stigma

People with mental illness represent one of the most deeply stigmatized groups in our culture. Learn more about it here.

Why Embracing Feeling Different will Lead you to your Tribe?
Being or Feeling different can be challenging, but trying to be ourselves in an environment where we are misunderstood is even harder. We may find it difficult to express ourselves without the fear of being judged, made feel like something wrong with us, being labeled or even rejected. It often starts from childhood, and for many of us, it gets carried on into adulthood. We fear to open-up to others, sometimes unconsciously or we do not know how to connect with others, leading to loneliness and a sense of not belonging. Furthermore, our behaviors and attitudes are so ingrained into the identity that we have come to accept for ourselves due to others perception and projection that we intentionally carry these unhealthy beliefs in our life. However, as we grow older, our life paths can diverge, friendships fade, and there comes a point where you realize you may no longer have a lot in common with those, we used to call home. It is then that we start to understand ourselves and who we want to be, carving our identity and ultimately leading to finding like-minded people.
By LaPlume Verte2 years ago in Psyche
How to Stop People Pleasing
One day in my childhood, I decided that I would be the source of everyone's happiness. There was a guilt so perfectly fashioned in my chest. Yet, I'd been oblivious to the fact that it never even belonged to me. For years all I wanted was to be seen, loved, and heard. The majority of my life was fueled by the desire to be loved. This took me down many dark paths that bring me shame to this day. There is grace in my deliverance, however. A moment that I can breathe. Only I always come back to the shame. Always. This same shame gave me the motivation to discover who it truly belonged to. I have been an astronomical part of my downfall. While I am aware of this now, I did not get myself to this point alone. I had the help of so many, only now in adulthood it is my responsibility to mend these broken pieces of my life. No, it isn't fair, but it is necessary.
By The Darkest Sunrise2 years ago in Psyche
Rainy Day Oranges
HUNGRY WITH TWO KIDS ANYTHING HELPS GOD BLESS Miguel was wearing a green raincoat and slouched over the sign he was holding, trying not to let the black marker wash away in the chilly rain. It was the first day of November- after the hops harvest season had ended, but before the winter shelters his wife's cousin Yoselin worked at opened for the season. Not that he usually needed the shelters- he typically lived with one of his cousins in Portland during the off-season. But this year, all of his cousins had moved away, and his wife decided to take the kids with her to the Tri-Cities after the incident in September. It was always his wife who asked the family to stay with Yoselin while they sheltered in Portland- he never really got on with Yoselin, and he certainly wasn't going to reach out to her on his own. The voice in his head was telling him her spiky blue hair and tattoos were the mark of the devil.
By James Bao2 years ago in Psyche
Spice Up Your Life
Children are not angels. They are animals—creatures made of flesh and pure instinct. I know because I used to be one—specifically the kind that tends to be on the receiving end of other children’s most unbridled dispositions.
By Lily Séjor2 years ago in Psyche
Kindness or Cruelty?
Greg seduced me with his bright, green eyes and the smile that took over his entire face. My emotions were flying high that night. When we met I had just returned to work after a months long pregnancy hiatus. I missed the stage. I missed being a part of the show and all the excitement that came with the night life that had stolen my heart.
By Tina D'Angelo2 years ago in Psyche
Navigating the Complex Challenges of Mental Health Care
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health is becoming increasingly recognized as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet the conversation around it remains fraught with complexity and stigma.
By Natalie Morales2 years ago in Psyche
The Thing About Terrorism. Top Story - September 2024.
Today in the States, we recall a moment of darkness. Hijacked Planes, crashing into towers. Chaos, Death, Confusion, Pain, Anger.
By Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, DFM, DHM, DAS (hc)2 years ago in Psyche
Some Lessons I've Learned After Two Months Of Sobriety
I’ve had periods of sobriety before. I would manage a month, have a slip, manage another month, and so on. I did this for years and I was absolutely miserable.
By Patrick Meowler2 years ago in Psyche
The Exchange. Runner-up in Small Kindness Challenge. Top Story - September 2024. Content Warning.
Misty’s car made a gut-wrenching grinding noise as she pulled into the parking lot, pulling into a shaded spot near the back. The grinding, which happened just about every time she turned the wheel now, had become so loud and anxiety-provoking recently that it eclipsed the fact that her AC had conked out before summer even started. But now, sitting in the muggy shade, beads of sweat appeared almost instantly and unbidden on her top lip. Her muscles groaned, and her bowels cramped as if someone was tightening a vice. Her phone lit up with a text message, predictably from Cole:
By Elle Marie2 years ago in Psyche
Things I learnt from my recent setbacks
Things I learnt from my recent setbacks How I wish life were filled with glory and love, tales of how we succeed in every aspect of our life, emerging victorious in battles filled with animosity and sadness. Every mortal being experiences seasons of rise and fall, of light and dark, of pain and purpose, and defeat and victory.
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in Psyche
Not Dead, Homeless, or in Jail is not a "Miracle". Content Warning.
Before you come at me saying my views are some dumb, idealistic, liberal, white lady bullshit, please at least allow me an extremely brief summation of my life experience with the topic.
By Nicki Marson- Gentrifying The Group Home Girl2 years ago in Psyche
When the sun goes away . Content Warning.
You sit there in your room, the bathroom is calling for you to take a shower but the curtain is not drawn and the light isn’t seeping in through the corner. You left the milk on the table and what you wanted to eat is expired, the alcohol at the store is too far for you to bother.
By Caitlin Charlton2 years ago in Psyche