Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

Hopelessness vs. Suicide – What’s the Difference?
In my work as a therapist, some people feel the need to say, “I’m not suicidal. I just didn’t have a purpose to live.” Another statement I hear is, “I’m not sure why I’m still here. Don’t worry I’m not suicidal, I’m just having a hard time finding my way in life.” Even though people are seeking mental health services and are cooperative, there is a fear or hesitation of being seen as suicidal. It might be the fear that they are crazy and have to go to a hospital for weeks and be away from their lives. It could be the fear that their employer can find out and use it against them at work. The fear is real since the labels of crazy or insane are negative ones. Our society also has a long way to go in providing the necessary support, acceptance, and services for those with mental illness.
By Eva Gordon8 years ago in Psyche
Frustrations
I like to think I am a laid-back, carefree girl. This is not true. Not. At. All. I have many irritations throughout the day: Being startled awake by knocking at my door; repetition of my alarm; slow people on the road; rude people in general; disrespect to anyone's personal life; constant swearing; disrespect to anyone's religion; singing words wrong. I could make a whole list of the little pet peeves and irritations I have during the day. Everyone has things that annoy them of course, but it's important to not let these things stop us from living our life. If we are too focused on the things that limit us, we will never be able to live up to our full potential. So the solution? Think of all the wonderful things that are in this world. Can't think of any? I'll give you a list.
By Emily Wright8 years ago in Psyche
A Thousand Voices
Am I doing this right? Is there another way I could do this? Oh, god why is that person looking at me? Do I have something on my face? Are they judging me? What did I do? Did I say something stupid?
By Brittney Pratt8 years ago in Psyche
When Homelessness Gives Hope
Once upon a time, giving money to strangers was a rarity for me. I preferred to donate to charities that I had screened so I knew the money wasn’t going for a nefarious purpose. So the night my friends and I decided to go shopping downtown, I never expected to part with a cent that wasn’t for a Christmas gift.
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Psyche
For 'People Like Me'
So, thanks to the power of social media, huge influencing companies, and celebrities, and of course, brave and strong advocates, the taboo around mental illness is starting to be torn down. In fact, since this movement, there are more and more people continuing to come out about their struggles and diagnoses.
By J B8 years ago in Psyche
How Mindfulness Has Improved the Treatment of Mental Illness
The subject of this writing is to highlight the research and improvements that have been discovered regarding becoming self-aware, practicing self-care, and implementing self-correction. Focus is on the importance of mindfulness in the treatment of mental health and how it benefits the therapist and the client, as well as the positive life changes that come from self-discovery.
By Erin J. Hochstein NCPT8 years ago in Psyche
Past to Present
One day there was a girl who thought she put her past behind her and moved forward. Until one day everything changed. Twenty-seven year old Nicole graduated from college. She earned her undergraduate degree and her doctorate in psychology. She wanted to become a therapist for kids. She had a life connection of growing up with no parents. She spent seven years in college and Nicole was positive that this is what she wanted to be. She wanted to help kids that didn't have parents.
By Cade Bowen8 years ago in Psyche
Be Aware of Your Thoughts
The first piece I wrote “As Within, So Without” was about realizing that you create your own reality and that everything on the outside reflects what is on the inside. If you have come to a place where you can resonate with that a bit, then the next step is to learn to become aware of your thoughts. Our thoughts are powerful. Thoughts are energy in motion. Thoughts are things.
By Melissa Matheson8 years ago in Psyche
How to Get over the Holiday Blues
While I’m not a huge fan of the cold weather and the dry skin that is bound to follow, I’ve always been a lover of winter time. Cuddling up in a warm blanket and drinking hot coffee while snow falls delicately outside is like a scene from a movie. This being said; a lot of people, including myself, have struggles with anxiety and sadness during this time of year. Whether it is due to financial issues, family struggles, or just feeling down, the holidays aren’t always a time for joy and happiness.
By Ashlyn Harper8 years ago in Psyche
As Within, So Without
Once upon a time, I was a basket case. Once upon a time, I was so miserable that I just didn’t want to deal with myself anymore. I personally, had to become completely and utterly done with life before the realization came that I create my reality. I do realize that some people see this as a controversial idea. I definitely didn’t like it at first. Like, hello!! If this was up to me, surely, this is not what I would choose. I would not choose to be crazy, depressed, addicted, and downright miserable. I would not choose to feel utterly alone and worthless. I would not choose anxiety and crippling depression. I would not choose uncontrollable bouts of rage. I would not choose poverty for me and my children. Are you crazy?!?!? I would not choose any of this. But the truth is, we do. We may do it on auto-pilot and therefore feel as if it is some force or circumstance outside of ourselves that makes us miserable, but ultimately, the choice to be miserable or happy rests within ourselves.
By Melissa Matheson8 years ago in Psyche
When a Diagnosis Hits You Like a Freight Train
It was March of 2013 when I received the news, "You have primary sclerosing cholangitis." I had been experiencing intense abdominal pain the previous few weeks, had to call in sick for work multiple times, and had so many procedures and tests done to confirm the diagnosis. All my husband and I knew at the time was that PSC was a progressive liver disease that would one day most likely require a liver transplant (which I received in May 2016).
By Bethany Atkinson-Pegors8 years ago in Psyche
Help Me, I'm Drowning: My Life With GAD
"I can't breathe, dad, I can't breathe." These words were so painful to speak as I cried out to my dad while going through another panic attack. Tears were streaming down my face like a fast river current. My chest was on fire, my throat was raw from crying, and I just felt like I was suffocating and my heart would just explode and give out. I felt like I was dying. My mind was racing with a million thoughts going through my head, but all I remember now is wanting it to stop, for the pain to stop and for me to be able to breathe again. Eventually, I was able to. But like all mental illness, it was trial and error to find what worked and what didn't. That's what I am here to tell you now.
By Sierra George8 years ago in Psyche