Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Social Media Vs. Mental Health
It was just a feeling, not even a thought that I was aware of. Just a feeling that started to physically determine itself in long nights that attacked my ability to sleep and relax. With each turn of my shoulder, each smarting, blink of my eyes, and a little less sleep one thought would be followed by another and then another until my head was full of uncontrollable pictures of the past and of the future.
By Lesley Anne Armour8 years ago in Psyche
Obesity + Depression
Outside of my depressive episodes, the only time I am self-conscious is when I’m with my family. Its hard enough feeling worthless when the actions of people you love seem to validate those feelings. I’ve gone back and forth for years caring and not caring about what my family feels about me but being home for the summer has seemed to both heal old wounds and open new ones. The latest obsession my family has with me is my weight. Now, I’ve always been big. I was always a fat kid and for awhile, I was the “oh, I just want to eat his cheeks” fat. Then I was the “damn, what are you feeding this kid, he’s gonna make a great linebacker” fat. By the end of middle school I was “kids make fun of him because of his size” fat.
By Devon Rooks8 years ago in Psyche
The Panic Room
If I were to be asked the question, "What does a common panic attack feel like from your perspective?" I would say, "It is kind of like being left outside, overnight, during a winter's storm. When you realize that you are locked out of your home, the loneliness truly starts to become a reality. The adrenaline now begins to fade away and your frostbitten fingers tips are tingling. Suddenly, fear is my best friend and I begin to lose air in my lungs." Here I am once again alone with nothing but rampant thoughts and claustrophobia because in that moment, I am vulnerable. A quick life lesson here... you will make it through this visit to the Panic Room and you will learn to shut off those rampant thoughts.
By James Brownback8 years ago in Psyche
The Journey of Learning to Love Myself, Pt. 1: The Dark Place & the Turning Point
Growing up we all have an innate desire to be loved and accepted by those around us. That is simply who we are as people. It is a scientifically proven fact that those people who feel loved and accepted are healthier and happier people. What happens though when we find that those around us telling us they love us aren't being real and that we hate ourselves just as much as they supposedly love us? These thoughts were and still are a constant everyday struggle for me starting in the beginning of eighth grade and continuing into much of my teen and adult life. There are plenty of people out there who struggle with their self-worth and loving who they are and so I hope that an insight into my journey that has lead me to who I am today, and the words and phrases I discovered for myself or were shared with me along the way can possibly help someone else who is feeling lost, broken, and alone.
By Stacie Foster8 years ago in Psyche
Pregnancy Cured My Borderline Personality Disorder
So, in February of this year, I was prescribed a magnificent medication called Sertraline (or Zoloft). Now a couple of weeks into taking it, I was on top of an eight-story building ready to jump. I was going through a really bad time in my life and I was just ready to finish it all.
By Shaye Goodenough8 years ago in Psyche
Fear of Disappointment
For me, disappointment often breeds disappointment. The fear of not fulfilling expectations is disappointing in and of itself. The idea that you fear how others perceive your challenges is disheartening. The anxiety of being worried about disappointing someone makes you feel disappointed in yourself. It's a brutal cycle that once you're stuck in, it seems like you'll never win.
By Sabrina Benzies8 years ago in Psyche
