Psyche
An open conversation about mental health; stories, experiences, advice, real life. Psyche exposes the inner workings of the human soul, mind, and spirit.
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- 10,096
Top Stories
Stories in Psyche that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
$#*£ Resilience
I was going to relax this evening. Tune out, hunker down, look after myself. I need it. I am exhausted. Thoroughly used up. And it's only Wednesday. Not even half way through the week. A week that in the UK, is Mental Health Awareness week. I don't know who decides these things, who gets to co-opt a day, a week, a month, and declare it a thing about a thing. But I do know a lot about mental health. I know a lot about mental health AND I know a lot about working for the UK's National Health Service. And so it was with interest that I clicked play on the below video, earlier today. By the time I finished, I was in tears.
Hannah MoorePublished 4 days ago in PsycheThe Invisble amongst us
"In January 2021, I was driving to see my mother at a local hospital. Traffic halted suddenly, and I was so happy I did not strike the vehicle in front of me. I gazed up in my rear-view mirror just as the vehicle behind struck my little sub-compact vehicle. "
Bruce Curle `Published 15 days ago in PsycheNOTHING WILL EVER HAPPEN TO YOU
NOTHING WILL EVER HAPPEN TO YOU ^^ ~ I promise ~ ^^ THIS IS A STORY OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SHOULD THE SUBJECT BOTHER YOU IN ANY WAY, PLEASE DO NOT READ.
Margaret BrennanPublished 25 days ago in PsycheYou Did Not Turn Out Fine
When I was a kid, my sister and I would spend our free time doing normal kid things like playing with dolls or watching tv when our mother would walk into our room and glare at us. Nose upturned, lips pursed in disapproval. My sister and I would immediately sit at attention wondering what we were doing that was so wrong while our mom would go into her room and grab one of my dad’s belts.
Olivia BarkerPublished 2 years ago in PsycheSaying Goodbye to the Blues
I woke up this morning knowing my depression had come for a visit. I should have known it was coming. I haven't been able to sleep very well the past few days, but I chalked it up to my creative mind going on overdrive recently. It took me five days to finish a 348 page book when it would have normally took me five hours. My motivation has been dwindling, yes, there were many subtle signs my depression was coming to a head.
Alexandria StanwyckPublished 3 months ago in PsycheHidden Costs and Lasting Shame of Financial Abuse
I’ve always been responsible with my money. I have a job that pays decently, although (like many in our inflated economy) I should definitely be making more for what I do. I regularly check my credit score. I don’t eat out much, nor do I spend frivolously on non-essentials.
Veronica WrenPublished 2 months ago in PsycheMy Skin Hurts
You know what goes with madness? Mania. I've been having trouble coming up with something to write on the theme of "madness" all month. Up until a few hours ago I was pretty determined to write a fiction piece about having fever. Then, in the afternoon, someone brought up a few mental health conditions that we both experience to some degree.
Rebekah ConardPublished 2 months ago in PsycheTrauma, Grief, and Loss
Can we fill in the rest of the frames? Yes. For sure we can add grief and loss. Chronic bereavement is another. Overdose. Suicide. Addiction. More specific abuse; rape, domestic violence, incest, physical and emotional neglect. Or fill in the blanks with your trauma.
Denise E LindquistPublished 2 months ago in Psyche
Collections
Themed story collections curated by the Vocal moderators.
Behind the Scenes
Exploring mental health in the public eye; celebrities and the spotlight that has been placed on their personal lives and their mental health.
In Treatment
Discovering the ins and outs of treatments and therapies. Join the conversation today.
Beyond the Blues
Understanding depression is difficult; hear from Psyche's community of peers on their experiences with this mood disorder.
Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
1980s was definitely the ultimate decade for horror films!
The 80s is often regarded as the ultimate era for horror movies, and there are several reasons why. Firstly, the practical effects used in those films added a sense of realism and authenticity that still captivates audiences today. From gruesome gore to terrifying creatures, these practical effects brought the horror to life in a way that CGI simply can't replicate. Secondly, the 80s gave birth to iconic horror franchises that have become ingrained in pop culture. Movies like "Friday the 13th," "A Nightmare on Elm Street," and "Halloween" introduced us to unforgettable villains and thrilling storylines that continue to inspire and influence filmmakers today.
The Science: Why Do We Enjoy Horror Movies?
