Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

Plans Changing With Borderline Personality Disorder
Those with BPD can be impulsive. We may go out and spend all our money on new clothes. We may gamble it all away. We might suddenly decide to drive down a motorway at 3 o clock in the morning without a seatbelt.
By Shaye Goodenough8 years ago in Psyche
Medicated: My Life on ADHD Medication
I was diagnosed with inattentive type attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when I was 11 years old in South Carolina by a local psychologist. My parents were desperate for answers of why their daughter, who was an average student with good grades, was failing the seventh grade and facing summer school if things remained unchanged. Once the diagnosis came the meds came soon after.
By Sierra George8 years ago in Psyche
3 Ways I Cope with Anxiety
Anxiety. Many define this as, “a feeling of nervousness or extreme worry and unease about an event with an uncertain outcome.” I define anxiety as an interference to living my life normally, and constantly feeling like I’m falling into pavement ground over and over. While I haven't quite found a well-defined way to completely rid this disastrous feeling, I have some methods that help me cope—key word being "cope." These are personalized to me and though it isn't a surefire way to be less anxious, I am sharing this to help someone who may be in the same position as I am. The following are three ways I cope with anxiety.
By Maryam Hassan8 years ago in Psyche
Silence Is Golden
The holiday season is upon us once again, and I find myself plagued with the annual dilemma of how to handle sending my sister a Christmas present. Last year it was easy; I just ordered something off of Amazon, and had it shipped to her with a gift receipt. I figured that was easy enough - how hard could it be to please a seven year-old? The year before that, I had just moved out and money was tight, and sending a heartfelt card seemed sufficient enough to let her know that I love and think about her (without breaking the bank). But this year... this year would be significantly tougher. I know that if I send my sister a present, or even reach out to her in any way, I'd have to deal with a whole new monster -- my mother, who at this point is at the bottom of the list of people I'd like to be in contact with.
By Lea Hodge8 years ago in Psyche
My Personal Coping Techniques for Anxiety
It is important to note that everyone will have an experience with anxiety at some point in their life. Whether you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or you only experience anxiety in certain situations, everyone needs a way to cope. The techniques listed below are a small number of methods I personally use to control my anxiety, rather than it control me. Keep in mind these techniques are not a magical solution that will somehow instantly resolve your anxiety. By continuously practicing coping techniques over time you'll see a gradual decrease in anxiety levels. Not all techniques are suited to each person. In order to figure out which ones work for you, it's important to try as many as possible and not become discouraged if certain ones do not help you. Everyone will have a coping method that works for them and in some cases even multiple.
By Kale8 years ago in Psyche
Sixteen and Diagnosed With PTSD
Personally, whenever I hear someone say "PTSD," my mind immediately thinks of the courageous men and women who have served the country, or at least I used, too. Don't get me wrong, I still associate it with war. I'm very grateful for those who are serving or have served our country and I have much sympathy for them, but I guess I just have more of an understanding ever since my diagnoses.
By Jen Craveiro8 years ago in Psyche
Abusive Parents
I have been living with my abusive parents for 19 years. My father walked out when I was born so I lived with my mother and my grandmother. It all started when I was walking my grandmother would beat me with whatever she could get her hands on. After I turned about 10 my grandmother started calling me names like cow hippo and other weight related hurtful names. She still would hit me with whatever she could get her hands on. Then when I turned about 13, she came at me with an aluminum baseball bat. Dealing with this abuse for so long it has messed me up pretty bad. I have major trust issues, I have PTSD and flashbacks. They mostly occur when someone is yelling at me or they raise their fists. I can not have a normal life because of it. I’ve been hit with just about everything. I’ve had whelps and bruises everywhere. I had to cover them up so no one would get suspicious.
By Maria Johnson8 years ago in Psyche
Unexpected Friendship: Part One
I used to be in an abusive relationship. All the text book red flags and warning signs were present, however, I was being played by a narcissistic sociopath, and man, those people are good at what they do! ( I am in no way trying to down play the severity of this situation, I am just finally at a point in my life where I can use humor and sarcasm when I tell this horrendous story).
By RaeAnna Mercado8 years ago in Psyche
More Cruelty
What do you do when people only ever seem to offer you more cruelty along with that which they've already put into your life? I wish I knew, I really wish I knew. Maybe you turn the other cheek, or simply shrug it off? Maybe you combat cruelty with cruelty, or with love and compassion? I just don't know.
By Tim Lawson8 years ago in Psyche
Thirty Stitches, A Concussion, & the First Day of my Junior Year
It is pitch black and I cannot tell if I am dreaming. I remember a bike, a car, a curb, and then, did someone punch me in the eye? I wake up disoriented in the backseat of an ambulance. Sirens are blaring, and a man I’ve never seen before is dabbing my cheek with what I assume are cotton balls with some form of antiseptic on them. My facial expression remains stoic, but internally I am panicking. I touch my face, then look at my hand and see blood. It has a watery consistency, not at all like the blood in the movies. He asks me questions to keep me present and distract me from the blood, and it works. He asks me about school, and I actually laugh. Even with a gaping wound, I could not escape the irony of this happening to me the day before my first day of my junior year of high school. My mom shows up at the hospital and I end up with thirty stitches and a mom scared half to death.
By Giselle Omar8 years ago in Psyche
Dealing with Childhood Sexual Abuse
I was watching Steve Wilkos earlier, even though I know it just upsets me when I do. My little one was down for a nap and I wanted to watch something while I finished wrapping Christmas presents. The story was about child molestation—a common theme in the show.
By Bri Davis8 years ago in Psyche
The Little White Lie...
I can't really pinpoint where it started to fall apart, but I have a general timeline over the last two years. Reflecting on this past year, I've recognized that it's probably been one of the most challenging, boring years I've ever experienced in my 30 years of living. Honestly though, this last year I don't think qualifies for "living" but more like "just making it through another exactly same day."
By Rachel Hill8 years ago in Psyche