humanity
Mental health is a fundamental right; the future of humanity depends on it.
I Am Britney, Too
I grew up in a very nice house in Bel Air. I say Very Nice and not Mansion, because I used to drive the ex-CEO of MTV’s daughter to school and that $12M house was NOT like ours… probably 4x the size, but 1/10th as cozy. So I considered my house ‘better’.
Felix CooperPublished 3 years ago in PsycheBad deeds take the lead
The article “Why greed begets more greed” by Michael I. Norton. Published on Scientific American on March 1 of 2014 discusses how a simple act of kindness is capable to leave everyone speechless. Those kind acts of “pay it forward” on a toll, or at a bar, have the ability to completely change our mood. Generosity has the ability not only to make us happier, but also healthier, sound good right? Why don't we give it a chance?
Giovanni ProfetaPublished 3 years ago in PsycheInsanity at its best
Tears rolled down her little pink cheeks. She was hunched over in a ball in the back corner of the hotel's stairwell. If only the school bus would show up, then she could escape the pain at least for a few hours. She was hiding from him, hoping he wouldn't find her in time. She was only four years old but in her mind she felt much older.
Insanity at its bestPublished 3 years ago in PsycheMy Worst Favorite Holiday
It was March 17, 2020. I was having a good day because I was happy. I know I forgot to wear green to work, but after I noticed, I quickly put something green on. I really love St. Patricks Day. After all, it's a celebration that involves my favorite color and the country of my dream vacation.
Kayla Dawn HanzenPublished 3 years ago in PsycheDeath Be Not Proud
He used to joke he was Ray Bradbury’s grandson. For those who knew him best, his wry sense of humour was a given. They knew he was pulling their leg, as the English say, but they knew too that he meant well. An older man who had lived life, he always said he had come to writing late in life — and Vocal was his outlet to creativity.
Hamish AlexanderPublished 3 years ago in PsycheLife, death and appreciation
After graduating high school, I was looking into applying to the right Cegep to further my education. Here in Quebec (Canada) the last year of High School is grade 11 and from there we go into the first half of post-secondary education, what we call Cegep. In January of 2006, I began my studies at Dawson college, a Cegep in the downtown area of Montreal. It all began as a new adventure, a time to develop new skills and discover a whole new world outside of that sheltered High School life. When I first entered the school, my initial thoughts were those of a person entering a safe educational environment. Never had it crossed my mind that anything could go awry, as I was in a protected environment beginning a new and exciting chapter in my life. The only aspect I had to worry about was the fact that I got accepted into an English school after spending my entire life in the French school system. The stressors of trying to keep up were quite prominent in my mind. The semester went by considerable ease, I was connecting with new people while making new friends. The classes were stimulating, and my major was exciting. After all, I had decided to enroll in the Film Studies program and the digital arts have always pushed me to explore beyond the mundane curriculum I once knew. Things were going smoothly and life for me was like any regular 17-year-old out there, with school and part time work taking up most of my time. There wasn’t much else to fit into my already busy schedule. By the time summer came along, I had made a good group of friends to create new memories while enjoying the long break ahead. Summer eventually came to an end, and I was excited for the next semester.
Sara ChieffalloPublished 3 years ago in PsycheA thousand miles from home
I remember this day like it was yesterday. A day I’ll never forget. It was August 1, 2020. The world was consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic and all our lives changed in an instant. But on this day in a small town in the countryside of central New York a young guy of the age of 28 embarked on the largest and most life-changing adventure he had ever made. That guy was me and on this day I loaded my car to the brim with everything I felt was most important to me scrambling around to make sure I didn’t miss a thing because I wouldn’t be coming back for a while and when I did this place would no longer be home. As the sun began to set I pulled up to Slammin’s house for she was the friend I was choosing to take the beginning part of this journey with, Slammin had her bag packed and was already rushing me to leave we found space for her stuff and we prepared ourselves for a long drive. As I set the GPS Slammin’ ran through her checklist “soda. Check. Snacks. Check” she said, “oh wait I forgot my phone charger?” I say jumping out of the car to run inside for the very last time. This day is most memorable to me because that day was the day I packed up my entire life and moved to Florida.
It Happens to Others Not Me
Bad things happen all the time and sometimes they happen to good people. When something bad does occur, all those times you told yourself it happens to other people it doesn’t happen to me. The reality is that yes, it happens to others and that’s horrible, but you no longer can say those words when it happens to you. I used to do what I know some people do when faced with a situation that can have multiple outcomes. I would tell myself that it could have been a lot worse, that I got lucky, and some don’t. I justified the pain it caused me by saying those things and comparing my situations to others who have gone through it.
2,107 Sunsets Ago
One hundred and thirty two Americans successfully ended their lives on December 21, 2015. I should have been among them. My plans had been in the making for five long and painful months. That day and everything leading up to it changed who I was forever.
Rebecca KeyPublished 3 years ago in Psyche- Top Story - September 2021
Comprehending the Incomprehensible
I recently learned of the tragic passing of one of Vocal’s very own beloved creators Tom Bradbury. I’m sure many of you who are in the various Vocal Facebook groups are also aware of the tragedy befalling Tom’s home in rural France to a violent fire in which a victim was recovered. I’m not going to go into anymore because trauma does not need to be re-trodden. Suffice it to say, tragedy can be difficult, or seem almost impossible, to wrap your head around.
Caitlin McCollPublished 3 years ago in Psyche False Martyr
Though it was all an illusion you created a space of torment and lies. Undeniable at this point and I watch as you fumble in a panic. You left no choice as you committed the crimes of ultimate sin. Something you always said was punishable by death. Here you are left to your own devices. A shallow grave holds what barely remains. This will be slow and painful for you. Worse than that is the legacy you will leave is mostly damage and hate. You were abandoned for you lack of ability to be anything but a tyrant. A false martyr dressed in unholy malice. You are a carrier of a disease created long ago in the blood line. I was put here to end it. To erase it. I will watch this fire until it is done. Completely dissolved into atoms of ash and relief.
Samuel BitnerPublished 3 years ago in PsycheIt Is All Downhill from Here
It Is All Downhill from Here By Kami Bryant (This really happened. Truth is stranger than fiction sometimes) “No man is worth dying for,” said the police officer sitting on my apartment stairs. I did agree with him, I didn’t really want to die. I wanted the pain to go away. Plus, I wanted to get my ex-boyfriend’s attention. So, I drank half a fifth of rum on the day he dumped me and then I finished the bottle of rum the next day. To top it off, I took four or five Wellbutrin. I am not sure of the actual amount; it is all a blur. Then, I called him. He came and brought the cops with him. He told them I was attempting suicide. I told the police that he was lying.
Kami BryantPublished 3 years ago in Psyche