Psyche
An open conversation about mental health; stories, experiences, advice, real life. Psyche exposes the inner workings of the human soul, mind, and spirit.
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Top Stories
Stories in Psyche that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
Top tipple tricks
Been thinking a lot about drinking, lately. Not least because of a recent episode of over-indulgence and the inevitable after effects. Some readers may recall the earlier articles I wrote about beating the booze. Here I set out an experiment in techniques for cutting down on my alcohol intake. The experiment was successful, the techniques worked, and I have armed myself with an arsenal of weapons in the war against the demon drink. I have yet to fire the first round however. It's all a question of timing (perhaps procrastination).
By Raymond G. Taylor4 days ago in Psyche
The BAFTA Awards
By now, in a stunning departure from recent years, most of the world is aware of what happened at the BAFTA film awards. Social Media Headlines will tell you the bare bones: that John Davidson, a Tourette's Syndrome advocate, shouted a racial slur at two Actors of Colour, Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
By Natasja Rose9 days ago in Psyche
Who is your "Person"?
It's important to recognize that you cannot go through life as easily on your own. My name is Elizabeth and I'm a survivor of child abuse and horrific trauma. Healing from trauma is not a quick fix and recognizing that it will take time, is part of the struggle.
By Elizabeth Woods10 days ago in Psyche
What Happens To Your Brain When You Stop Multitasking
Digital technology is the culprit that is causing us to doom scroll when tired, disengaged and unmotivated with the content that motivated you to log onto your device to consume in the first place. That is only the beginning. In the modern workplace (and even when filing cabinets were around, I confirmed this with my adopted parents to get my facts right); reading files while you are supposed to be present to the caller on the other end of the phone line is another classic example of multitasking that causes your brain (although adaptable and intelligent) to lose focus and concentration.
By Justine Crowley27 days ago in Psyche
Collections
Themed story collections curated by the Vocal moderators.
Behind the Scenes
Exploring mental health in the public eye; celebrities and the spotlight that has been placed on their personal lives and their mental health.
In Treatment
Discovering the ins and outs of treatments and therapies. Join the conversation today.
Beyond the Blues
Understanding depression is difficult; hear from Psyche's community of peers on their experiences with this mood disorder.
Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Why I Stopped Reading Self-Help Books — And What I Read Instead
For years, I believed self-help books were the shortcut to a better life. Whenever I felt stuck, unmotivated, or confused about the future, I would buy another self-help book. The titles were always promising: Change Your Life in 30 Days, The Secret to Unlimited Success, The Mindset of Winners. Each one seemed to hold the key to a more productive, happier version of myself.
By Shahid Zamanabout 2 hours ago in Psyche
How to Choose the Best PHP Program Near You in North Carolina. AI-Generated.
Finding the right level of care is an important step when seeking help for mental health or substance use challenges. While some individuals benefit from traditional outpatient therapy, others may need more structured support without committing to full residential treatment. This is where Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) can play an important role in recovery.
By Jordan Blakeabout 6 hours ago in Psyche
The Know‑It‑All Partner
The secret cost of the "always right" relationship dynamic that no one talks about If you’ve ever loved a know‑it‑all partner, you already know this: the problem isn’t that they’re wrong. It’s that you stop existing as a full person around them.
By abualyaanartabout 7 hours ago in Psyche
How to Avoid Overthinking
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being. However, many people struggle to fall asleep because their minds refuse to slow down. As stories today often highlight, modern lifestyles filled with constant information and daily pressures make it harder for people to mentally switch off at night. Thoughts about work, personal issues, future plans, or past mistakes often keep the brain active long after bedtime. This habit, commonly known as overthinking, can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep at a reasonable time. Fortunately, with a few simple strategies, you can calm your mind and develop healthier sleep habits.
