Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Why I Took Adderall for My ADHD
I was homeless at 18, meaning I was still quite interested in drugs, due to my age and situation. Not "hard drugs" like opiates and narcotics, rather legal (controlled) prescription medications. I had smoked marijuana at the age of 15 during my sophomore year of high school. That being a young age for a boy living in a wealthy household. Of course I can only assume.
By Samuel Martin8 years ago in Psyche
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, has become a hot topic in the world of mental health. It's been called a breakthrough form of therapy that could easily help the people who are suffering lead a better life. Many have also begun to credit CBT for improvements to their depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart8 years ago in Psyche
Alone
I woke up, staring into the eyes of my fear. I feared one day I'd be alone, by myself with no one to hold at night when the earth is in its darkest moments. I hated waking up to reality. It failed me every time, I mean it's not like reality ever pulled through. I never felt so empty inside, even when I would walk the streets of Manhattan, I still had the people of New York to keep me company. Well less company more surrounded with people that cared less about my well being. It was better than having no one around. Not even a pet, or a child to call my own. I was alone, and I would stay alone until my death bed. For this I believed, no matter what happened or who came into my life.
By Macaila Blalock8 years ago in Psyche
Things You Should Never Say to Someone with an Anxiety Disorder
Having an anxiety disorder isn't something most people would understand unless they experience it themselves. They won't understand that constant feeling of being on edge, nor would they understand how hard it is not to feel agitated throughout the day.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart8 years ago in Psyche
Stir
I sat slumped low in my chair in the fluorescent waiting room, staring blankly at the posters on the walls. “5 Steps to Better Sleep,” I tried to read them but I lost interest. “Breaking the Cycle of Depression”, “YOU can prevent suicide”. Cartoon people in happy, bright colors danced across the glossy surface as I smirked. I avoided eye contact with other students sitting next to me in the arranged, upholstered chairs. Cheery women wearing headsets answered phones and made appointments behind glass windows at the front of the room. Plastic plants sat on wooden end tables that overflowed with self-help pamphlets and tissues. A small flower pot filled with some sort of beans held a bouquet of pens with different paper daisies duct taped to the ends. I chose purple.
By Erin Ebert8 years ago in Psyche
A Polarizing View of Bipolar
At 49, after many a Dark Night of The Soul or a Howling at the Moon had brought me to study Psychology, delve deeply into Spirituality, analyze myself thoroughly, learn my anomalies, my personal triggers, the behaviour patterns, and pretty much feel I had a solid grasp of what Bipolar meant to me, how it played out or rather manifested within my core biochemical being...along came my new partner!
By Dorn Simon8 years ago in Psyche
Getting Up
I think we can all agree that getting out of bed can be difficult. Staring at the ceiling and thinking "Why should I get up?" is a tough start to any day. What helps me is reminding myself that the only thing I can really control is the amount of effort I put into accomplishing my goals, so if I don't get out of my bed, then I have just relinquished the only power I possess. Once I beat that question, another pops into my head: "Is there even enough time left in my life to reach those goals?" which is a bit more concerning. You might put together a solid plan to finish in a predetermined time, but ultimately life happens. And no matter how much time you have or how meticulous your plan is, life can still mess it up for you, so now the more daunting question becomes: "Is there enough time for me to bounce back from every unforeseen problem that comes my way?" The answer is what gets me out of bed: Belief. What else can you do besides believe that you yourself are a driven enough individual to push through any barriers that stand in your way, believe that your friends, family, and teammates will be able to help you when you need it the most, and if you believe in a higher power, that they will be looking out for you. Some people get out of bed because they're hungry or because nature is calling. But what's the point of rolling yourself into another 24 hours of eating, working, and sleeping again unless you actually believe that it's getting you closer to your goals in the unforeseen time you have?
By Jonathon Lombardi8 years ago in Psyche
Signs of Depression in Young Women
Most of us know how common depression is. People ranging from all ages can suffer with the mental disease — whether you're a 70-year-old women or a 22-year-old man. It doesn't matter what age you are, depression can randomly appear out of the blue, or a traumatic incident can cause its appearance. And depression is a real life ruiner — it's something that should be dealt with through mediation and talking with loved ones about.
By C.C. Curtis8 years ago in Psyche
Being Honest about Mental Health
October 10 marked World Mental Health Day. As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, mental health is something which plays a large role in my life on a day to day basis. There are many ways in which I could write this post — from my experiences of depression to how to handle a panic attack — but I would like to talk about something which I found helped me to understand, accept and ultimately combat my depression: honesty.
By Emily White8 years ago in Psyche
