Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
My Word
The English language is made up of various other languages and cultures to make up the words we use on a every day basis. There is a word for almost everything you feel, hear, taste, and see. For example, there's a word for the sound the wind makes as it passes through the trees: "psithurism." This word is taken from the Ancient Greek word "psithurismos" meaning "I whisper." The feeling of pleasure and contentment can be defined as happiness, in which the root word "hap" can be taken from the Old French root word "heur" and the German word "Gluck," both meaning good fortune and happiness. The list of words goes on and on, but there is one word, one definition, that I have yet to find—my word.
By Justine Lagos8 years ago in Psyche
Living with OCD
For majority of my life, I was told you're just acting crazy and to just stop doing certain things. I tried very hard to stop but deep down I knew I wasn't crazy. But instead there was just something different about me and the way my brain worked. So as you can imagine the day I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, was a relief for me regardless. Just that realization that you were right all along, you just didn't know what you had. Now it's years later I went through a ton of different habits or rituals which ever you prefer to call them. Some of them might sound a bit strange like it hasn't escaped me, it's just hard to not do them. Some even make daily things or things I have to do extremely hard for me. Like most people in their lives have cleaned a oven with no issue doing so. Well for me it's hard I want to clean it so bad, but my brain then starts to tell me it's gonna turn on and burn me. Now the rational part of my brain knows that is wrong but the other part over powers that. So cleaning that oven becomes a huge struggle and I hate it if were being honest.
By Jessica Keller8 years ago in Psyche
Mindfulness and Relaxation Apps for Kids with Anxiety
Having anxiety is terrible as it is, but when children go through it, it's the worst. Since their young minds can't always find ways to cope, it can really affect them. There are many ways for adults to cope with anxiety, but it's sometimes still not enough. Anxiety overall can be controlling; affecting your mind, behavior, and your body. That's why children with anxiety should be helped at their youngest age.
By Jennifer Violet8 years ago in Psyche
Thoughtsoutloud
Introduction: When there are high levels of stress or excitement, my mind goes into an uncontrollable chaos. So intense, that conversations begin to play loudly in my head, taking a life of their own. Over the years, they have begun to be a part of my daily life, anticipating which voice I’d hear the loudest. Responding to them out loud, would certify me as crazy, so, I observe them. Taking note of which is dominate or submissive. Voice one is my normal one, the everyday Jackie voice. Voice 2 reminds me a lot like Louise from Bob’s Burgers. Sarcastic. A youthful, playful energy yet at times can be extremely annoying, Voice 3 is the spiritual “dark cloud” that appears when I am the lowest. With the deepest blue eyes, she’s cynical and sad. The following is a scenario in which all of these voice came together and actively played loudly my mind.
By Jay Williams8 years ago in Psyche
Empty
It seemed like the perfect time to die. Alex had been thinking about his death for a long time now, fantasizing about the way he would do it, imagining the look on everyone's faces, the silent vigil and tiny shrine his classmates would come up with. Would they regret not talking to him? Would they regret the way they seemed to look through him? He wondered if anyone at school would truly miss him.
By Astha Writes8 years ago in Psyche
Holiday Gift Ideas for Someone With Anxiety
As someone who has been clinically diagnosed with anxiety, I understand how every day can be a constant battle. Anxiety can ruin your life, if you let it. The mind races, the heart beats faster, and it can even become difficult to breathe.
By Dr. Ethan Levi8 years ago in Psyche
Best Books on Overcoming Anxiety to Read
Anxiety disorders can make even the simplest everyday activities seem like an impossibility. And, if you don't start taking care of your mental health, things will only get progressively worse over time. However, don't think you are alone and there is nothing you can do about it. Millions of Americans are in a similar position, and there are things you can do to overcome anxiety.
By Stan Kubler8 years ago in Psyche
A Self-Care Guide
Sometimes, you go through so much it affects you in ways you can't even begin to explain. And if you're lucky, you have "your person" to talk to. But even with a support system, you may feel like you don't want to share too much, afraid that your person might begin to feel what you're feeling too deeply, or afraid that you can't trust that whomever you pour your heart into won't judge you and walk away. I know that feeling all too well as it's happened to me over and over again.
By Aurea Gonzalez8 years ago in Psyche
My Depression
Depression is a hard thing to go through. I have been through depression since I was really young. When I lost my grandma in 2002, and my grandpa in 2012, I felt so miserable and depressed. I felt like I lost two of my best friends. I was really close to my grandparents. When I lost my grandma, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd. And I also was getting into a lot of trouble at school. I skipped school and my attitude was very horrible. Then, I was sexually assaulted from when I was 7 to 16 years old. My depression got worse and worse by the minute. I thought nobody loved or cared about me at all, because people I trusted with my life would hurt me. It was hard for me to trust other people in my life. When I started dating my husband, he would try to hold me or try to get close to me. But I would always push him away because I just got out of a very abusive relationship before I started dating him. I was so scared that my husband would hurt me just like my ex boyfriend did. But he was so patient and kind with me. It took me about a good year to finally let him get close to me.
By Shante Hernandez8 years ago in Psyche
