Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

Light at the End of the Tunnel
Laying in a cold jail cell, shaking and crying, praying to God to please free me. I had not seen my kids, did not know if they knew their drug addict mother was in jail. That was the beginning of the end of my road to destruction. I had gone through the worst withdrawal symptoms ever imaginable and slept for six days straight. Then it happened. I was out of jail with a whole new thought in my head.
By Tina Sanchez8 years ago in Psyche
How My Cats Saved My Life
I don’t really know what happened. One day I had the world at my feet, starting a nursing degree, new job, new car, moving into our first home and a perfect relationship. The next, I couldn’t leave the house and I barely moved, if at all, off the couch. I sat in silence most days, unable to eat, drink, or sleep and I couldn’t see a reason to continue trudging along.
By Samantha Jane8 years ago in Psyche
My Exit Strategy for a Mental Illness Downward Spiral
I'd like to start this off by giving my qualifications on the topic. I was diagnosed with depression the day after my 13th birthday. I've been suicidal and am so awesome at not controlling my unhealthy coping skills. Retail therapy is my go-to, sometimes to the detriment of my household's survival. So, I write this piece from the viewpoint of someone that has buried themselves in their own filth and was dug out by my husband. I am in no way writing this from a place of judgement, because I've fucking been there.
By Diane Nivens8 years ago in Psyche
5 Books Featuring Abnormal Psychology You Need to Read. Top Story - December 2017.
The Dinner- Herman Koch Sometimes I like reading books with unlikable characters, and oh man is Paul Lohman unlikable. The book begins with Paul talking about how he is hiding something from his wife. He rambles on about how perfect and loving their family is- which is comprised of him, his wife and their teenage son. And then, somewhat at odds with the aforementioned, he recounts catching his son doing something very disturbing on his phone.
By A. Smith8 years ago in Psyche
Depression Kills
Depression. We have all heard of it. We have all read about it. We may have known someone's life to end because of it. Depression is not some joke or some attention getter, but a serious condition many are faced with every day, including myself. Depression has grabbed me by the throat and strangled me until I have fallen to my knees, gasping for just a bit of air to survive this meltdown and just waiting for the right moment to hit me again. That's just it, they hit me out of nowhere. Any day of the week, anytime of the day. Boom. I'm on the floor clinging to dear life as I pray to God that he takes me out of this world in that very moment.
By Kaitlyn Kaufman8 years ago in Psyche
My Cup Is Full
There are many lessons we learn when working EMS, and many are not what most people on the outside would expect. My very first lesson on my very first day of EMT-B class, I learned the five basic food groups of public service being: caffeine, nicotine, fat, alcohol and sugar. A class of 27 individuals in an accelerate 40 hour-a-week month-long course sat dumbfounded. The instructor continued, “every operator must pick three of these five or you will never make it, but be advised some are more destructive than others.” Four people graduated from that class, myself among them.
By Ben Moody8 years ago in Psyche
I'm Sorry
I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm like this. I'm sorry for all the times I lost my temper and blamed you—you never really did anything wrong.
By Rose Manson8 years ago in Psyche
Long Road to Recovery
Last February, I was in the worst place I had ever been. Drowning under a career I couldn’t handle, struggling to pay those ever-mounting bills, dealing with my overbearing parents, and in the back ground, I was facing depression and anxiety.
By No One’s Daughter8 years ago in Psyche
Do You Suffer From Depression?
There are many misconceptions when people think of the word depression. Some folks believe we are just having a moment, we'll get over it, we're just fine, etcetera. Many people don't understand the veracity of such a devilish emotion. Speaking from experience, I hope to shed some light on those who either feel alone or don't quite understand.
By Marissa Dover8 years ago in Psyche
How It Feels to Be Feared
How it feels to be told your parents and others are afraid of you: not good. I’ve never even raised a hand to either of my mother’s nurses, but they’re scared of me. I’ve pushed my mother to the floor, but that was after she pushed me and I hadn’t anticipated she’d fall. I’ve raised an envelope opener to my father, but he’d pissed me off enough to do so. I’m not proud of any of this. I’d love to always be in control rather than in the throes of anger.
By Alexandra F8 years ago in Psyche
My Life with Mental Illness
I’ve said before, I’ll say it again and again: I am lucky. Of course I am. My life is not as bad as the majority of the world, and my mental well-being is not as bad as some in the world. However, while some are quick to disagree, my fight is as crucial as every other fight against mental illness.
By SKetch Media8 years ago in Psyche
Lies My Anxiety Tells Me
It feels like you’re at the top of a roller coaster. You know the drop is coming, sometime that is. Sometimes it’s a few seconds, other times, minutes. Swirling upside down and right-side up. Whipping you left and right with your adrenaline pumping through your thin bluish-green veins. Your breath becomes heavy; it feels as though you are breathing through a green Starbucks straw. The pumping of your heart can be felt through your temples—pulsing, racing, scaring you. Deep breaths. In and out. In that moment the only thing you need is pain, something to distract you. And then it’s over.
By Michaela Switzer8 years ago in Psyche