Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Living With a Narcissist
If you know or suspect somebody is a 'Narcissist,' chances are asking them isn't going to do you any good. Reading through articles and books written by rare narcissists who have realised their condition, it’s easy to see how difficult it is to encourage them to change their behaviour. In some cases, the self assured and unapologetic tone of these works is eerie at best. Narcissism by definition makes a person less likely to see that there is anything wrong with themselves, which makes it difficult to diagnose. After all, how do you break through to someone who is entirely convinced that they are right?
By Lily Hannah8 years ago in Psyche
Suffering Mental Illness: Only the Beginning
A year or so ago, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, an eating disorder, and features of Borderline Personality Disorder. After going through psychological testing and receiving this diagnosis, it made sense to me, but at the same time when you read your diagnosis, you can't help but feel as if you are reading about someone different than yourself.
By Emily McGrath8 years ago in Psyche
Are You Mentally Weak?
I recently came across one of those articles that constantly circulate on our Facebook feeds, the ones with the catchy titles such as “10 ways to know if he’s into you,” or “12 personality traits that prove you’re an annoying girlfriend.” You know, those articles none of us really question or believe, but read anyway? This specific article was called “13 things mentally strong people don’t do” and it was published on a website made to empower, inspire, and build so that people can #livetheirbestlife.
By Chloe Lallouz8 years ago in Psyche
Manic Depression
I've always struggled with depression and it took me many years to figure out exactly what it was. It wasn't until I was an adult I realized what I had been experiencing had a face. It's not the cry for help everybody thinks it is, nor is it something someone is using to seek pity. There are highs and lows and both seem to require a "mask" or "persona". I know what you must be thinking, why would a high require a mask? Isn't that a good thing? Well, I'm here to explain how it might not always be such a good thing and help those who maybe don't understand how the lows aren't as bad as they seem either.
By Athena Sky8 years ago in Psyche
A Modest Proposal, the True Dangers of Narcotics
As a child, I watched my mother weasel her way into countless doctor offices and con them into writing her prescriptions for highly addictive painkillers and narcotics, such as Xanax, OxyContin, and Hydrocodone. She convinced them she was in unbearable physical pain, which was not entirely false. Yes, she was in pain, but that pain was not somatic, but mental. Years of emotional distress and misfortune led her down a path of addiction that tore her from her family and ultimately contributed to her death.
By Alyson McGowan8 years ago in Psyche
Battling with Self-Harm
The first time I harmed myself I was 7, I’d never heard or knew anything about people hurting themselves before. All I knew was at first I wanted attention. At seven years old you’re supposed to be playing outside, riding bikes, and playing with Barbie dolls. (Those are the things I used to do). Instead of doing childly things I was earning for my mother's attention. I had just started living with her again.
By Uniquely Dess8 years ago in Psyche
Tips for Coping with PTSD
I want to start by saying that PTSD by definition is a condition that is diagnosed to those who have either witnessed a traumatic or have experienced a traumatic event in their lives. For instance and I am going to be completely honest by saying this, I have been molested as a child and raped as an adult. I found my boyfriend dead on our bathroom floor when I was 19. At one point when I was in my early twenties, I was homeless and I saw a lot… that is when the rape occurred. Back then I was lost as well as broken. A broken empty shell of a person that jumped from one abusive relationship to another. The last abusive relationship damn near killed me, literally. There was one night I can remember even praying for death because the pain was just too much to bear. After I finally was able to leave I found myself at a shelter for the battered and abused women. It was then that I began therapy, started college, moved into my apartment, and was diagnosed with PTSD. I still struggle with the anxiety, nightmares, and depression. So I know what it is like and I am here to help with coping mechanisms.
By Alyssa Horn8 years ago in Psyche
Somewhere I Belong
Seeing the flames rise higher and higher I don't know what to do when it comes. Pouring red lava from the volcano, my mind racing a million thoughts per minute but not able to see clearly through anything, there will always be a storm before the rainbow, and there will always be light after the clouds, but what comes in between? The fiery anger that we feel when we feel there is no place we belong on this earth.
By Emily Buehner8 years ago in Psyche
The Bipolar Relationship
Having Bipolar disorder is hard enough on its own. Having Bipolar disorder and trying to maintain a healthy relationship can be pure hell. The mood swings, the long bouts of depression, the periods of mania. I have heard it described as never knowing each morning whether or not Tigger or Eeyore will be in charge for the day. No truer statement has ever been made.
By Bekah Milstead8 years ago in Psyche
