Are You Okay?

Are You Okay? is a Substack centered on integrating mental and physical health through straight talk and evidence-based guidance. It emphasizes the role of self-compassion, conscious consumption, health awareness, and practical steps towards well-being, including managing anxiety, dietary advice, the impact of alcohol, and navigating healthcare.

Mental Health Physical Health and Nutrition Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance Healthcare Navigation Alcohol and Substance Use Chronic Illness Management Anxiety and Stress Management Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

The hottest Substack posts of Are You Okay?

And their main takeaways

Listen to your Brain

0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Medical treatment
  1. Anxiety is a natural response to threats like COVID-19, but excessive worry and physical symptoms can indicate an anxiety disorder.
  2. Anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on physical health, contributing to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive dysfunction.
  3. Treatment for anxiety disorders often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes tailored to the individual's needs and health.

Mitigate Risk

0 implied HN points • 26 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Health Mental health Grief Wellbeing Prevention
  1. The risk of getting COVID-19 will never be zero until a vaccine is available, so focus on mitigating risks by wearing masks, social distancing, being outside, handwashing, and taking personal and public responsibility.
  2. Grief is a natural response to loss and understanding the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, finding meaning) can help navigate the process and find healing.
  3. Change is inevitable, and while the current reality may be challenging, hope remains as people adapt to new norms, follow safety guidelines, and show kindness to one another.

Take it Easy

0 implied HN points • 24 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Mental health Physical health
  1. The author provides broad guidance on physical and mental health during the pandemic, focusing on easing stress and offering general advice.
  2. Specific medical questions and seeking advice should be directed to personal physicians, as the author's guidance is not a replacement for individual medical care.
  3. The readers highly value information on reopening, making tough decisions, and assessing personal risks in relation to COVID-19.

Savor the Simple

0 implied HN points • 23 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Mental health Parenting
  1. The author encourages interaction with readers and patients to improve their content.
  2. Readers are invited to share their thoughts, concerns, and questions to tailor future updates.
  3. Simple pleasures, like spending time with loved ones and enjoying creativity, are important for wellbeing.

Make the Most of What We’ve Got and Stay Hopeful for What’s to Come

0 implied HN points • 14 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Antibody testing Patient Care Mental health
  1. COVID testing, while not perfect, is still essential for moving forward and interpreting results requires clinical judgment.
  2. The accuracy of COVID tests can vary between different types and brands, so it's important to understand their limitations and context.
  3. Positive antibody tests suggest immunity, but it's not a guarantee of total protection from the virus. Clinical judgment is key.
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(Try To) Make Sense of Long COVID

0 implied HN points • 16 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Long Covid Symptoms Mainstream Media Prevention Medical Research
  1. Long COVID symptoms are wide-ranging and may not solely be caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. They can overlap with other conditions like stress, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances, making it challenging to diagnose long COVID accurately.
  2. The media often sensationalizes long COVID, leading to misconceptions about its prevalence. Studies suggest that post-COVID symptoms are not exclusive to COVID and can be influenced by various factors such as stress, underlying health conditions, and life disruptions.
  3. Preventing long COVID includes vaccination, avoiding high-risk environments, and managing underlying health conditions. Research on antiviral medications and alternative vaccine delivery methods could potentially reduce the risk of long COVID in the future.

Reckon With Food

0 implied HN points • 25 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight management Mental health Physical health Self-care
  1. Weight loss is complex and not guaranteed by specific diets or eating schedules. Each person's journey is unique.
  2. The relationship with food is multifaceted, involving emotions, social aspects, and daily habits. Understanding and addressing this relationship is key to long-term weight management.
  3. Sustainable weight loss involves making lifestyle changes that work for the individual, such as increasing physical activity and finding a balanced approach to eating.

Manage BA.2—And Our Expectations

0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Symptoms Testing Isolation Treatment
  1. The Omicron BA.2 variant is highly contagious but generally not causing more severe illness than previous versions in vaccinated and boosted individuals. Symptoms can range from mild cold-like to more severe, and testing is crucial to differentiate between COVID and other common illnesses.
  2. Rapid antigen tests are effective in detecting contagious levels of the virus, and isolation guidelines recommend staying isolated for at least 5 days after a positive test, preferably until a negative test is obtained.
  3. Vaccination, boosting where eligible, staying home when sick, and seeking medical advice are crucial steps in managing COVID. Understanding that exposure may be inevitable, a balanced approach to precautions is recommended to protect oneself and others.

Reckon With Alcohol

0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Physical health Self-care Therapy
  1. Alcohol has both positive and negative effects on our health and lives, such as reducing stress but also leading to depression and impaired judgment.
  2. Determining whether one's alcohol consumption is excessive involves evaluating both the quantity and frequency of drinking, as well as the individual's relationship with alcohol.
  3. It's important to be honest with oneself about alcohol consumption, seek help from a healthcare provider if needed, and address underlying triggers for drinking to maintain good health.

