Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Self Care and Depression
Depression hits hard. One day you're feeling normal and the next you don't want to get out of bed. This feeling can stay for days, weeks, and even months once it starts. The worst part is once the spiral starts, it's incredibly difficult to claw your way back up. There are some things you can do to try and keep yourself grounded to the world instead of just continually falling into depression.
By Amanda Batson7 years ago in Psyche
The R-Word Is Unacceptable Here or Anywhere
Dear Comedians, My name is Texxx-Man Cosplay and I'm not only a LGBTQ+ cosplayer, but I'm also a cosplayer with a disability. I was diagnosed with Autism, which is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior. My autism is mild, meaning that I may find work settings more challenging than an individual with greater language challenges but fewer sensory or social problems. Later on in my adult life, I was diagnosed with Aspergers. As a kid, I struggled to communicate with the other children and was isolated all the time. Now as an adult, I still feel isolated from my friends and everyone that supports and loves me. I still go through so many challenges daily like I did in my younger years.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 7 years ago in Psyche
A Tale of Gaslighting
When I was young and dumb, I met a guy that I immediately moved in with after knowing him for about three days. Now, "young and dumb" meant about two years ago since I'm still young, and still really dumb. I took this kindness as a stranger trying to help me out, then as a lover trying to do what's best for me. There was more to it, though, a predatory motive that, in hindsight, I should've seen right off the bat.
By Amanda Batson7 years ago in Psyche
And, Now, I'm 22
**Disclaimer: The following story is a true story. I plan to keep my stories and experiences as non-fiction as I can. This is an official trigger warning to anyone struggling with addiction, depression, suicide, etc. Please know that there is help and you are worth being here. Please know that even if I don't know you personally, I love you and you are loved.**
By Allyssa LeBel7 years ago in Psyche
How To Tell Your Parents You Are Depressed & Seek Help
The reality is simple. Depression is a silent killer. You're worried all the time, and it makes some of the easiest choices seem impossible. When you're dealing with depression, talking to your parents may be the last thing on your mind. However, they want to know so they can help. When considering whether or not to tell your parents you are depressed, you should remember that they have your best interest in mind. Talking about your feelings will prove helpful in the battle against your negative feelings.
By Brian McCann7 years ago in Psyche
Normalization of Anxiety in Society
In Manhattan, New York there is a space called the Theater District. It lies right next to Times Square and hosts countless plays and musicals. Right now at the Music Box theater, you will find a show called Dear Evan Hansen. This show touches on themes of mental health and social acceptance within yourself and in your community.
By Bec Breeze7 years ago in Psyche
Fat Shaming and Colorism
What I have begun to realize and even started to study since I have been in Haiti is the complexes which people face. I’ve realized that many Haitian people put unnatural amounts of thought into very old, American, ideals of beauty. What concerns me more is not what they are focused on, but why they are still focused on these clearly outdated ways of thinking. I’m not sure if it is lack of exposure to information that keeps these ideals running, but I have started to explain that things in the Western world are different. Not only am I comfortable with my body image and weight, but I am comfortable in my skin as well. I think part of the colorist complex comes from the notion that black is a dark color and not understood as a race or culture.
By Alyssa Renee7 years ago in Psyche
Part of My Struggle
So in February I finally made it to 18—13- and 14- year-old me didn't think I would make it this far. At those ages I was starting to be diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses, my dad was officially disabled, we had to move out of my childhood home and into my abusive aunt's house, my mom went to college and was gone most of the time taking classes, and I was forced to do a lot of the work on my aunt's ranch.
By Ashley Vandersteen7 years ago in Psyche
