Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Only Human
Naturally, we are inclined to draw near to others. Even making small efforts of contact with another is seemingly innate, holding a loved one’s hand, leaning on a shoulder for comfort, or simply a shared and warm embrace. Intimate relationships are considered an essential component in the composition of a happy life. The mutual dependency of friends, family, and romantic partners provides a respite in times of heartache or grief, often encouraging feelings of comfort. Many of us go about our daily lives without thinking twice about whether our loved ones will always be around. When we need reassurance we can pick up a phone and call a friend and procure console. Be that as it may, life for those living with a condition called "Autophobia" from the Greek word “Auto” meaning ‘self’ — suffer from the unusual and certain fear that they will be abandoned. People who suffer from Autophobia struggle to maintain deep personal connections, resulting in a perpetual state of grievance, due to the effects of this condition — which include: depression, crippling fear of intimacy, and low self-esteem.
By Sam Sapien8 years ago in Psyche
Words from a Survivor
Someone once asked me what it’s like being a survivor. Here’s what it’s like. Some days I’m full of life. I can feel pure happiness coursing through my veins. On days like these I dream of a future so beautiful it makes me tear up. A future where I have a purpose. A future where dark days are few and far between. On days like these I start writing my vows to my future wife. I dream of a house filled with love and lots of dogs. Days like these are what makes surviving so worth it.
By Madison Jackson8 years ago in Psyche
Drowning the Moon
One day, the sun didn't come up. I walked to school under the silver moonlight with my backpack on one shoulder and tried to remember if I'd locked the door. I wasn't sure but it was too late to go back anyway. The street was busy and there was a traffic of umbrellas which seemed to whisper as they rubbed past each other, although the rain had stopped a while ago. As I gazed at all their different colours, the feel of wood under my fingers made me realise I was holding one, too.
By Eva May Juez8 years ago in Psyche
Oh, Internet...
It's a strange and wonderful world we live in. Rather than having to go out and expose ourselves to the anxieties and basic bullshit of dealing with people face to face, we can simply communicate our feelings with some frenzied typing, or even better — the meme and/or gif.
By Kay Deschain8 years ago in Psyche
Self-Help Podcast Everyone Should Listen To
Looking to get into the world of self-help podcasts? Love reading this genre of books, but don't have the time to get to them anymore? These self-help podcasts are perfect for a motivational morning commute or a little reminder of your potential before bed.
By Kelsey Lange8 years ago in Psyche
True Horror Stories From the Psych Ward
Author's Note: The following letter was sent to me with the request that I post it publicly on behalf of the individual who wrote it. The letter-writer prefers to remain anonymous, so all potentially identifying information, no matter how minor, has been removed and replaced with "XXXXX."
By Alice Minguez8 years ago in Psyche
Mental Health — Why Don't We Talk About It?
I have noticed that no one actually talks about mental health. The Mental Health Foundation statistics stated that "two in three people report having experienced a mental health problem in their lifetime." Why is it that so many people suffer but we rarely hear about it? Wouldn't this mean that our mental health issues would disintegrate and get worse if we aren't open about them?
By Jade Dillion8 years ago in Psyche
Living With a Schizophrenic
There are seven different types of schizophrenia, and each has its own traits and peculiarities. My father was a paranoid schizophrenic, and he had this affliction in a time when they did not have medications for the disorder. A paranoid schizophrenic is always thinking someone is out to get them, or is spying on them, and living with them is a very different experience.
By Denise Willis8 years ago in Psyche
The Dark Side of My Brain
I'm 26 and I've been dealing with depression, anxiety, and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) for 20 years. Wrap your head around that for a second. I've been told a million times, "Oh honey you're young, you'll grow out of it," or "Please, you are entirely top young to have that many problems already." Well let me tell you something. Yes I am young, but I'm a 20 year vet of multiple invisible illnesses. Please don't tell me I'm too young for life to be rough. Please don't sit there and undermine my mental illnesses just because you want to be small minded about it.
By Bethany Winters8 years ago in Psyche
Trichotillomania and Me (Pt. 2)
The first article in the series is available here. Please read it before continuing. As I finished middle school and started high school, my trich went through a roller coaster of ups and downs. Sometimes, I didn't pull much at all. Sometimes, I couldn't stop and would pull out substantial sections at a time. I recall one family gathering where I cleared out a section the size of a dime in less than an hour and a half. Despite my times of self-restraint (or lack of interest in pulling), my hair and eyelashes never came back full strength; I never stopped enough to make a real difference.
By Emily Grace Gill8 years ago in Psyche
