Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

Getting Through the Rough Days
Everyone has rough days, but having anxiety on top of those rough days can make life seem impossible. Anxiety makes it harder to leave those bad days in the past. We dwell, rethink, and overanalyze every aspect and try to determine exactly what went wrong. I often find myself thinking that I could have done better, or that if I had just done something differently the day would have gone more smoothly. Well it's time to leave that mindset in the dust! Below are a few tips to help you deal with the bad days.
By Haley Grimm7 years ago in Psyche
Sleep Paralysis
I remember one night, I was having a hard time falling asleep for whatever reason. I didn’t remember falling asleep, but I suddenly opened my eyes and it was dark, and it was just the worst feeling. I realized I couldn’t move my arms or my legs. I was frozen. I couldn't cry. I couldn’t scream. I was so afraid of what was happening. From the corner of my eye, I saw a pair of feet at the door—it wasn’t a good feeling. My eyes were so fixed on them, I wondered who it was, until the door opened and I realized what was happening. I thought I was crazy, or maybe I was just having the worst nightmare, but it felt so real to me. I was so aware of my surroundings and I felt so awake. My door just opened slowly and it was completely dark but I saw a black figure just staring at me. It came closer and closer, and at this point I just wanted to pass out. I wanted to wake up but my body refused. As it came closer and closer, I woke up. And that was my first sleep paralysis experience.
By H S7 years ago in Psyche
Having Depression Means Self-Care Is a Must
It’s been said over and over, “take care of yourself.” Most of us hear it almost on the daily. The statement is true however, for everyone—but for people with mental health disorders, “take care of yourself” is quite a hard act to follow.
By Sierra Lynn7 years ago in Psyche
Seasonal Depression
I was telling someone the other day that it's "depression season." It is sad to say, but it truly is. During the holidays we tend to fill our lives with the joy that the holidays are supposed to bring. Advertising tells us to buy, buy, buy. Create those moments of romance, love and connection. But for some people it is a constant reminder that they are facing something else. That things have changed since the last holiday, the romance, love and connections are being divided; they are facing divorce, separation or loss. Depression is not always chemical, and it does not always look the same on each person. Neither does hope; we all find ways to keep what is bothering us hidden deep where we think people won’t see it, but before it decides to explode into actions that are not even related to the real reason, we need to take the steps to identify what needs to change. Right now, we need to find a way to change the "depression season" and find hope, faith and new traditions. How do we find those positives when we are constantly bombarded with what we don't have, what we lost and what we would like to have?
By Hm Weimar7 years ago in Psyche
Desperate for the Need to Rise
I live in Seattle. That means during the winter it will rain almost every day, and the sun doesn't rise until after 7 AM and sets at 4 PM. This is only November, so as the year progresses towards the solstice, the daylight hours will only get shorter. I work extremely long hours as well, so I am in darkness for two to four hours before the sun rises, and am often at work four to six hours after it sets. During the winter months, I live my life in the damp dark embrace of my city. I love it here and wouldn't trade even this for anywhere else in the world. But on days like today, weeks like this week, when sleep is a precious commodity I am not taking advantage of, and the worries of my mind press close, it is hard to be cheerful in the absence of the light. I am sure that there are others struggling similarly, and so I thought I would give you five things that help me stay afloat—when the world goes dark and the only constant is the rain.
By Paige Graffunder7 years ago in Psyche
When Suicide Takes a Loved One
When I was 14 and a freshman in high school, there was a new girl in my class. We'll call her Lynn. She was my age; just a month older than me, actually. To be honest with you, I don't remember if we had any classes together, and I don't remember how exactly I'd met her. And she suffered from depression. Depression bad enough, that though she was on medication and had tried several different coping mechanisms, therapists, etc., she still succeeded in taking her own life. I was 17 and a senior in high school when it happened. I'd like to offer some coping techniques for those whom have had a loved one succeed in taking their own life.
By Kristin Lee7 years ago in Psyche
Barriers to Mental Health Care for Mental Health Professionals. Top Story - November 2018.
The sad truth is that there are often considerable barriers for anyone to access mental health care. There are also some unique barriers that those who work as mental health care providers must face. As a mental health nurse, this has made things extra complicated for me when seeking out treatment.
By Ashley L. Peterson7 years ago in Psyche
Life of an Addict (Pt. 4)
I'm getting a little ahead of myself. Let me go back to where and when, I decided to take the road to ruin. I was a good child brought up by two wonderful parents. I have a sister who is seven years my senior that I loved to terrorize when I was young. But, we were very close throughout our lives. I made good grades in school and was even put into an honors class in the fifth grade because I tested extremely high in the IQ test I was given at that time. I'm sure I was the last of my peers, anyone would have thought would end up going through the things I have.
By Fellow Knee7 years ago in Psyche
How I Overcame My Anxiety
I’ve always struggled since I was young with mental health issues. I never knew what was actually wrong with me. I thought that I was different from everyone else and that I was an issue for my family.
By Aiden Brown7 years ago in Psyche
Do You Suspect an Eating Disorder?
Does your child have an eating disorder? Is your child beginning to withdraw or act strangely? Has your child stopped spending time with friends?
By Jacqueline Smith7 years ago in Psyche
Revving Up
It's time again. Time again. November through December time again. My mind begins to race. Thoughts racing in and out. Revving up for this time of year. This time of year. The fight to control those damn emotional triggers that are so very hard to not feel. My senses are on fire. I feel my body try to fight what my mind feels it needs. This time of year I want to feel numb. No, I do not wish to exist!
By Wendy Niffenegger7 years ago in Psyche
Living with Anxiety (and Friends that Don’t Understand It)
I’ve always been an anxious child—swimming lessons consisted of me sitting on the side crying until it was time to go home. Secondary school was fine, other than the obvious reasons to be anxious: Exams, sports day, etc.
By Zoe Newton7 years ago in Psyche