Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Open Letter to My Anxiety
Dear Anxiety, You have been with me through thick and thin. Always by my side since day one. You hover close by on my good days and wrap me in your presence on bad days. I understand that you think you are trying to help me cope with the craziness of this world but I’m starting to feel smothered. I don’t need this constant attention and interference in my life. So from this day on, you are no longer going to control my decisions.
By Alina Gallupe7 years ago in Psyche
Coping with Anxiety
Anxiety comes in many shapes and forms. People experience it differently, so what works for me may not work for everyone. But I felt compelled to share some of the things that have worked for me over the past two years since I've received my diagnosis of social anxiety.
By Chasity Nicole7 years ago in Psyche
Existential Psychology and You
You wake up early, drink coffee, sit in traffic, muddle through the work day, sit in more traffic, go to sleep, and start it all over again tomorrow. If your life sounds anything like this, or even if you have a different tiresome routine, the question "what is this all for?" has probably crossed your mind once or twice. According to existential psychologists, finding meaning in life is the purpose of humanity and a lack of meaning is the source of anxiety and depression. However, as the basis of countless books, plays, and movies, this topic has been romanticized and dramatized so thoroughly that finding meaning has become a grail quest in its own right. Fortunately, you don’t have to drop everything and go on a soul searching adventure to find a purpose for living. It is very possible to find meaning and purpose in the life you are currently living. Here are some of the techniques of existential theory that will start you on the path to purpose and open your eyes to all the beautiful and wonderful relationships and settings your daily life takes you through.
By Alina Gallupe7 years ago in Psyche
Apps To Help You Cope With Addiction
Addiction is one of the most brutal diseases out there, and you often don't realize how deep you're in until you hit rock bottom. Realizing you have a problem is usually the time you realize you need help — and reach out for help.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart7 years ago in Psyche
My ADHD is Weird
I was a normal kid for the most part. I got good grades in school and did different after school activities. I had a few girlfriends as I got older and my social life consisted of going out with my friends. My life was normal. I felt pretty good about it all. It was was on track to go where I wanted to go.
By Matthew Eyler7 years ago in Psyche
Owner
I’ve never been in charge of them, of those thoughts that plague me what seems like every waking moment. It wasn’t… they came on, after little comments from friends, one by one, just slowly, and I didn’t think anything of them, you know? Growing up, they’re expected, right? Teenage girls go through that phase of full-on doubt. Phases are phases, though. They end, not last for years. And this has lasted for years; it’s never dissipated, never gone away — just grown to the point where those thoughts are there all the time.
By Cassandra Townsend7 years ago in Psyche
Cause & Effect: Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative identity disorder is a mental illness characterized by two or more distinct personalities, each with their own unique history and interests as well as mannerisms and various other behaviours. This is caused by, generally, a traumatic event where the sufferer copes by initially creating a coexisting character(s). Trauma is initially a “...behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress…” as defined by Merriam Webster dictionary. Often, when dissociation has repeated the possibility of separating into a unique identity(s) rise. Dissociated experiences can generally result in breaking conscious awareness. Most often the cause of dissociation is a history of child abuse or sexual assault, the trauma impacts the individual by severely corrupting the sufferer's ability to function as a fully realized individual by alternating their sense of self. This can commonly be referred to conversion disorder where the individual who suffers a traumatic experience may suppress the pain and subconsciously alternate behavioural or physical attributions. For instance, if a woman witnesses a gruesome murder, then her subconsciousness might subliminally choose to ignore this and thusly affect her physical ability to see.
By Nathaniel Reidhead7 years ago in Psyche
Involuntary Memory Suppression/False Memories
Many studies have been done to prove that our brains are capable of involuntarily blocking out painful memories. I, myself have experienced this first-hand. In fact there is an entire 3-4 year period of time that doesn’t exist in my mind. Because of the journals and writings I kept, I know some of what happened during that time. However, if I actually try to think back to specific circumstances, conversations, etc, it is just all so black. It’s like my mind comes to a fork in the road and just stops as if there’s nowhere else to go.
By Brittany Stengel7 years ago in Psyche
Signs of Depression in Men
It may surprise you to learn that the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide is depression. According to the World Health Organization, a staggering 300 million people suffer from depression. And that’s just diagnosed depression. Even more so for men than women, depression is deeply misunderstood and still widely prevalent. Although many indicators of depression in men and women may be similar, the disease will always manifest itself in different ways in different people. In a stigma-filled society, men can be especially vulnerable because like many of us, they may be resistant to observing and acknowledging the signs of depression and then seeking help. Depression is treatable, and it can be overcome. These key signs of depression in men are critical to recognize; it may just change your life.
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in Psyche
Battling Anorexia
"I wish I was skinny." Ever since I was a child, those words have escaped my mind and my lips tirelessly. Growing up, I was an overweight kid — no doubt about it. I was the fat kid who sat in the back of the classroom with no friends. I was the fat kid everyone picked on. To everyone at my school and even most of the people in my family, I was nothing more than just that: the fat kid.
By Lucius Holmes7 years ago in Psyche
Therapy: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly. Most Importantly... The Truth
Going to therapy is like having coffee with a good friend you haven’t seen in a long time. You talk, you discuss real-life issues. You spill your heart and something about the sanctity of the coffee represents the “this stays between us” moment. Once you’re done sipping your last bit, it’s time to say goodbye. Once you leave, you smile because your heart feels lighter, but in reality you wish it would never end. That’s what therapy is like for me. It’s nice to know that every Friday at 11, I have someone to talk to. It’s nice to know that I have one thing to depend on each week. But the hardest part is knowing that once I step out of the office, I am out of sight, out of mind.
By Brittany Stengel7 years ago in Psyche