Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
7 Signs Your Loved One Has an Addiction
In the unfortunate even that you suspect your loved one is facing drug addiction, your mind goes a million miles an hour. But in the midst of all of it, how do you know for sure? One surefire way is to get them to take a drug test, but approaching them out of nowhere to have them do that is a way to cause issues between the two of you. So, what do you need to look for?
By Savana Verret8 years ago in Psyche
Polar Bears
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and a severe anxiety disorder. When I initially got the news, I was in disbelief and denied everything. I had never noticed there really was anything wrong with me. I didn't spend money, like a rockstar, that I don’t have, I didn't have delusions or mood swings, and I handled myself well around people. I’ve worked since I was sixteen-years-old, went to college and made the dean's list and landed a really great job in a career I love: mental health and addictions. It seemed a natural choice, because I grew up watching people drink and use drugs daily, including my mother. I have a knack for working with people who experience mental health issues and issues with addiction, so that’s where I gravitated. I have complications with addiction myself and have worked very, very hard to get where I am.
By Leah Burton8 years ago in Psyche
6 Reasons Why Mental Health Is a Priority Around the Holidays
Mental health is something many people shy away from acknowledging and even sharing its influence. Adding Christmas, a time of giving and spending time with loved ones while laughter should be filling the air, to a mental health sufferer causes more Scrooges than Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and more stigmas.
By Mario Castelli8 years ago in Psyche
Hopelessness vs. Suicide – What’s the Difference?
In my work as a therapist, some people feel the need to say, “I’m not suicidal. I just didn’t have a purpose to live.” Another statement I hear is, “I’m not sure why I’m still here. Don’t worry I’m not suicidal, I’m just having a hard time finding my way in life.” Even though people are seeking mental health services and are cooperative, there is a fear or hesitation of being seen as suicidal. It might be the fear that they are crazy and have to go to a hospital for weeks and be away from their lives. It could be the fear that their employer can find out and use it against them at work. The fear is real since the labels of crazy or insane are negative ones. Our society also has a long way to go in providing the necessary support, acceptance, and services for those with mental illness.
By Eva Gordon8 years ago in Psyche
Frustrations
I like to think I am a laid-back, carefree girl. This is not true. Not. At. All. I have many irritations throughout the day: Being startled awake by knocking at my door; repetition of my alarm; slow people on the road; rude people in general; disrespect to anyone's personal life; constant swearing; disrespect to anyone's religion; singing words wrong. I could make a whole list of the little pet peeves and irritations I have during the day. Everyone has things that annoy them of course, but it's important to not let these things stop us from living our life. If we are too focused on the things that limit us, we will never be able to live up to our full potential. So the solution? Think of all the wonderful things that are in this world. Can't think of any? I'll give you a list.
By Emily Wright8 years ago in Psyche
When Homelessness Gives Hope
Once upon a time, giving money to strangers was a rarity for me. I preferred to donate to charities that I had screened so I knew the money wasn’t going for a nefarious purpose. So the night my friends and I decided to go shopping downtown, I never expected to part with a cent that wasn’t for a Christmas gift.
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Psyche
How Mindfulness Has Improved the Treatment of Mental Illness
The subject of this writing is to highlight the research and improvements that have been discovered regarding becoming self-aware, practicing self-care, and implementing self-correction. Focus is on the importance of mindfulness in the treatment of mental health and how it benefits the therapist and the client, as well as the positive life changes that come from self-discovery.
By Erin J. Hochstein NCPT8 years ago in Psyche
Past to Present
One day there was a girl who thought she put her past behind her and moved forward. Until one day everything changed. Twenty-seven year old Nicole graduated from college. She earned her undergraduate degree and her doctorate in psychology. She wanted to become a therapist for kids. She had a life connection of growing up with no parents. She spent seven years in college and Nicole was positive that this is what she wanted to be. She wanted to help kids that didn't have parents.
By Cade Bowen8 years ago in Psyche
Be Aware of Your Thoughts
The first piece I wrote “As Within, So Without” was about realizing that you create your own reality and that everything on the outside reflects what is on the inside. If you have come to a place where you can resonate with that a bit, then the next step is to learn to become aware of your thoughts. Our thoughts are powerful. Thoughts are energy in motion. Thoughts are things.
By Melissa Matheson8 years ago in Psyche
