Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

It's not your fault
At times like this, it's easy to slip away. Self isolation can be hard, it's okay. When you're depressed, you self isolate on your own, in your own way. Even in a crowded room you can feel alone, but at least there's some distraction.
By Winter P.6 years ago in Psyche
You're Not Alone
Let me start off by introducing myself. Hi my name is Janelle. I'm a college student. I live in California. Wait why would this matter? Introducing yourself is good but you wouldn't know if that person is fine or not. They would act like everything is perfect in there life. I'm sorry nothing and no one is perfect. I've learned the tough way. I didn't care what anyone says or thinks about me or what I want to do. Trust me I used to care what everyone thinks about me because that's where my depression kicked in.
By Janelle6 years ago in Psyche
Ativan, Calgary, and the art of supporting sobriety.
"Oh GAWD, I seriously love Ativan." My eyes darted across the room to one of the other counsellors I hadn't yet had a chance to meet, but now definitely needed to. Finally, a coworker who is at least interesting, and seems to have my sick sense of humour. Even better, she's going to bust it out after the last three hours of this dry mental health first aid course.
By Hannah B6 years ago in Psyche
Social Distancing & Stress During the Coronavirus Pandemic
In my March 17 piece, Coping with Coronavirus in California, I acknowledged that much of what I wrote would quickly become outdated due to how quickly things were evolving and escalating in relation to the pandemic. Change is proving to be the only constant, especially in these trying times. I decided to write a follow-up based on what has transpired since and the need to prioritize mental health during the pandemic.
By Natalie Rosen6 years ago in Psyche
The things that keep you up at night
Imagine it’s the end of the day. You did your nighttime routine. Everythings off, and you double-check that the door is locked. You feel satisfied. You feel safe, right? So you crawl into bed. You might even tell your significant other good night, or if there’s not one maybe a pet. My point is you are in bed still feeling safe. You check your phone before you put it down for the night. You close your eyes thinking you will now sleep.
By Diane Luna6 years ago in Psyche
Nowhere for Anxiety To Go
Right now, the Corona Virus outbreak is causing most people a lot of anxiety. It’s taken me back to times when I felt like I couldn’t get away from my anxiety for even a moment; that feeling of being a caged animal or of being backed tightly into a corner with no escape route yet desperately needing to flee. I don’t doubt that I’m not alone in feeling like this.
By Alicia Brunskill6 years ago in Psyche
Intrusive thoughts make me think I'm a bad person
When I was little I questioned my faith. I was raised Greek Orthodox and one day my family was telling me the story of Jesus walking on water to save a man from drowning. Kid me then said "well if God made everyone walk on water no one would be drowning in the first place"... which honestly was a brilliant thought for a 6 year old to have. I was then yelled at because I shouldn't question or judge God. This is when my intrusive thoughts started. Because of my new fear of appearing unchristian these thoughts would pop into my head saying things like "you worship the devil" or "you're a demon". Which was really scary for 6 year old me... I wish they were like that now because the older I got, the scarier my fears became and because of that my perception of myself got worse and worse.
By Athena Priftakis6 years ago in Psyche
Things I wish my family and friends knew about my depression
I just arrived home. Today, I was supposed to go on a school trip, I registered for it two months ago and was looking forward to it. I was awake all night since yesterday I fell asleep the whole day, so my sleep pattern is completely messed up now. The school bus is supposed to leave at 8.30 am, but the event organizers urged us to come earlier. I was telling myself that if I want to get better, I should socialize more, and leave my room more. So, around 7 am I shaved my beard, and dressed well, leaving my room in a complete mess. I arrived at the gathering location at 8 am, and more people started arriving. I looked at their faces, many seemed really different, they seemed normal. Many were with their families and friends, and even the few ones who were alone seemed to be in peace with themselves. I started hesitating whether I should participate in this paid trip that I waited for since a while or just go back home. After 10 minutes of hesitating, I decided to go back home, and here I am changing my clothes and wearing my pyjamas. This is one of the easiest ways to explain how depression is affecting me and I wouldn’t wish it to my enemies.
By Mohamed 6 years ago in Psyche
Am I just an introvert or is it social anxiety?
Having social anxiety is the synonym of giving up on all the power a person has to other people and situations. It is a constant feeling of stress, a constant state of being lost. It feels like the person is put in jail, having both hands and legs chained the moment they step out of their house.
By Mohamed 6 years ago in Psyche
10 Things You Should Never Say to a Person With Depression
Sometimes people have the best intentions to help their friends and family members during their struggle with depression. However, they may tend to say some things to us that can break us more than anything else. The following sentences should be avoided at any cost, as they will hurt a lot.
By Mohamed 6 years ago in Psyche
How I remain productive while deeply depressed
During my fight with depression, I had days where I felt that life has pretty much stopped completely. I may go a couple of weeks without showering. without eating. My apartment becomes a flipping disaster and the list goes on. Sometimes I can not manage to motivate myself to walk and fill my bottle of water to hydrate myself.
By Mohamed 6 years ago in Psyche
Beautifully Broken or Hopelessly Impaired
It’s a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life For me And I'm feeling good.” - Nina Simone, Feelin Good Not now, not always..
By Patrick Southerland McAllister6 years ago in Psyche