Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

Day 1: Sundays Suck When You Are Depressed
I've been wanting to start a blog about my mental wellness journey and seeing an ad for this site seemed like a sign that it was beyond time to start it. You have already missed so many fun times. Not really but a lot of stuff that I feel like is important to share and shed light on. Seeing as I have not been able to get out of bed yet, I'll start this one with a little background.
By Ashley Berryhill6 years ago in Psyche
We Got Wicked Problems
Give me 30 years and I will change your mind: Recently, a colleague shared a thought-provoking article with me. The title of the article was “This is how long it takes to change the world.” It was written by Yancey Strickler, who is a cofounder of the crowd funding site: Kickstarter. As the title suggests, this article set out to dispel the myths surrounding macro-level change. In the article, Mr. Strickler provides a realistic view of what is required to “change the world”. The author calls this a “substantive change” and describes it in the following manner:
By Richard L6 years ago in Psyche
Suicide, Dissected
A couple of disclaimers before we start. 1. This is not graphic in any way. It is about the mental state that leads up to suicide and the mental processes behind it. There is no discussion of methods or anything remotely like that.
By zach j. payne6 years ago in Psyche
Victim Turns Abuser
Its a sad sad world we live in when people are brutally and willingly harmed by others. It will never stop. Hopefully overtime it will decrease if mankind can find love and compassion to support others.
By Susan Martin Dalzell6 years ago in Psyche
Almost Conquered
Here we go again, another relapse. Why is it so hard to be good and so easy to spiral out of control. 8 months after going to my first Holiday Inn rehab, 28 days, really? Just an extended vacation to curb the withdrawal and start mixing the concrete that you will use for your foundation and then graduation! The excitement of being whole again, the gratitude for friends and family. Inspiration comes back, laughter comes back, and what is this..... Emotions..... why does it feel so good to cry and why are they so elevated? Why am I all of a sudden this easily read open book to whomever would like to read it? Actually you know what, I don’t care because this is my fresh start, my new beginning. I was once a prisoner in hell that suddenly escaped and now I am running as fast as I can away from it all.
By Christoph W6 years ago in Psyche
Life or Death
ADHD, Major Depression, Major Anxiety and Social Anxiety. Those are my medical diagnoses. I can't post a picture from a test or procedure to show you what it looks like. I can't explain to you how anyone else with these diagnoses feels. It's not the same for everyone.
By Jennah Wittenbarger6 years ago in Psyche
7 Things Recovering Addicts Wish You Wouldn’t Say
Most of us have an addict or alcoholic in our lives that we love dearly and want nothing more than to provide them with the help they need. So why do we say the things we do? The language we use when we refer to addicts and the things we say directly to them can greatly impact their self-worth and even their hope of recovering. Sometimes we may be unintentionally contributing to the stigma that keeps our loved ones sick through the words we say.
By Kailey Fitzgerald6 years ago in Psyche
Sleep Paralysis: The Demon in Your Bedroom
At some point of our life, we’ve all woken up from a nightmare, obviously terrified and shook up, but then realize it wasn’t real. But imagine waking up and living that nightmare. Imagine seeing a creature in your bedroom looking at you, but not being able to move or yell for help. This is what people with Sleep Paralysis experience nightly.
By Nella6 years ago in Psyche
Surviving the Holidays with Mental Illness
For many, the holidays are a time of love, joy and celebration. Filled with smiles, family, and good food. For me and many people with mental illness, it can be the worst time of year. Full of expectations, reflecting on the past year and having therapists on vacation.
By the.unstable.sibling6 years ago in Psyche
How Journaling Can Be Therapeutic
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a diagnosable mental illness. More than 25 percent of college students have been diagnosed or treated by a professional for a mental health condition within the past year.
By Nella6 years ago in Psyche
Highlight Reels vs. Behind the Scenes
I can’t stand people who excessively post on social media. These people always have a Snapchat story up, frequently posting a shot on Instagram and are always on their phones. My cousin is the perfect example. If you looked at my cousin’s social media profiles, you would think her life is the best ever. There’s always pictures of her and her friend’s parties, artsy photos of her food, and perfectly executed selfies. She always has the right pose, smile, outfit and gets loads of likes and people commenting on how beautiful she is and how they “want to be her.” Her life looks like a chapter out of a fairytale. However, social media doesn’t always show the whole story.
By Nella6 years ago in Psyche
Self Awareness and Depression
As we get older and start racking up life experiences, we tend to lose sight of our true selves. Our innocence and self love can either get washed away in an instance by one terrifying event, or over the course of years of non-stop second guessing the choices we make each day.
By Anna Jordan Medina6 years ago in Psyche