support
A solid support system is invaluable for one's recovery from psychiatric illness and mental health issues.
The Gentle Rebellion of Doing Things That Don’t Matter (But Actually Do)
There are nights where I sit hunched over a diamond painting, one tiny gem at a time, carefully pressing each one into its designated place. It’s absurd, really. Hours pass, and I have nothing to “show for it” but a sparkling portrait of a colourful flower or a moonlit forest — and a slightly aching neck.
By Scarlett R. 🍁9 months ago in Psyche
Is a Life Free of Regrets Really What We Should Be Striving For?
The idea that the ideal life lived is one free of regrets is a philosophical position that most of us have been exposed to consistently and regularly from a very early age. It was preached as gospel in books, movies, television, and every other form of mass media by friends, peers, colleagues, presidents, kings, queens, prime ministers, and everyday Joes and Janes. The deathbed speech in which the dying person says “I have no regrets” with a smile on their face, as they take their last breath is a classic and highly cliched example. Basically the idea goes that when we die if we can honestly say that we have no regrets that means we had a good life. That does not imply that we had a perfect life or never made mistakes or only made good decisions. It only means that we recognize that even if some of our choices were less than ideal, we still accept them as a part of life and understand that sometimes what seem like bad choices may lead to good outcomes in unexpected ways. Essentially, that life is unpredictable and that we are fallible beings who don’t always do the right things. We do not regret the bad decisions we made, we accept them as a normal part of life and of being human. Importantly and most critically, if we could go back in time we would not change anything with respect to the decisions we made because ultimately it was the sum total of all those decisions and choices, both good and bad, that led us to where we are today, dying in our deathbeds thankful that we can honestly say we have no regrets.
By Everyday Junglist9 months ago in Psyche
Beneath the Surface: Understanding Major Depressive Disorder
Introduction Depression is often misunderstood as simple sadness, a temporary cloud that will lift on its own. But for millions of people worldwide, depression is not fleeting—it is a constant, heavy presence that reshapes how they think, feel, and function. Among the most disabling mental health conditions, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex and multifaceted disorder that reaches far beyond low mood. It is a condition that touches the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social dimensions of a person’s life. And while it remains one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders globally, it is still surrounded by stigma, silence, and dangerous misconceptions.
By Siria De Simone9 months ago in Psyche
The Complex Role of Dopamine in Our Lives: Understanding the Science Behind Pleasure and Motivation
*The Complex Role of Dopamine in Our Lives: Understanding the Science Behind Pleasure and Motivation* Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our brain's reward and pleasure centers. It is often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone, and for good reason. Dopamine is released in response to pleasurable activities, such as eating, exercise, or social interactions, and it helps to motivate us to repeat those behaviors. However, when dopamine is released in excess or in response to artificial stimuli, such as social media or pornography, it can have negative consequences for our mental and physical health.
By Ikram Ullah9 months ago in Psyche
Anxiety in a Post-Pandemic World: Why We’re Still Not Okay
🧠 Introduction: The Unseen Pandemic The masks may be off, but for many of us, the anxiety never really left. We’ve moved forward physically—back to work, back to school, back to "normal." But mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, we are still somewhere in 2020, holding our breath in silence. What the pandemic stole from us wasn't just time or lives—it disrupted our sense of safety, our connection with others, and the way we process the world.
By Shoaib Afridi9 months ago in Psyche
How Childhood Neglect Impacts Adults
Today, I wanted to take the time to talk about something that is really important to me: childhood neglect and abuse. For the longest time in my life, I felt the need to justify what happened to me, to think "well, it's my fault", or "there's something wrong with me", or "my parents aren't terrible people maybe I'm just imagining my mistreatment". The thing is, the older I've gotten, the more I've learned of the complex impacts of childhood neglect and abuse. It's not always easy to detect because we are confused as kids; we don't know that what's being done to us is wrong. The families where this happens are sometimes the kinds of families that look alright from the outside world, but instead are deeply hurting. That's what my experience with childhood neglect and abuse was like. I was isolated in my room a lot, a witnessed physical abuse, and listened to arguments constantly. Even though my whole life I was trying so hard to just find my way, the thing is, my family never gave me the support I needed to succeed, so then I turned into this:
By Slgtlyscatt3red9 months ago in Psyche
The Last One Waiting
Left Behind, Watching When the world moves forward and you're still standing on the platform I disappoint them. A shut mouth: what is the point? Trembling lips, and all morning I have disappeared like a turned down flower. I would like them to see the last of me, wherever this goes, however it ends, but I send them away quickly. And if they try coming back, I will send them away again. They do not belong here, nor I with them. Like the slow train cutting diagonal across the road. Where is it going? Into a field to disappear, where it will become grass, then hay. In the distance the cows are specks, and up close they are blobs, and all my figuring cannot stop life from being so. If I were good for them they would stay, and if I were meant for them, I would be capable.
By Burhan Afridi9 months ago in Psyche
The Complexities of Co-Dependency
Have you ever met a person who couldn't do the simplest of tasks on their own? That person might even be you. There is always a deeper understanding of things like introverts, extroverts, the ego, etc., within society. The idea that someone doesn't like to be surrounded by noise isn't too uncommon. Just like the idea that an individual is their best drowning in a sea of people. Sometimes, you can struggle with an entirely different aspect of self. One that might even make you lose your own. Co-dependency.
By The Darkest Sunrise9 months ago in Psyche
"The Interpretation of Dreams" by Sigmund Freud: A Journey into the Unconscious Mind
"The Interpretation of Dreams" by Sigmund Freud: A Journey into the Unconscious Mind "The Interpretation of Dreams" is not just a book; it is the foundation of modern psychology and a journey into the mysterious world of the unconscious. First published in 1899, this book revolutionized our understanding of dreams. Dreams are no longer seen as random or meaningless images; instead, they are glimpses into our hidden desires, fears, and experiences. Freud's writing is a blend of science, philosophy, and personal discovery. This book explains how dreams are formed, their connection to the unconscious mind, and how they reveal hidden truths through symbols. Although it can be challenging, for those interested in understanding the human mind, it is a feast for the intellect.
By Ikram Ullah9 months ago in Psyche
