Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Sitting on the bus, something I have done a thousand times at this point. Same stops, same people, pretty much the same driver. The environment around me hasn't changed and the day has started similarly to every other day. But today... today I can't seem to breathe normally. Shallow, swallowed, and paused. I start over. Breathe slower and deeper. I can't get control over my breathing. I feel my body stress and my mind starts to get involved.
By Steven Altman7 years ago in Psyche
My Battle with Myself
I sit here at 12:38 pm, typing away, the low rumble of my stomach a constant reminder of the uphill battle I face daily. It’s a common thing to not eat breakfast for some, a lot of us rush out the door without even considering our first morning meal. For me, it’s a little different—although many people try to excuse my behaviour as they “do it too!” as if to say it isn’t bad. It is, and always will be if you have ever been diagnosed with an eating disorder. I’ve spent the majority of the last five years hungry. Not hungry as in stomach rumbles, but like your whole abdomen feels like it’s been growing teeth, like you’re ready to faint, bones weak under the weight of a heavy crushing pressure of the atmosphere around you. You can’t breathe. Is it the air? Oh wait, you didn’t eat for seven hours again. The dizziness and the lack of ability to process the most basic tasks can stump even the most intelligent of people when malnourished.
By Megan Cowan7 years ago in Psyche
The Monster Within
Dealing with an ED sucks. It’s the hardest thing you may ever have to go through besides maybe cancer. Your child or friend or maybe its a parent have a little voice in their head telling them they are worthless, that they have no right to hold space on this earth. Not eating or purging is helping them to cope with the stress and anxiety that they feel. OCD is often very present along with other comorbidities. It’s a heck of a lot of fun. If you are lucky, you get health insurance to help cover some of the costs and then you still have the grocery shopping, cooking, driving and planning that is just about a constant job for however long it is going to take. In my case it’s my daughter and I am really hurting for her right now. The only thing I know to do is to keep going. I think it must be like alcoholism or drug addiction or any other behaviour that is harmful but giving a temporary feeling of control and relaxation. One day is good, one day is awful, like bipolar.
By Jacqueline Smith7 years ago in Psyche
Travelling with Anorexia
The title of this article may seem intriguing, may seem taboo, may even seem fake, and I hate all of those assumptions. The title "traveling with anorexia" should be just as out of the ordinary as "traveling with only one pair of shoes"—still somewhat intriguing, but not so much that you would take time out of your day to learn how the author travels with only one pair of shoes. And yet, it feels wrong for me to talk about this. Even in this broad and simple context, I feel like I am pushing a boundary; not one of my own, but that of someone else. I love talking about my mental illnesses and bringing awareness to them, but I'm always scared of offending someone else with my willingness to express myself through my stories of struggle. It's another article all in itself talking about how it feels "forbidden" to talk about a mental illness where it should be as simple as talking about shoes, but we'll get to that eventually.
By Bekah Boudreau7 years ago in Psyche
It's Time to Change the Ending
Let’s talk about some dirty words like depression, bipolar, PTSD, anxiety, suicide, and I could go on. Why are these dirty words you're asking? There is a stigma with these words, and no one wants to talk about them because of the ridicule, humiliation and nonstop judgment. Get a bar of soap and wash those filthy words out of your mouth.
By Scarlett Price7 years ago in Psyche
3 Ways to Know If a Mental Hospital Is Right for You
Are you considering a Mental Hospital as treatment? If so, this list is the right article for you. First, I want you to think about a mental hospital. What's the first thing that comes to mind? For me, its the scene from the film Good Burger. The barred windows, people walking around like zombies, looking completely disheveled, and admitting to being psychopaths. There were security guards, and people in there that were convinced they didn't need to be there. It all seemed realistic. Minus the outrageous dance scene of course. But what are they really like? Is it a place for everyone, or is it truly just for those who are "psychopaths?" Here are three simple ways to know if a mental hospital is the right treatment for you.
By Rachel Bonneval7 years ago in Psyche
Dealing with Anxiety
Please note: This article is not intended to diagnosis or prescribe a treatment for any mental or physical health issues. If you feel you may have an anxiety disorder or a physical health problem causing you anxiety, please see a qualified therapist and/or physician. If you have any health problems, which you believe may be aggravated by any of these exercises, please consult a physician before beginning these exercises.
By Holly Paine7 years ago in Psyche
A Word to Anti-Western Medicine People
The only tool I have to control anything is my medication. Every skill has to be tied into emotion. The second my emotions escape my control, I manifest my abilities in extreme ways. We all know that in the real world we have to maintain a cover, as well as hide our abilities in general. Using it on some people can outright scare the poor things to death. I worry about having any friends at all because I’m wondering how they will take my abilities. Around other pagans, I feel somewhat safe. Somehow my abilities have been a constant source of paranoia for me.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez7 years ago in Psyche
