humanity

Mental health is a fundamental right; the future of humanity depends on it.

The Gift of Mental Illness
This weekend we took her cat to be euthanized. It was heartbreaking. She was trying to take control of her feelings, trying not to let the sadness break loose, forcing it inside, because it would be too difficult to cry. To be that sad again. Pacing up and down, grinding her teeth and almost running out of the clinic because she couldn't take it any more. Couldn't keep looking at her dear cat lying dead on the table. When we came out of the vet's, she said 'I think I'm going to cry now', letting go of the tears, but not too much, because too much was too scary. We walked up and down the driveway of the veterinarian clinic, my hand on her shoulder, talking about how much her and her cat had gone through together. It was sacred, primal, deeply felt.
By Clear-Eyed Rebel6 years ago in Psyche
I Lost My Damn Mind
On November 14th at 3 AM I was desperately trying to fall asleep. I hadn’t been able to sleep for many many years. In fact sometimes the pain was so severe that I would stay awake for 2-3 days at a time. I remember realizing that I was not able to control my actions. Every time I passed an item I would have to rearrange everything in a newer better manner. Finally I was so exhausted that I started knocking items off the counters and onto the floor. I knew physically that I would not be able to pick it up due to the many disabilities that plague my body. I’ve been closely managing my health for the past 18 years to try and have a resemblance of a life. I was living day to day more miserable than the last. I was forced to retire because I couldn’t remember how to do my job. In an effort to manage my health better I discontinued use of heavy dose pain killers to using medical marijuana. I’ve never really used it before other than a puff or two. I felt alive when I smoked it. No more pain, nausea and more energy. I was actually able to go shopping, make dinner, take a shower and clean up my house. I got it in my head that more is better. When I couldn’t control racing thoughts, nor stop myself I knew I needed to get help. My phone was dead, I live out in the country and it was the coldest night on record for the year, around 5 degrees.
By Palmira Campos6 years ago in Psyche
Brittle Bones: Indio, California
Abstract: The following excerpt is from my fictional coming-of-age novel about Audrey Anderson's life, a girl from a small made-up town of Tribuca, California, an aspiring musician. This excerpt is an interlude of my debut manuscript.
By Paulina Pachel6 years ago in Psyche
We Got Wicked Problems
Give me 30 years and I will change your mind: Recently, a colleague shared a thought-provoking article with me. The title of the article was “This is how long it takes to change the world.” It was written by Yancey Strickler, who is a cofounder of the crowd funding site: Kickstarter. As the title suggests, this article set out to dispel the myths surrounding macro-level change. In the article, Mr. Strickler provides a realistic view of what is required to “change the world”. The author calls this a “substantive change” and describes it in the following manner:
By Richard L6 years ago in Psyche
Worthy Hearts
Philadelphia is an art-filled city, from the 3,600 murals to the plethora of thought-provoking street art, the walls tell the story of a very unique urban culture, and I personally can’t get enough of it. I grew up in the suburbs, not visiting the city nearly as much as I would have liked. Now I commute to Temple University and try to spend as much time as possible wandering the streets and getting lost in the visual narratives.
By Brittany Valentine6 years ago in Psyche
To Those Who See Me
To the woman sitting across from me, putting the last coat of nail polish on my nails, I can see your eyes darting from my nails to my wrist, and from my wrist to my forearm.
By Rebecca Driedger6 years ago in Psyche
A Mental Illness Relationship
Being in a relationship is tough, regardless of who it is with, for however long, or even if it is the perfect relationship. There are always some tough rocks in the road. But dealing with mental illness as well as being in a relationship adds a new dimension of it being difficult.
By Hannah Elliott6 years ago in Psyche
The Power of Genetic Inheritance
The human behavior has always been one of the fascinating subjects in psychology. However, the mystery of what factor in life is it that makes us behave the way we do remains unanswered. Psychologists all over the world have spent years on determining the behavioral influences and until now, genetic inheritance and nurture are by far the most reasonable explanations when it comes to human behavior. There have been arguments about whether or not genetic inheritance influences an individual’s personality along with numerous studies to support the idea, including the study of Leonard L. Heston and J. M. Baily & R. C. Pillard, which are two famous examples when it comes to genetic inheritance.
By Dena Sehati6 years ago in Psyche
I Got 99 Problems but My Kid's G.P.A. Isn't One
The work I do all day every day exposes me to a side of the world that is not pretty. At my nonprofit, FAVOR Greenville, we deal with all people in need, including those who are not immediately willing to change and we see the worst aspect of substance use disorder. We are knee deep in the country's deaths of despair epidemic.
By Richard L6 years ago in Psyche
World Mental Health Day
Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day, and I have not one, but two personal stories to share with everyone. It’s observed every year on this day to spread awareness of mental health issues worldwide. Before I tell them to everyone, I want to share some important stats about mental illness:
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 6 years ago in Psyche
Off
OFF by Andre N. Jones CHARACTERS DODSON CARR A pilot. A drunk. Conflicted by guilt and his inner demons.
By Andre N Jones6 years ago in Psyche
Battles
Today, I am angry. I am preparing myself for a battle. One that I will win. I have every confidence about that. But what I am angry about is that I shouldn't even have to fight for this. It is an injustice, and the other side is wrong for their behavior. What is happening is illegal, and will be resolved. It is being done to intimidate me and to get me to give up. I cannot specify any details regarding what is happening, because I am not risking it getting into the wrong hands and being used against me. I will only give these vague details, and say that they picked the wrong person to bully.
By Jenn Pautsch6 years ago in Psyche