Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
My Life as an Alcoholic: Entry 2
As I mentioned in my previous publication, I plan to release excerpts from the sobriety journal I kept when I was seeking treatment for my debilitating alcoholism just two short years ago in 2016. I'm proudly two years and six months sober and continue to maintain my lifestyle and learn more and more about myself in fascinating and at times mundane ways. Here is entry number two in my journey.
By Henry Sheperd7 years ago in Psyche
U-turn (Pt. 1)
To resemble any person’s story is to start from the roots of it all. Growing up, it was not the typical Chinese family nor was I being submerged in loving and kindness. My father was a single dad divorced when I was four. A four-year-old not truly knowing the meaning of days, let alone being stripped away from my biological mother. Moving to the United States was the plan for my father since I was his care now. At the age of eight, I came to Los Angeles with boxes of trauma and trembling heart. However far away from my birth town and mother, the images of my father beating my mother were still encapsulated into my head while trying to adjust to things around me, the culture shocks!
By Aiyan Turley7 years ago in Psyche
When Muted Emotions Give Relief
It might sound a little bizarre at first, how can dampened emotions provide any kind of relief? Why would you welcome that "nothing zone" from depression where all you do is function? There’s no sparkle, no raison d’être; you retreat within your walls and go through the motions waiting for feeling and enjoyment to return. You wait to live instead of exist, so how could this also be a tonic?
By Alicia Brunskill7 years ago in Psyche
5 Must Read Mental Illness Novels
Mental illness affects more than 50 percent of people by the age of 50, and those are only the number of people who seek help. That means a lot more are affected. In our lives we'll be personally inflicted by, or know someone who suffers from, mental illness.
By Amanda Rose7 years ago in Psyche
My Life as an Alcoholic: Entry 1
I've decided to share my very personal struggle with alcoholism and type out excerpts from my sobriety journal for the first time. This will be a multiple-entry project, and is intended in no way, shape or form to glorify a very real and DEADLY affliction that, unfortunately, afflicts millions of lives on a daily basis. I'm hoping maybe my story will act as a stepping stone for a much bigger conversation for any fellow alcoholics out there. You are not alone in your struggles. I'm two years and six months sober and have moments where I question my will and strength. But I choose to not drink every single day because I know even one sip will send me right back to where I was before, and that thought frightens me more than anything else. This is my story. My name is Henry. I'm 26 years old and am a recovering alcoholic.
By Henry Sheperd7 years ago in Psyche
Adult Separation Anxiety and Leaving a Controlling Religion
The Holy Bible is, in my mind, a very cathartic and meaningful book. I do not feel any resentment towards the book over the way religion and the rueful exiting of religion has left me damaged. I am nothing but a believer in the bible and it's valuable truths regarding how to be a kind, loving, and humble person on the earth today. I have strong faith in the morals taught from this book, and I believe that if humankind were to take these morals to heart, then the world be a much better home for us all.
By Via Writes7 years ago in Psyche
Depression
I saw a few different therapists throughout my life. First, for the childhood trauma that I suffered, and the nightmares it caused—with no positive results. The next was after my daughter was killed, and again, no results. I saw another counselor after my youngest two girls were removed from my custody, same results. Frustration had set in. I lost faith that I would ever find the help I truly needed. My depression was so bad that it debilitated me, left me unable to work, so I applied for disability. In the application process, I was asked to receive a mental health evaluation, which led me to search for yet another counselor. This one would prove to be my savior! He gave me the tools I needed to be capable of managing my depression on my own. Not only to manage it, but to recognize when it is setting in. So, I am going to pass this knowledge on to you, with the hopes that it helps you as well.
By Michelle Frank7 years ago in Psyche
Find What Makes You Human
In the film, Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence’s character Tiffany describes herself as “not a very good dancer” but that “it’s therapy and it’s fun.” The first time I saw the film, this line spoke to me. I related to her, because it made her depression a bit more bearable. I have a YouTube channel, where I’ve talked a few times about self care, and found myself using this sentiment as advice recently. I found myself advising people to find a passion to help them through anxiety. Writing had basically saved my sanity and honing it has been the best medicine. But who was going to see that? My channel has 52 subscribers and averages 15 views per video, so who was I really talking to?
By Emilia Boone7 years ago in Psyche
