recovery

Your illness does not define you. It's your resolve to recover that does.

The Beginning of a Long Voyage
Overcoming mental illness is a process that affects every part of your life. It is a constant battle between the brain and the self. One of the worst aspects of this affliction is so often the brain and the self feel as though they are together on this horrible journey. The brain being such a powerful organ it can seemingly control every aspect of your life during mental illness. It feels as though the two are completely inseparable.
By Denise Kerry8 years ago in Psyche
Fighting the War on Depression & Anxiety: My Story
So let me set the scene. A few years ago I wasn't the person I am today, I used to have really bad bouts of anger, nothing helped! It was if I had no mental control over my emotions which then meant having no control over my physical self.
By Ian McGarva8 years ago in Psyche
An Open Letter to the Abused
An Open Letter to the Abused: Hey. First I want to say I am sorry. I am sorry for what happened to you. I am sorry you are hurting. I get it. I was abused too and it's painful and traumatizing. It's not fair and it's not ok. I want you to know that it's not your fault. I don't care what your abuser said to you, they are a liar! Your abuse is not your fault and you didn't deserve it.
By Lexi Merrick8 years ago in Psyche
Just Existing
I really wonder what has happened to me. In my school, when I was bullied, I turned into some kind of a wise, mature person. I became alone and I felt lonely. But that gave me the chance to explore introspection. I began to wonder what's the point of teaching about morals and kindness when "no one" (my class was like my whole world to me) is going to learn them. I was bullied as a feminine boy so I began to wonder why can't people see that a boy is a boy no matter what. I began to think like this and then for some reason, I felt I had started thinking on a universe level. I began to wonder what was the purpose of our existence. To take birth, to study, to give exams, to get a job, to get married, to have children, and then die? In fact, why do we have children when we find them annoying to raise? And then they leave us afterwards (a majority of them maybe). Anyway, but that was 4-5 years ago. Within 2 years after that, my classmates changed but not all of them. They all still bullied me but mildly then since we all were in our final two grades. We had to focus on our grades. But they became a bit friendly with me. It made me felt nice. But I guess that was a bad thing that shouldn't have happened. My brain changed its course of thinking. It went down from universal thinking to an average person's thinking and I felt I had dulled myself. I stopped thinking about universe and people.
By Akshar Goyal8 years ago in Psyche
Remembering the Past
The following excerpt is something I wrote a couple of years ago to help heal a wound inside of me. It's about my sexual abuse experience, so it may be triggering for some and may help others feel less alone.
By Emily M8 years ago in Psyche
You're Not the Only One...
You're not the only one that wonders if you're the only one like you. You're not the only one that cries because you want to give up on life and end it all.
By Annalise Mishler8 years ago in Psyche
Depression & Getting Over It
Lately, I've been in touch with parts of me I have ignored for years. Some of these hidden in corners, memories that I wish I could forget. Past lives I wish I hadn't lived and self-destructive cycles that seem to ignite me the same way every time.
By Ana Rodriguez8 years ago in Psyche
Happiness
What do you want to be when you grow up?” The famous question asked by relatives, family friends, doctors or teachers, normally accompanied by earnest grins. The question that was once answered with a smile from ear-to-ear, and eyes bright with wonder and aspiration as different career choices were pondered upon meticulously. However, the pubescent years turned to faded memories, and the reality of the world became abrasive. The same question that was once answered with a variety of specialized professions and ambitions, slowly began to be replied with shrugs, tired eyes, and a despondent aura that filled the breathes between conversation.
By Malayna Rock8 years ago in Psyche
It's Always Fine, Until it Isn't
Let me preface this entire article by saying that anxiety and depression have been an active part of my life since I was 14. Now, as an almost 21 year old, I have learned how to handle these two destroying illnesses way better than I ever thought I would be able to. I have been able to find coping mechanisms and exercises that keep me right side up while my world is toppling down around me.
By Renee Antonia8 years ago in Psyche
Selfish Act of Kindness
I was once called "the most negative person" someone had ever met. It didn't hit me until years later. Maybe that person was actually right.
By ayla.jennifer8 years ago in Psyche
Body Dysmorphia
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mean, nasty, debilitating mental disorder that can really destroy you. You constantly obsess over the smallest of “flaws”, a bit too chunky around the thighs, your skin is too spotty, or your hair isn’t luscious enough. This obsession slowly breaks you down, and then starts breaking down your relationships. It’s a persistent niggle in the back of your mind, and its damn near impossible to ignore.
By scc8 years ago in Psyche
Fear of Living
Maya Angelou once said that the fear of living was,"...being pre-eminently afraid of dying. It is not doing what you came here to do, out of timidity and spinelessness." She was probably right. She said it to inspire, but without experience, how could she really know?
By Amira Baluyut8 years ago in Psyche