Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Pet Photography & Mental Illness
If you ever read my bio, yes, I'm a depressed person, but there's one thing in my life that makes me happy; it's pet photography! I have three guinea pigs and a cat that I absolutely love with all my heart. I love them so much I take pictures of them, it’s a hobby that one day I want to turn into my dream job. I also live with my sister where I take pictures of her dogs too.
By Shelby Spencer8 years ago in Psyche
The Woman with Neck Tattoos
She enters the room, surrounded by an aura that’s nearly palpable. Tattoos cover 75 percent of her skin, some sport neon colors while other are shades of grey and black. Her body is worn and looks as though it could blow away if the wind gust happens to be slightly too strong. Wrinkles on her face, neck, and hands reveal the stress and experiences she has encountered through her life. Years of cigarettes and experimental partying along with birthing five children have taken their toll on the mind and spirit of this once bright-eyed woman.
By Sati Ewers-Kubly8 years ago in Psyche
Get F***ing Free of Anxiety
A little post on the art of "letting go." Sounds so fucking easy doesn't it? Well, it ain't and we know this all too well. On all platforms, we hold onto everything like a warm fluffy teddy, whether it be a bad relationship, possessions, anger, depression, anxiety, the list goes on, but this little teddy isn't so "fluffy." He's filled with rusty nails and sharp knives, and the tighter we hold onto this little bastard, the more pain we end up in, covered in cuts, and bleeding, wherever we go, as just a little reminder that he's still there, waiting for a cuddle. Creepy! But we all do it, even if we don't know it!
By Hollie Ash8 years ago in Psyche
My Brother Died of An Overdose...His Name Was Matty
My brother died of a heroin overdose. His name was Matty. He was beautiful, he was funny, he was courageous and compassionate, he was talented, he was athletic, he was charming-and he was stolen. My baby brother was stolen by a substance, and nothing was done about it. The nurses, the doctors, the therapists-they all said how handsome he was, and how sorry they felt for me. They said they see this all the time, such young lives taken too soon. Some are taken instantly, and some are taken gradually. In my brother’s case, it was gradual. I never got a call saying “he’s overdosed, he’s gone,” something I had always assumed in my gut would happen. I received a call saying he was on a ventilator, but was breathing on his own. No one prepares you for seeing your loved one in that predicament. My brother was alone. He was unconscious. He was brain dead.
By Robyn Zarli8 years ago in Psyche
No One To Save Me - Part 5
No One to Save Me Part 5 There was a remote area our father used to take us; a river under the San Jacinto bridge off hwy 59 towards New Caney. We rarely saw anyone else there. At night it was a haven for the homeless and there were a couple of large barrels used for making a fire. The river flowed swiftly and the drop off was steep. It really was dangerous for anyone to go swimming. A railroad track ran nearby. It is important to note that Walter frequented this spot, considering his pathological behavior.
By Jennifer Reinolds8 years ago in Psyche
How I Got Diagnosed With Bipolar
The first time I ever saw a counsellor I was 8-years-old. My mother and father had recently gotten divorced and she thought it was a good idea for me to work through whatever hidden and not quite understood 8-year-old emotions I had. She, having come from a long line of nut jobs, was never one to ignore possible emotional damage. For me, this is merely what set the scene. I was just a kid. I had only barely developed a sense of self, let alone the ability to quantify my own feelings, and I was still light years away from seeing the far reaching consequences of what I felt moment to moment. Counselling was a great idea, and I’m proud that I have the kind of mother who is open to that sort of thing when so many are not. But, like I have said, my very green youth left me feeling like I was the same as everyone else. Ugly and unpopular, but on the same playing field as everyone else my age.
By Willa White8 years ago in Psyche
Bulimia: The Shame, The Guilt, and the Life-Threatening Damage. Top Story - March 2018.
Bulimia is not proud! It doesn’t care how rich you are, how old you are, or where you live; it doesn’t even care whether you’re married or single, a Uni student, stay-at-home Mum, or in charge of a huge corporation.
By Mari-Louise Speirs8 years ago in Psyche
Emotional Dumping Ground: Identifying Toxic Narcissistic Friendships
Throughout our existence, we tend to have a lot of different types of friendships revolving within our lives. Statistically, if a friendship lasts longer than seven years, then it will more than likely last a lifetime. The best types of friendships are those that reciprocate kindness, fun, love, and support. Having an equal amount of respect and attention towards each other. These are the ingredients to help maintain lifelong healthy friendships with other people. In our darkest times, we can rely on certain people in our lives to be there for us when we really need somebody. Unfortunately, not all friendships follow this simple formula. If you read the first couple of sentences of this article and you already have had an epiphany about certain people in your life, you more than likely have someone in your life that you suspect is a toxic narcissistic personality.
By Cordelia De Milo8 years ago in Psyche
5 Simple Ways to Help Cope with Anxiety
Coping mechanisms vary from person to person. One individual may write in a journal or make time out their day to take a nap. Another may sketch or spend time meditating. Some might not know how to cope, or things that once worked are no longer effective. For those of you that need some new ideas or suggestions, here are five things that help me to cope with my anxiety.
By Katee Selsor8 years ago in Psyche
How to Help a Partner Who Has Anxiety Disorder
From firsthand experience, I can tell you anxiety is not a laughing matter. I used to think that anxiety and depression were all just a state of mind; that you just weren’t trying hard enough to be happy. Not only is that incredibly rude of me to think, but it was incredibly naïve. The first time I had a panic attack I truly thought my heart was going to burst through my chest. It felt like I had just run a marathon while being suffocated at the same time.
By Ashlyn Harper8 years ago in Psyche
