Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Little Motel
I've cleaned up my act for the time being. I am sober, I pay my bills on time, I remember to wash my hair, I don't smoke anymore, and have replaced most of my vices with a newfound love for Diet Coke. I’ve found that there’s not much sense in trying to get rid of vices altogether; they can just be substituted for something less offensive. It's not much to write home about, but it's a gentle and consistent existence. I say "for the time being" because I know there's still this creepy, mangled thing that lives inside of me. It is hibernating right now, but I know myself and I know that it's only a matter of time before I go back to my "old ways."
By Carrie Elizabeth Bice6 years ago in Psyche
Some Misconceptions About Psychotherapy That Need to Be Broken
In today’s haphazard world, where almost all are frustrated and stressed due to extensive work pressure and the complexities of modern day living, the tension and depression level keeps increasing day by day. With the concept of going “solo” ruling the roost, the need for psychotherapy is real! There are hundreds of individuals opting for suicides and drugs because of not being able to cope with these mounting pressures. There is always one person amongst five who is stressed out, and one in two who is depressed. With the seriousness of the situation, a psychotherapy help is the only thing that can grab you out from sinking in badly.
By Lauren Williamson6 years ago in Psyche
Coping with Depression
Before I understood what was happening, I found myself going through intense moments of silence. I don't mean quite literally, but in the times where I would lay in bed for hours for no reason, staring at the ceiling with empty thoughts, I knew it would spell trouble.
By Jessica Jane6 years ago in Psyche
Just the Beginning
Let's start with the basics. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with PTSD. For those who don't know what this means, PTSD is the abbreviation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's what occurs to a person after a traumatic event happens. It's pretty much the aftermath. My PTSD stems from childhood molestation and rape. Yes, it is hard to talk about all the time. Even writing that in this article somehow makes me feel extremely anxious. It's not something I've talked about with too many people. Most people find it too hard to hear about. So, for now, I would like to leave my childhood experiences at that.
By NauddieMills6 years ago in Psyche
Holidays with an Addict in the Family
This is our favorite time of year, celebrating holidays together with our immediate family and our extended family. We decorate, we bake, we invite everyone over, and we look forward to seeing everyone all dressed up. It is usually a whirlwind of activity getting ready for the holidays. However, yesterday, I heard something at a support meeting for families of addicts, that made me stop and think.
By Sarah Seas6 years ago in Psyche
Are You an Addict? 10 Signs You Need Help
Addiction and alcoholism have become increasingly common in our society. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million American adults battled a substance use disorder in 2017. Too often, people become addicted to a substance and are too wrapped up in their addiction to be able to recognize that their behavior is unhealthy. Because of this, it is important to look for the signs in your loved ones and in yourself.
By Kailey Fitzgerald6 years ago in Psyche
What Exactly Is Trauma
The effects of abuse and neglect: With the trauma-informed care movement, we have all heard that early childhood abuse and neglect impact brain development. Even exclusively psychological abuse has enduring negative effects on brain development. Physical, sexual, and psychological trauma in childhood may lead to psychiatric difficulties that show up in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. The victim’s anger, shame, and despair can be directed inward to spawn symptoms such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress, or directed outward as aggression, impulsiveness, delinquency, hyperactivity, and substance abuse.
By Debbie Parker6 years ago in Psyche
Working Towards Wellbeing
See the thing is, looking back now, I can clearly see that I have struggled a lot over the years. During my teens I was an unstoppable force of confused and exponentially destructive emotions. My early twenties; a constant sense of failure and social displacement. The lead up and aftermath of the birth of my daughter; a suffocating flood of anxiety and self doubt.
By Cassandra Carter6 years ago in Psyche