According to these researchers, the consumption of horror is driven by stimulation. Exposing ourselves to terrifying acts, such as stories of demonic possession or alien infestation, can be mentally and physically stimulating. These experiences can evoke both negative emotions, like fear or anxiety, and positive emotions, like excitement or joy. Interestingly, we tend to experience the most positive emotions when something triggers the most negative ones. Horror entertainment also offers a unique experience, like a movies of zombies, aliens, vampires that aren't occur in the real world. Simultaneously, it provides a safe way to explore our curiosity about the darker aspects of humanity through captivating storylines and characters facing the depths of the human condition. Not all tricks are treats The question remains: why do some people find pleasure in horror while others do not? Research suggests that those who enjoy horror have a psychological "protective frame" that falls into three categories. The first category is a safety frame. When watching a horror film or show, we need to feel assured that we are safe and that the evil entity is distant and incapable of harming us. The second category of protective frame involves a sense of detachment. We need to be reminded that the horror we witness is not real—it's simply exceptional acting, special effects, and art direction. Lastly, the protective frame encompasses our sense of control and confidence in managing the dangers we encounter. If we feel capable of controlling and overcoming the perceived danger, we can still derive excitement from a good scare. To fully enjoy the thrill of the spooky, we don't necessarily need all three frames. However, having fewer than all three tends to diminish our interest in the idea. Not surprisingly, some research suggests that individuals with a higher sensation-seeking trait and those who are more adventurous are more likely to enjoy horror. Horror movies have always captivated audiences, and there are several reasons why.
Soulmates
In a world with over seven billion souls, the notion of finding one’s soulmate seems akin to locating a needle in a cosmic haystack. Yet, tales of encounters and inexplicable connections abound, weaving a tapestry of hope and belief in the profound concept of soulmates. From ancient mythology to modern-day romance novels, the idea of two souls destined to find and complement each other resonates deeply within the human psyche. But what exactly constitutes a soulmate, and how do these celestial counterparts navigate the labyrinthine paths of fate to unite?
The Psychology Behind Psychopaths
Understanding the Psychology Behind Psychopathy. The feelings, the thoughts, and trauma behind it. Psychopathy is a complex personality disorder that has long intrigued psychologists, criminologists, and the general public alike. Often depicted in popular culture as cunning, manipulative individuals devoid of empathy, psychopaths are known for their ability to charm and deceive others while displaying a profound lack of remorse or guilt for their actions. But what lies beneath the surface of this enigmatic personality disorder? Delving into the psychology behind psychopathy reveals a multifaceted interplay of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.
Sleep Paralysis Experience
During episodes of sleep paralysis, people may have a variety of vivid and often scary hallucinations, such as seeing entities or figures in their surroundings. These hallucinations can feel extremely real and may be accompanied by a sensation of pressure on the chest, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of being unable to move.
Last Night I Went To See Take That And Olly Murs: A Mental Health Account, Part Two.
This is my second part about my night seeing Take That and Olly Murs. In this article I want to talk about the pyrotechnics which involves the use of fire, or fireworks.
Carol TownendPublished a day ago in PsycheMy IF: Recalling My Own Imaginary Friend
I was going to put this personal anecdote in my review of the new movie IF starring Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski but, some people seem to think that personal anecdotes in movie reviews are 'everything that is wrong with film criticism.' I'm being facetious, that's a terrible take, and I put many personal anecdotes in movie reviews and there is nothing wrong with doing that whatsoever.
Sean PatrickPublished 2 days ago in PsycheThe Ancient Tale of Narcissus: The Original Selfie Obsession
The Myth of Narcissus in Greek Mythology Introduction In Greek mythology, Narcissus was the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. Known for his unparalleled beauty, Narcissus's tale is one of tragedy and self-obsession. In the vast tapestry of Greek and Roman mythology, one figure stands out for his unparalleled beauty and tragic demise. The tale of Narcissus serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of excessive self-love and vanity.
Creators We’re Loving
The creative faces behind your favorite stories.
Megan Baker (Left Vocal in 2023)
162 published stories
Margaret Brennan
347 published stories
Hayley Matto
35 published stories
Bruce Curle `
83 published stories
Olivia Barker
14 published stories
Rebekah Conard
63 published stories
Conor Darrall
120 published stories
Veronica Wren
78 published stories
Kodah
104 published stories
Shirley Belk
158 published stories
Mohammed Darasi
163 published stories
Gene Lass
122 published stories