Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Mental Health Journey
Where did it all begin? Well, that’s a long story. So I suppose I should get started. The first signs began when I was in high school. I was only 14 years old, but I was told that at 14-year-old girl can’t be depressed because they don’t even know what depression is.
By Everybody Hurts8 years ago in Psyche
Suffocating Silently
Let me start by saying that my anxiety was manageable at first. Sure things would give me panic attacks, but I knew how to avoid them and what I needed to do to take care of my anxiety issues. I use to view myself as a survivor. Thinking that if I could get thru what I had already than nothing else mattered. What I mean by that is…my mother had abandoned me, I dealt with child abuse of every variety you could imagine, and then just when I thought it was over I had lost my chance at college due to funding.
By Alyssa Horn8 years ago in Psyche
My Strange Addiction
Trichotillomania. I don’t expect you will have heard of this before. I’m yet to meet anyone who is familiar with the word, or indeed, the condition. That’s partly because I’ve never spoken openly about my own personal affliction with this “disorder.”
By Anika Heale8 years ago in Psyche
Noises in My Head
Self-Doubt Mental health has become a hot-button topic for most people in today's society. I see posts from my friends almost on a daily basis saying that they're so depressed that they can't sleep at night; that their thoughts keep them awake and affects their days and it continues in a vicious cycle. Only recently have I stopped denying that I, too, suffer with this.
By Angela Cash8 years ago in Psyche
When It Feels like You're a Walking DSM-5
In December 2016, I started anti-depressants. In July 2017, I saw a psychologist for a psychological evaluation. I began 2018 by having yet another suicidal crisis and checked myself into an inpatient facility for the first time. I had initially thought my sickness was just two things, depression, and anxiety, but it went much deeper than that. I went in wholly convinced that I would get on the anti-depressants my doctor gave me and be right as rain shortly after that.
By Margot Smith8 years ago in Psyche
20 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Drink Some Tea and Wind Down: Hot tea has been proven to help with stress and anxiety. Also, it is supposed to improve happiness. Wind Down With Some Music or a Book: Just sit up in your bed and chill with a good book, or listen to peaceful music. Or even jamming out to your favorite songs can help you feel better. Put Down That Phone: Sure, checking Insta is great, but sometimes taking a break from your phone will make you feel more relaxed. Color: I know this sounds crazy, but coloring promotes relaxation! So grab an adult coloring book and some colored pencils and you're set! Make Sure You're Getting Enough Sleep: Sometimes when I don't sleep at night I get stressed easily. So make sure that you get at least eight hours of sleep or more if you can. And if you're having trouble sleeping, try eating some oatmeal, or melatonin sleep drinks. Go Outside: If you're feeling stressed, go walk the dog. Or if you don't have a dog just go for a walk. Sometimes just playing a little outside can help. The sun is a great source of Vitamin D. This can not only improve your mental health but your physical health. Eat: Okay, I know what you're thinking. But some foods have been proven to increase happiness. Including, dark chocolate, eggs, honey, and greek yogurt. If you don't like any of these, don't worry, these are only a few of the foods that make you happy. Write in a Journal: Everyday, write two things you're grateful for. This helps you look at positive things rather than negative. Take a Bath: Taking a relaxing, warm bath once a week, makes you feel less stressed. Also, throw in the Epsom salts, and lavender. Epsom salts help relieve aches and pains. Lavender is known for its relaxing effects on the body. Spend Time with an Animal: Spending time with animals reduces the stress hormone, and stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don't own an animal, volunteer at a shelter. Pick Up a New Hobby: Find a hobby that you like to do and that makes you happy. If you find something you like to do, you'll be happier. Spend Time Alone: Take some time for yourself. If you're always around people, you really need to take some time and enjoy being alone. Do Yoga: Doing Yoga, is proven to calm people down. So if you're ever feeling stressed, sign up for a yoga class. Take Care of Yourself: If you maintain good hygiene, and you take care of your body, you'll be more confident and feel better about yourself. Surround Yourself with Inspiring Quotes: This could mean decorating your room with inspiring quotes that you'll see everyday. Or you can get one of those inspiring daily apps. Surround Yourself with Positive People: You know the saying " Who you hang out with is who you become."? By being friends with positive people, there will be more positive energy in your life than negative. Set Goals: By setting goals, you are creating something to work for. Write them down, and figure out what you need to do to reach those goals. Smile: Doctors have proven that smiling reduces stress, even if it's fake. Also, smiling makes others happier! Eat healthy: Eating healthy can help you feel better, and improve emotional health. So next time, skip the ice cream and go for the fruit! Spend Time with Friends and Family: Spending time with the people you love helps boost happiness and reduce stress. And, who doesn't love spending time with family?
By Katherine Silvers8 years ago in Psyche
Growth Is Non-Linear
Picture an outward moving spiral circling, growing larger, like a ripple in a body of water. At the top of this spiral is joy and at the bottom is depression. Traveling through this spiral, momentum builds as you reach the top. The view is infinite, and your hopes the same, but on the way down you plummet quickly and deeply into hopelessness.
By Ellen Tran8 years ago in Psyche
There Are No Words for Loss
They say life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment you're making coffee and the next you're on the floor with your expensive mascara staining your cheeks and the soft white rug that you've always loved. My moment came by a phone call.
By Austin Susanne8 years ago in Psyche
Three Crazy Things You Experience With Junkies
Adventures can be thrilling, until they’re terrifying. For instance, take the undertaking of sharing your space with a junkie. Back that up, you are sharing your house with a friendly lady that turns out to be a psychotic addict. Some of you have been there. For those of you that have escaped the destruction and the PTSD, Hollywood has been alerting you for years. You can’t say that they didn’t warn you. You might dismiss Tinsel Town as delusional fantasy, but they know junkies.
By Dave Rauschenfels8 years ago in Psyche
