humanity
Mental health is a fundamental right; the future of humanity depends on it.
My Worst Favorite Holiday
It was March 17, 2020. I was having a good day because I was happy. I know I forgot to wear green to work, but after I noticed, I quickly put something green on. I really love St. Patricks Day. After all, it's a celebration that involves my favorite color and the country of my dream vacation.
By Kayla Dawn Hanzen4 years ago in Psyche
Death Be Not Proud
He used to joke he was Ray Bradbury’s grandson. For those who knew him best, his wry sense of humour was a given. They knew he was pulling their leg, as the English say, but they knew too that he meant well. An older man who had lived life, he always said he had come to writing late in life — and Vocal was his outlet to creativity.
By Hamish Alexander4 years ago in Psyche
2,107 Sunsets Ago
One hundred and thirty two Americans successfully ended their lives on December 21, 2015. I should have been among them. My plans had been in the making for five long and painful months. That day and everything leading up to it changed who I was forever.
By Rebecca Key4 years ago in Psyche
Comprehending the Incomprehensible. Top Story - September 2021.
I recently learned of the tragic passing of one of Vocal’s very own beloved creators Tom Bradbury. I’m sure many of you who are in the various Vocal Facebook groups are also aware of the tragedy befalling Tom’s home in rural France to a violent fire in which a victim was recovered. I’m not going to go into anymore because trauma does not need to be re-trodden. Suffice it to say, tragedy can be difficult, or seem almost impossible, to wrap your head around.
By Caitlin McColl4 years ago in Psyche
A Small Victory
I still wonder how anyone gets through their adolescence. I had heard statistics as a young man about the suicide rate among us, and also knew about all the dangers out there that would eventually claim many in my circle of friendships and family (death, jail, drugs, disappearance, etc.)
By Kendall Defoe 4 years ago in Psyche
False Martyr
Though it was all an illusion you created a space of torment and lies. Undeniable at this point and I watch as you fumble in a panic. You left no choice as you committed the crimes of ultimate sin. Something you always said was punishable by death. Here you are left to your own devices. A shallow grave holds what barely remains. This will be slow and painful for you. Worse than that is the legacy you will leave is mostly damage and hate. You were abandoned for you lack of ability to be anything but a tyrant. A false martyr dressed in unholy malice. You are a carrier of a disease created long ago in the blood line. I was put here to end it. To erase it. I will watch this fire until it is done. Completely dissolved into atoms of ash and relief.
By Samuel Bitner4 years ago in Psyche
It Is All Downhill from Here
It Is All Downhill from Here By Kami Bryant (This really happened. Truth is stranger than fiction sometimes) “No man is worth dying for,” said the police officer sitting on my apartment stairs. I did agree with him, I didn’t really want to die. I wanted the pain to go away. Plus, I wanted to get my ex-boyfriend’s attention. So, I drank half a fifth of rum on the day he dumped me and then I finished the bottle of rum the next day. To top it off, I took four or five Wellbutrin. I am not sure of the actual amount; it is all a blur. Then, I called him. He came and brought the cops with him. He told them I was attempting suicide. I told the police that he was lying.
By Kami Bryant4 years ago in Psyche
Guilt as Motivator
There are many ways to convince someone to do something or not do something. You can ask politely, gently plead, beg, demand, threaten, tempt, among many others. Finally, of course, you can use guilt, possibly the oldest (see Book of Genesis story of Adam & Eve for several excellent examples), and arguably the least effective means of getting another person or group of persons to do the thing or things which you would like them to do, or stop doing the thing or things you would like them to stop doing. Why do we constantly do this? Why do seemingly rationale and sane individuals, many of whom our are very own friends and family, play the guilt card so often when attempting to convince us to do something (or not), especially when many times there are plenty of other options such as some of the ones listed above that would seem to be available as better choices?
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Psyche
