Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Overcast in Ithaca
Sometimes it is already cloudy when I wake up. I'll look out my window at the white oblivion outside. I cannot see the ground or any of the campus buildings. While I get ready, I live in a single room in limbo, a small universe occupied by myself, my slumbering roommate, and my cup of hot coffee.
By Ben Vajdos6 years ago in Psyche
Let Mentally Ill People Have Their Feelings
I read Facebook article links all the time about what a mentally ill person should not be told whether they are having a good day or a bad day, but more importantly if they are having a bad day. I read things about bipolar disorder; I've experienced people kicking me around though. My schizoaffective is under control but when the receptionist at East Valley kicks me around if I'm less than peppy, to talk to my peer counselor, its like, okay, you are kicking me while I'm down, so I call my peer counselor directly now.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez6 years ago in Psyche
Dissociative Identity Disorder
I find myself in a situation unusual to most people. Though I am sure some can relate and would like to offer my experiences as I go through this process. I was diagnosed early on with C-PTSD due to childhood trauma. That being said I have become aware that there are symptoms my psychiatrist was not made aware of in the past. As such I am now scheduled for a new appointment to re-evaluate my diagnosis. It scares me that many are not aware or accepting of the diagnosis I may receive. Doing much research on dissociation and PTSD, I find myself more aware of the memory loss I have experienced in the past that I did my best to ignore over the years. I can no longer ignore that as it is now a daily thing due to the stresses of daily life.
By Aurora Wolf6 years ago in Psyche
Master Onion AKA The Alchemist
Master Onion aka Alchemist I am making a conscious effort to be bold, be courageous on my inner healing to trans mutational journey. I am on the path to becoming a master onion aka alchemist. My journey has been painful, liberating, hard, fun and rewarding. I have become an onion as I peel back the layers and rediscover myself. I’m on my quest and speaking my truth and owning it.
By Johnetta Cuff6 years ago in Psyche
Becoming Okay With Being Bipolar
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health disorder that is identified by the severe highs (known as mania) and lows (known as depression) in mood, affecting and causing changes in sleep, energy, cognition and thinking, and behaviour. There are two types of bipolar, type one and two, that are distinguished by the severity of the opposing moods. Those diagnosed with type two, like me, suffer only moderate highs called hypomania, though both mania and hypomania feature symptoms such as irritability, reckless behaviour(s), and risky, impulsive decision-making. Most people with bipolar disorder spend more time dealing with depressive moods than manic or hypomanic symptoms, but it can be debilitating when enduring symptoms of either of the two "poles". The time between the peaks in mood swings is relatively normal for those living with bipolar, which can lead others around the diagnosed to doubt or become frustrated with their seeming on-again-off-again attitude. There is no definitive cause for bipolar - though genes, stress, and brain changes are all considered factors. There is no limitation to those who may be and can be affected by it. Bipolar disorder is usually triggered in adolescence/young adulthood and can be hereditary in families. While both men and women are equally likely to become affected by it, women are more likely to experience rapid cycling (four or more mood episodes within a year) and also, on average, spend more time in depressive states than male counterparts. Many people with the condition abuse alcohol or other drugs when manic or depressed, though this is more prevalent with men, while others also have a significant change (either an increase or decrease) in their sex drive and sexual decisions overall. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have seasonal depression, co-existing anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
By Miranda Jaensch6 years ago in Psyche
The Safe Face of the Waves
The hot autumn days had relinquished their hold on the sun begrudgingly. At 5 pm the dried out, burnt orange of the pine trees were still visible in the glacially receding sunlight. The shimmering heat waves rising off the coils of black asphalt collided with the cool wind coming down the mountain, following the solid wall of rock carrying with it the scent of wild flowers growing on the other side in a distant valley. Only the elements were alive and moving in the early evening heat. All the living creatures were silent except for the steady clicking sound made by the grasshoppers as they rustled through the tall, dried grass on the side of the road and one other.
By Steve B Howard6 years ago in Psyche
What's An EMDR Session Like
What’s it like using EMDR in a therapy session to deal with a problematic incident? My therapy session starts like every other previous therapy session, with idle chat with my therapist about how my previous week was. The conversation has nothing to do at all with any of my previous incidents I have responded to and not even about the current things we’re working on. Regardless of the topic of conversation I immediately feel at ease and comfortable, a feeling that comes from being in this office with my therapist and at this welcoming judgement free clinic, my safe place. It’s a feeling I look forward to as I travel to my appointment even though I know how my session will end.
By Rob Leathen6 years ago in Psyche
