trauma
At its core, trauma can be thought of as the psychological wounds that persist, even when the physical ones are long gone.
"Fragile - Handle with Care"
Ah yes, mental health.As cliche as it might sound, life truly can and will be a "rollercoaster."Although, I feel thatif you were to more specifically apply that metaphor, it may be more fitting for mental health, or at least mine.I don't want to ramble on providing commonly accepted notions or ideas about the ebb and flow in one's mental state... but sometimes it can be difficult to keep it all together.To bring a more personal lens to the piece, I suffered a medical condition that exclusively bred within my little cranium and in medical terms only lasted three weeks.Those three weeks defined the next eight months of my life. The definitive nature of the impact slowly erode in the following six months... and I estimate around 18 months—from the time I left intensive care. I felt normal again.
By camaïeu cally7 years ago in Psyche
Letters for Myself
This will be a series. Part One To Whom It May Concern, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for over two decades. I’ve recently once again entered into outpatient therapy (this is my sixth or seventh time) and have a renewed dedication for it.
By Kathryn Parker7 years ago in Psyche
Triggered
I am a survivor of domestic abuse. When most people learn that they are surprised. More than once I have been told that I don't act like a "victim," my attitude is too bad, or I appear to be too strong to let someone hit me. The truth of the matter is, that's not how abuse works. It wouldn't matter if I was Mr. Universe with the will of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, if someone wants to bring you down, they will. It's a matter of how they do it.
By Edward Anderson7 years ago in Psyche
The Merciful Blue Sky
A girl with hazelnut hair with eyes to match, sat on the edge of a cliff. Forests of huge redwoods surrounded her, green as ever. She was looking out at the brilliant blue sky, it was clear and refreshing. Not a cloud in sight. As her gaze settled on the vastness above, she was remembered the friends she lost. Her best friend, her best friend's brother and her lover. She saw all those lost memories, all those wonderful times in a vision above her. She looked down below her, watching her dangling feet and the worn sneakers that barely clung to them. Such a long way down. But she could see her friends down at the bottom waving up.
By Avery Burroughs7 years ago in Psyche
Forgiveness
I've been hurt a lot in my life—obviously, everyone has—and all through my adolescence and young adult life, one thing that has been consistently shoved down my fucking throat is the importance of forgiveness. Apparently, it's important to forgive and let go for the sake of yourself or some shit. Yeah, okay.
By Kay Deschain7 years ago in Psyche
Recovering After Trauma
Just a little bit about some of the traumas I have personally experienced in my life: I was sexually abused for seven years by two male family members. A few years after that, I found myself in a physically, sexually, and emotionally abusive relationship for two and a half years. Then after that, I found myself in another abusive relationship for about seven months. I ended up getting pregnant and not knowing; we were broken up and he found me at a friend's house leaving to beat me up outside. I ended up having a miscarriage. I was eight weeks along. I have also experienced severe physical trauma. I was hit by a semi-truck and thrown off the freeway. That really messed with my emotions. I struggle everyday with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Not to mention how much all of this trauma has effected my self-confidence.
By Krisjoyy Smith7 years ago in Psyche
How Can I?
It's not easy for me to be nice to you, to ask if you need anything. My whole life I grew up with you telling me I was worthless, lazy, a bitch, a cunt, a whore, telling me I am going to grow up to be just like my birth-mother. I went through my childhood wondering what I ever did to get treated so damn dirty by someone who is supposed to love me and protect me. You were the one who took me in when my own birth parents did not want to be parents. It was not easy living with you. Words hurt and do cause pain, they can cut so deep you think you wont be able to stop the bleeding. All the times I took a blade to my skin I was trying to release the agony and pain I still feel to this day.
By Renee Knadler7 years ago in Psyche
Scared of Things that Aren't There
Hello! This is my first story in Psyche and I am very excited but also anxious to share my experiences and struggles with the world. I hope that anyone who reads them can learn something new since my goal is for people to see and understand a different point of view in my life. A life of a 17-year-old with many struggles but also strengths.
By Scarlett Wood7 years ago in Psyche
The Trauma Hijack
We've all heard of the fight or flight response. What's not as well known is the freeze response that's also a potential automatic response to danger. This is particularly relevant in the #metoo era to help understand people's seemingly unusual reactions during traumatic events.
By Ashley L. Peterson7 years ago in Psyche
The Frightening Consequences of Childhood Trauma
It's no secret that abuse and neglect in childhood cause damage to the child. It's unsurprising that psychological harm could persist for many years. What is less known, though, is the profound connection between negative experiences in childhood and adverse health outcomes in adulthood. The Adverse Childhood Experiences was the first large study to shine a stark light on just how overwhelming this link was.
By Ashley L. Peterson7 years ago in Psyche
The Life I Never Asked For (Pt. 2)
I had sat a year in the juvenile prison, I was considered a repeat offender and a criminal. I honestly didn't care, because I was safe. I sure did my fair share of dumb things, and getting myself a criminal record just to screw myself over was one of the worst. While I was there, I had a lot of time to think about my life. The fact that my so called family never visited just made my hatred so much worse for them. I knew I didn't want to go home, I didn't want to do drugs anymore. I wanted a happy and clean life.
By Kay Mellinger7 years ago in Psyche
