Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
How Electroconvulsive Therapy Changed My Life
I am currently undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Yes, the famously controversial treatment that everyone seems to fear, even people on here. Well, I have recently come to a conclusion that is quite big for me.
By Alexandra Amethyst8 years ago in Psyche
My Hometown + Depression
When I Was 10 I moved to Harker Heights, Texas, leaving my birthplace and hometown of Austin. Let me be clear when I say that, like a move is for most 10-year-olds, it was devastating. This hour drive meant leaving the best place on Earth, my very own Eden and moving to a desolate wasteland of suburbia in a deep dark corner of hell. By this time I wasn’t even a stranger to the whole packing up and starting over routine. I’d already done it four or five times. I’d been all over Texas, across state lines and overseas. But all roads always lead back to Austin. This move, however, even at that age, felt different. The permanence was obvious. From the custom build to the close proximity to a Veteran’s Affairs Hospital that my grandfather desperately needed, everything about this house and move was meticulously planned. This was my grandparents’ retirement home.
By Devon Rooks8 years ago in Psyche
How 'Supernatural' Changed My Life!
About three years ago I was very shy, and I didn't really reach out to people that much. I was afraid of people, I didn't even like leaving my house because back then I was so worried about what people might think or say about me.
By Elizabeth Trillo8 years ago in Psyche
Unsocially Social
Social anxiety has never been something I really thought was always apart of me. Which is kind of shocking to think so. You see all my life I was the introverted one -the "shy" one. Most often then not I was the quiet one that loved to help when she could. To those that were close knew me as the one that you had to convince a little to leave her room because she rather be alone then in a crowd of people. You had to inform her before hand that there would be people she did not know so she could prepare herself. Or of places there would be crowds in general. Hated talking on the phone because hearing the voice but not being able to read the body language makes her uncomfortable. What if the person on the other end was hiding their feelings?! She just preferred face to face contact if anything. She also has a bad habit of washing her hands after shaking hands with people. She would go through half a bottle of hand sanitizer in a day if you let her. She was crazy in the context that she was willing to always try new things. She found hugging was easier as it allowed others into her space forcibly so she was able to find them okay to be around. She was a social mess but could hide it well for others not to worry if she felt she had too. She never wanted to e the partypooper so she never really wanted to go to the party.
By Aerianna Ray8 years ago in Psyche
Left My Job After Five Months. Here’s Why That’s Totally Okay
Yup — after just a few months, I called it quits. This was despite the fact that they just opened a 401k plan. Despite receiving a generous year-end bonus. Despite finally finding an office where I actually liked the people. Despite the potential and room for growth. Despite all of it — I left.
By Jessica Goldman8 years ago in Psyche
Battling Depression
When I was fifteen years old my mother was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and a cirrhosis of the liver. She was in need of a transplant and placed on the list. This was the beginning of what has become a long battle of depression for me. She was in and out of the hospital and my little brother and I were left at the mercy of our step-father. My mother was permanently hospitalized until she received her transplant when I was sixteen, it was then my stepfather began molesting my brother and I. It was maybe the most difficult time of my life. Not because he was abusing me, my brother was four and I was unable to protect him. I felt as the eldest sibling I should have been able to save him from the monster in our home. He would scream at me when I would try to stop him, no matter how hard I fought. Locking my brother and me in my room so we could have some peace, but we inevitably would have to emerge.
By Lela Harris8 years ago in Psyche
Mental Health Discord Helped Me Recover from Mental Illness. Top Story - June 2018.
I spent the majority of this year looking for support groups for those living with mental health disorders. When I couldn't find a support group that aligned with my needs, I decided to create a mental health discord server where I could meet others with similar issues. I call it The House of Misfits, and use it as a space where those with mental health disorders could vent and support each other during the dark times.
By Fiona Mayhem8 years ago in Psyche
Monsters in My Head
She could still hear his voice in her head. That perfect raspy tenor that made butterflies form in her stomach every time that old memory crept in. She could hear the harsh words that he had shouted at her, more out of worry than anger. It was the same words every single time she thought about him, the last words he had ever spoken to her.
By Meredith Philbrook8 years ago in Psyche
"I Think Something Is Wrong..."
DISCLAIMER: I am not a psychologist and I am writing from personal experience. This is NOT to be used as a diagnostic tool but a stepping stone to better mental health habits and is a biography rather than a step by step process. Please do not neglect if you believe you have D.I.D, contact a psychologist and or go to GoodTherapy.org
By The Rainbow Ram8 years ago in Psyche
What Social Media Thinks It Knows
In today’s world, many young people are facing struggles with their mental health—with 10-20 percent of youth being affected by a mental illness. I can say that before I knew anything about what it meant to have mental health concerns I was living with it. The Oxford Dictionary definition of mental health is; a person’s condition regarding their psychological and emotional well-being. Society has put a stigma on it, so how are people that are currently struggling supposed to feel? It’s not like we woke up one day and decided that this is how we wanted to live our lives. I didn’t ask to live with depression or suicidal thoughts, but events in my life have led me to this place. I knew that I was feeling lost and alone in my world, and I feared the person I was becoming. I didn’t have any of the tools I needed, or to even know where to start. I struggled with feeling like I was the only person going through this. I felt like I was living on a roller coaster, and I didn’t know how to get off. I felt trapped in my own body. This time last year I hit rock bottom. I didn't know where to go. My world was a dark hole that I couldn't escape. The colorful parts of life were fading away; however, twelve months later I have done a complete flip with my life.
By Kelsey Waddle8 years ago in Psyche
