coping
Life presents variables; learning how to cope in order to master, minimize, or tolerate what has come to pass.
LSD, Childhood Memories, And The Science Of Nostalgia
The weather forecast was gloomy, and the sky a dishwater gray. Not what many psychedelic users would consider good conditions for a trip, but something about it felt right. I grabbed a tiny glass vial out of the fridge and carefully siphoned out a small but solid dose, then waited nervously. Although LSD has never made me feel any genuinely negative feelings, I usually can’t say the same about the first hour long wait to feel something. But this time, the onset was remarkably free of anxiety. Long before the first effects made their appearance, I had a strong feeling that it would be a particularly special trip.
By Psychedelics are Medicine 4 years ago in Psyche
Suicide Watch
When I was 15 years old I tried to smother myself with a pillow. Not the best way to attempt suicide. In hindsight I realize that all that would have happened would be that I would pass out, relax my grip on the pillow and begin to breathe. I suppose I should have used a dry -cleaning bag instead. Now I am very glad I didn’t.
By Traci E. Langston4 years ago in Psyche
Stuck in the Grey
My eyes are clenched tight, whether it is to block something out or to search inside, I cannot tell. It feels like I’m trying to find a reason that doesn’t exist in a haystack of steel colored, gray nothingness. The nothingness is closest akin to a dense fog and has mottled striations of black and dark grey; they blend together, tumbling without moving, moving without movement. There is a glass-like reminiscence to the fog. It’s impenetrable, and at the same time, the desire to go into it conflicts with the energetic resistance it radiates. I feel like the answer that will allow for peace and freedom is in that grey mottled, molasses-like chaos. It won’t let me go into it, so I take a different approach and breathe deep with the hope that my deep breaths might shift the fog to yield some insight or perhaps to make the density of the fog dissipate.
By Linden Griffith4 years ago in Psyche
Volcano Child
When I was a little girl, my 2nd grade teacher told my mom that I have a tantrum worse than a toddler’s. My mom - angry and embarrassed- told her that she’s going to straighten me out. Did she take me to therapy? No, but let’s just say there’s a belt with my name on it. This method worked for my older sister so it should work for me, right? Not exactly and the crazy thing is I still remember that day as if it happened yesterday. The pain I felt after the spanking and the lesson I learned: my feelings don’t matter.
By Linda Serrano4 years ago in Psyche
My Mental Health Needs Water to Survive
Up here, my anxiety has gotten worse in the past year or so. To the point where I’m thinking I might need to go back to therapy. I feel I’m becoming unhealthy at the edges again. I’m afraid almost more than I’m not. That’s all up here.
By Catherine Kenwell4 years ago in Psyche
Self Esteem Is Overrated
In recent times, there has been much more talk about “self-esteem”, how important it is for personal happiness and well-being. While It is true, that to find that oh so fleeting and ever-elusive state of satisfaction and fulfillment, self-love is a key component, to love oneself. This gives rise to one of the most clichéf phrases is that ‘to be able to love others you need to love yourself.’ as cliche as that sounds, it sounds true. But is that the full story? Is the key to my happiness simply a stronger self of worth, a boost to my self-esteem? Let’s explore that together.
By Mindsmatter.4 years ago in Psyche
Munchausen by Covid
I knew it would happen eventually. With Omicron came increasing case numbers and an increasing contagion rate. Despite being careful, I knew catching the virus was a possibility. What I didn't expect, however, was the emotional side effects of Coronavirus for those with pre-existing conditions of Munchausen by Proxy trauma.
By Ren Marissa4 years ago in Psyche
