trauma
At its core, trauma can be thought of as the psychological wounds that persist, even when the physical ones are long gone.
Literary Psychology: Minor Depression and Major Depression
One of the psychological aspects that often appear in literary works is mental disorders, especially depression. Depression can generally be categorized into two forms: minor depression and major depression. Minor depression is often described as a temporary feeling of melancholy or sadness that can be overcome. Meanwhile, major depression has more complex and profound characteristics, involving a loss of meaning in life as well as destructive tendencies, even to the point of suicide. Through the perspective of literary psychology, this psychological condition is constructed through characterisation, symbolism, and narrative structure. Literary works not only reflect human experiences, but also become an effective medium in describing various forms of mental disorders, character struggles, and the social impacts that arise due to mental health problems (Septiaji, 2025). By understanding the representation of depression in literature, we can gain deeper insights into its psychological impact and implications for readers and society.
By Aji Septiaji12 months ago in Psyche
The Quiet That Screamed
They say there is a silence so loud, it tears the skin of your thoughts. It doesn't arrive like a thunderclap or a scream or the slam of a door at midnight. No. It comes like dust. Slow. Gentle. Undefinable. Until one day you look around and realize the world has stopped responding. You speak, and nothing echoes back, not even your own voice. You reach for something solid—work, love, prayer, even pain—and your hand passes right through it like it’s smoke. And suddenly, the life you thought was yours feels like a film projected on fog. You can see it. Almost touch it. But not enter. That’s what happened to me. And I don’t remember when it started. That’s the worst part. There was no explosion, no death, no dramatic betrayal. Just the slow, quiet erosion of meaning.
By Beyond The Surface12 months ago in Psyche
My Guests
I sat in that room I was born in. I spent formative years with the duality watching over me. They were treacherous; at times affectionate and nurturing; others cold and barbaric. From kisses to strikes across my cheeks, to kicks above my knees. An upbringing riddled with light and darkness; a preparation for their departure and my first guest.
By Andrew Dominguez12 months ago in Psyche
Something's Gotta Give
I’m not drunk enough to write out this story. Which is a shame, since I’m highly allergic to alcohol. As in the “one mouthful and take bets if the ambulance gets here in time” scale of things. And I can’t even chug a soda, because that would spike my diabetic self into the stratosphere.
By Meredith Harmon12 months ago in Psyche
The Mind Wanders
Before I begin, I would like to tell you, the reader, that I’m okay. This narrative is prompted by a Vocal challenge entitled “The Metamorphosis of the Mind.” This challenge is a no more than 2,500-word and no less than 1,000-word piece where I, the author, am supposed to share a transformative moment from my mental or emotional journey. For the past few years, while being a Vocal Plus member, I have been entering these challenges in the hopes of likes, reads, subscriptions, and, of course, prize money. My entries, thus far, have been mostly fictional pieces of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the occasional poetry. I report that to date, I have not won nor have had an honorable mention, which is okay. I am hopeful that I will at least sharpen my skills to where someone enjoys my writing enough to continuously want to read what I put out on Vocal. This challenge, however, is different. This challenge wants us to explore our own psyche and present a moment of our lives to you, the reader. I did not know where to begin with this entry, for you see, I believe I have experienced a more than average share of personal growth. Let me quickly explain.
By Anthony Diaz12 months ago in Psyche
The First Time I Fell in Love Was Also the Last
They say your first love never really leaves you. I didn’t know mine would come and go in the same summer. This is me. A shy, thoughtful 17-year-old in my final summer before college. The kind of person who watches life from the sidelines—introverted, observant, not the type who’s ever been in love before. My world is small, familiar, and safe… until he arrives.
By Gift Abotsi 12 months ago in Psyche
The Power of Rock Bottom . Runner-Up in The Metamorphosis of the Mind Challenge. Content Warning.
For the fifth time that night, nausea washed over me, as my gut began to heave and contract. Pulling myself up to kneel, I pulled the glass bowl closer to my face, as the razor-sharp convulsions brought up more bile. The yellow liquid stung my mouth.
By Chantal Weiss12 months ago in Psyche
