating on the why, reflecting on your feelings, however positive or negative are all good practices in order to improve your ability to curb the effects of depression.
By Chris Perry6 years ago in Psyche
The First Word
I have considered myself a writer since I was a teen and could string together words that sounded deep. I have talked about writing a book most of my adult life. I have come up with interesting titles. I have thought about the content. I have sat in front of my computer for hours staring at it hoping that the words will form. I am a fraud. I am not a writer. I have no degree in literature or journalism. I have never written a single word that a career as a freelance writer could be built upon.
By Jessica Harrison6 years ago in Psyche
This is your heart on stress.
Stress is not just a state of mind; it can have an incredible impact on the body as well. I learned this firsthand, when I had a full-blown heart attack at the tender age of 32. My story serves as a cautionary tale: it is an urgent plea to seek help when you are overwhelmed, and a reminder to prioritize your self-care. It can literally mean the difference between life and death.
By Katie Feingersh6 years ago in Psyche
I went for a walk
I have taken to walking, each morning and each evening. It has become part of my routine, fitting seamlessly into my life – it has come to be something I cannot live without. I walk alone, sometimes, it makes me feel small and scared, but I know I am alive.
By Emma Finucan6 years ago in Psyche
Wilderchild: A Biography
My life has been less than graceful, to put it nicely, so I'm going to be following my pattern by writing this in a less than graceful way. I'm not going to worry too much on being chronologically correct because I don't even really know when certain things happened in my own life. So I guess just sit back and enjoy the roller coaster.
By sabrina marina6 years ago in Psyche