Boost Your Immunity

0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Vaccination COVID-19 Medical Advice Public Health
  1. The FDA authorized a second booster shot for specific groups, emphasizing individual responsibility in COVID protection.
  2. Data supports high effectiveness of COVID vaccines in reducing hospitalization rates, especially with more booster shots.
  3. Consulting a primary care provider for personalized advice on receiving additional booster shots is crucial for making informed decisions.

Alleviate Stress

0 implied HN points • 28 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Stress management Mental health Self-care
  1. Living with hypervigilance due to the Covid-19 pandemic can lead to post-pandemic stress, characterized by anxiety, mood instability, and mental exhaustion.
  2. Post-pandemic stress can manifest in various ways, such as leaning on friends, seeking solitude, rigid diets, alcohol bingeing, and social media outbursts.
  3. Taking breaks and spending time with family can be essential for rest and restoration to alleviate stress.

Prep for BA.2

0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Boosters Vaccination Immunity Public Health
  1. BA.2 is more contagious than BA.1, making it easier to catch.
  2. BA.2 does not cause more severe disease compared to BA.1, so if infected, outcomes may be similar to previous Omicron infections.
  3. BA.2 is not resistant to vaccines for hospitalization and death, offering continued protection from severe outcomes.

Hope and Caution Aren’t Mutually Exclusive

0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Trauma Physical health Primary Care Emotional Well-being
  1. Transitioning after a crisis can be challenging due to loss and uncertainty, impacting everyone differently.
  2. It's crucial to address societal inequalities worsened during the pandemic while navigating ongoing health risks.
  3. Mental health should be a central focus in healthcare, as trauma from crises like COVID-19 can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects.

Unpack CDC’s New Guidance

0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 22
🏥 Health Politics
  1. CDC's new guidance urges focusing resources on high-risk patients and tailoring mitigation measures based on local COVID-19 risk levels.
  2. The updated guidelines suggest using specific metrics to determine risk levels and advise mask mandates primarily in high-risk areas.
  3. The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination, testing, treatment, and community surveillance for effective COVID-19 management, while recognizing the need for balancing health risks and mitigation measures.

Protect the Vulnerable

0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Mental health Preventive Care Public Health
  1. Protecting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, is crucial as we navigate the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.
  2. High-risk individuals can take steps to safeguard themselves, like getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing high-grade masks, and utilizing preventive medications.
  3. Efforts like global vaccine equity, recognizing natural immunity, improving ventilation, and increasing access to mental health services are vital for creating a safer, healthier post-pandemic world.

Take It From a Pediatrician

0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Immunity Mental health Child development
  1. As COVID-19 restrictions relax, pediatricians are sharing optimistic views on the progress made, including the availability of effective vaccines and the decreasing severity of the virus over time.
  2. Children who have recovered from COVID-19 tend to develop lasting immunity, with studies showing a strong immune response, even greater than adults, in some cases.
  3. The potential harms of prolonged mask wearing on children's development, combined with the psychological impacts of the pandemic, highlight the importance of considering the overall well-being of children when making decisions about COVID-19 precautions.

Mind the Gap

0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Nutrition Exercise
  1. It's normal to neglect health during a global pandemic due to challenges like burnout and disrupted routines. Prioritize self-care and routine tune-ups for overall well-being.
  2. Connecting intentions with actions is crucial for behavioral change. Identify roadblocks like lack of time or resources, and seek realistic and sustainable solutions.
  3. Establish healthy habits by focusing on basic needs like nutritious eating, regular exercise, ample sleep, and stress management. Gradual progress and support are key for long-term success.

Own Your Fear; Don’t Capitulate to it

0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety COVID-19 Vaccination Therapy
  1. Recognize and face your fears instead of giving in to them. Trust facts and balance risks for sound decision-making.
  2. Anxiety during a global crisis is normal. It's important to calibrate fear to actual risks and consider seeking help if anxiety interferes with daily life.
  3. Talking out your thoughts and fact-checking internal narratives can help manage anxiety and maintain self-awareness.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up if You’re Infected, Exposed and/or Confused.

0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Self-compassion Fear Logistics Emotions
  1. Experiencing COVID symptoms after vaccination is common, but most people have milder symptoms and a lower risk of severe illness thanks to vaccines and boosters.
  2. Dealing with COVID involves medical challenges like fear and treatment options, logistical challenges like testing and isolation, and emotional challenges like guilt and shame.
  3. Getting COVID isn't a moral failure; it's a part of being human. We need to show empathy, self-compassion, and accept that exposures may happen despite precautions.