By Stories Todayabout 11 hours ago in Psyche
The Quiet People Are Always Observing
The Quiet People Are Always Observing People often misunderstand quiet people. They assume silence means emptiness. They think a person who speaks less must have fewer thoughts, fewer opinions, or less confidence. In loud rooms, the quiet ones are easy to overlook. They sit slightly back from the center of the conversation, listening while others fill the air with stories, arguments, and laughter. But what most people don’t realize is that quiet does not mean unaware. Quiet often means observing. I used to think there was something wrong with me because I wasn’t the loudest person in the room. In school, the confident students were the ones who raised their hands first, spoke quickly, and seemed comfortable sharing every thought that crossed their minds. Teachers praised participation. Friends admired charisma. Meanwhile, I often found myself listening more than speaking. At first, it felt like a weakness. I wondered why my mind worked differently. While others talked freely, I was usually watching the details — the small pauses in conversation, the slight change in someone’s tone, the way a smile didn’t quite reach someone’s eyes. Over time, I began to realize something strange. The quieter I was, the more I noticed. People reveal a lot when they believe no one is paying attention. The friend who laughs loudly at every joke but becomes silent when the conversation shifts to their own life. The coworker who speaks confidently in meetings but nervously taps their fingers when someone questions them. The person who says “I’m fine” while their voice carries a quiet heaviness. These details rarely appear in loud conversations. They appear in the spaces between them. Quiet people tend to live in those spaces. While others focus on what they want to say next, observers focus on what is actually happening. They notice patterns in behavior. They sense tension before anyone mentions it. They understand emotions that people try to hide behind casual words. It’s not a special power. It’s simply what happens when someone spends more time listening than speaking. At some point, I began to understand that silence had given me something valuable. Perspective. When you are not constantly trying to control a conversation, you begin to see it more clearly. You notice who interrupts others. You notice who encourages people to speak. You notice who listens, and who only waits for their turn to talk. You begin to understand people in a different way. Loud personalities often dominate attention, but quiet observation reveals character. Some of the most revealing moments in life are incredibly subtle. A quick glance between two people. A long pause before answering a simple question. A nervous laugh that hides discomfort. These small signals say more than long speeches ever could. Of course, being observant has its challenges too. Sometimes you see things others miss — tensions in relationships, hidden insecurities, or unspoken conflicts. You may notice when someone’s confidence is fragile even though everyone else believes they are strong. And once you see these things, you can’t easily ignore them. Observation creates understanding, but it can also create loneliness. When you understand people deeply, you sometimes realize how rarely people understand each other. But there is also something quietly beautiful about it. Observant people often become the ones others trust most. Because when they finally speak, their words carry weight. They are not speaking simply to fill silence; they are speaking because they have truly considered what they want to say. And people can feel that difference. Quiet people may not lead every conversation, but they often understand the room better than anyone else. They know when someone is uncomfortable. They notice when someone feels excluded. They recognize when someone is pretending to be okay. Because they have been watching. In a world that celebrates constant noise and endless opinions, silence can seem invisible. But silence is not empty. Silence is where awareness grows. Some of the most thoughtful people in the world are not the ones who speak the most — they are the ones who observe carefully, think deeply, and choose their words with intention. The truth is, quiet people are rarely disengaged from what is happening around them. If anything, they are often the most present people in the room. They see the things others miss. They hear the meaning hidden behind casual words. And while the world may overlook them at first, the quiet observers often understand far more than anyone expects. So the next time you notice someone sitting quietly during a conversation, don’t assume they have nothing to say. They may simply be watching the story unfold. And chances are, they understand it better than anyone else.
By Faizan Malikabout 11 hours ago in Psyche
The Psychology and Symbolism of Baby Dreams: What Empirical Research Reveals About One of the Most Common Dream Archetypes. AI-Generated.
\nWhat does it mean to dream about a baby? According to aggregated data from the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD), infant-related dream imagery constitutes one of the five most frequently reported recurring dream themes among adult populations, with prevalence estimates ranging from 15% to 22% across longitudinal dream journaling studies. The interpretive significance of such dreams is determined by three primary variables: the affective tone of the dream experience (positive, anxious, or neutral), the relational proximity between the dreamer and the infant figure (biological offspring, unknown child, or archetypal symbol), and the behavioral context of the dream narrative (birth, caregiving, loss, or discovery).\n
By Enrique Martinezabout 14 hours ago in Psyche
Creators We’re Loving
The creative faces behind your favorite stories.
Iris Harris
129 published stories
Eden Row
16 published stories
Mark Wesley Pritchard
411 published stories
Jennifer A. G.
46 published stories
Calvin London
381 published stories
Elizabeth Woods
131 published stories
Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, DFM, DHM, DAS (hc)
1003 published stories
Danielle Katsouros
53 published stories
Gerard DiLeo
874 published stories
kandis.
6 published stories
Xine Segalas
94 published stories
Raymond G. Taylor
661 published stories
