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

Come say hi 👋 in my new chat, just for paid subscribers!

139 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🚌 Education Community Conversations Access
  1. Dr. Lucy McBride has introduced a new chat space for paid subscribers where they can engage with her and each other in a private setting.
  2. The chat community offers a space free from advertisements and algorithms, allowing for genuine connections and idea sharing.
  3. To access the full content and participate in the chat, individuals can start a 7-day free trial of the Are You Okay? subscription.

Friday Q&A: Correcting internal narratives about Weight; Alcohol & Social Anxiety; Unknown Family History; Hormones & Heart Disease; & “Keto” Dieting

139 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Mental health Substance Abuse Eating Disorders Therapy
  1. Shame around eating can lead to complicated relationships with food and body image. It's important to rewrite the script by understanding that weight doesn't equate to worth and food is essential for fuel.
  2. Anxiety and social challenges can sometimes lead to coping mechanisms like alcohol use, which can have negative impacts on health. It's crucial to find ways to socialize and connect with others without relying on substances.
  3. Listening to hunger cues, experiencing satiety, and meeting basic biological needs are important steps in breaking the cycle of body shame. Tools like Ozempic can be helpful for managing weight and providing a sense of agency.

Invisible Suffering: Five Things You Need to Know About End-of-Life Decisions

159 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness End of Life Care Quality of Life Values
  1. Discussing end-of-life decisions early with loved ones is crucial for optimizing care and quality of life.
  2. Define your values rather than specific medical treatments in your medical wishes to guide your loved ones in making decisions that align with your goals.
  3. Selecting a Medical Power of Attorney and putting your wishes in writing through an Advance Directive are essential steps to ensure your end-of-life preferences are honored.

What's Eating You?

119 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Trauma Therapy Self-care
  1. The link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and disordered eating is common, highlighting the importance of understanding one's past for a healthier relationship with food.
  2. Health involves awareness, acceptance, and agency over our lives, going beyond just weight or BMI. It's about acknowledging and dealing with complex emotions and experiences.
  3. For individuals struggling with disordered eating, seeking support from mental health and nutrition professionals, practicing mindfulness, and incorporating enjoyable physical activity can be key steps towards healing.

Are Fertility & Femininity Inseparable?

139 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Fertility Mental health Women's Health Self-discovery Therapy
  1. Fertility struggles can have significant physical, emotional, and social impacts, and it's common for individuals and couples to face emotional challenges during infertility treatments.
  2. Infertility is more common than many realize, affecting around 10-15% of couples worldwide and about 12% of married women in the U.S. Seeking support and healthy coping strategies is important.
  3. Health is about more than fertility - it involves awareness, acceptance, and agency. Reframing fertility challenges as a journey of self-discovery can be empowering for individuals.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Friday Q&A: Help with Infertility; When to Freeze Eggs; Anxiety about So Many Pills; & Finding a Therapist

119 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Medications
  1. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after a certain period, depending on age. Seeking medical help early if concerned about fertility is recommended.
  2. Factors like irregular periods, reproductive health history, lifestyle choices, and male infertility can indicate when to seek medical help for fertility issues.
  3. For women considering egg freezing, age and personal circumstances play a significant role in determining the right time to proceed.

Update on RSV: The Virus, Vaccines for Older Adults & Antibodies for Kids

99 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Antibodies Prevention Treatment
  1. RSV is a virus that primarily affects infants, young children, and older adults, leading to severe respiratory issues like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
  2. RSV season typically starts in the fall, peaks in the winter, and varies in intensity and timing from year to year and by region.
  3. New vaccines and antibody injections are available to help protect against RSV, with options for older adults, pregnant women, and babies/toddlers, aiming to reduce severe outcomes and transmission.

Friday Q&A: binge eating; probiotics; talking to teen boys about food; & the Mediterranean diet

99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Gut Health Parenting General Health
  1. Identify triggers for binge or restrict urges, practice mindfulness, distract yourself, practice self-compassion, seek professional help if needed
  2. Consider consuming more probiotics like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, feed your microbes with prebiotics, avoid antibiotics, reduce processed foods and sugar intake
  3. Approach conversations with teens about food and body image with sensitivity and empathy, focus on health not weight, choose the right time and place to discuss, lead with curiosity, offer support and resources

Friday Q&A: On Ozempic; Alcohol; Hormones & Breast Cancer; & How to Ask for Help

119 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Weight Loss Hormones Mental health
  1. Ozempic is a useful tool for managing weight, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Other treatment modalities should be considered alongside medication.
  2. The discussion around health effects of alcohol can be nuanced - not all recommendations apply universally to everyone.
  3. It's important to approach weight loss and health in a holistic way, considering various factors like societal, genetic, hormonal, behavioral, nutritional, and psychological influences.

How to Be Seen & Heard in the Doctor's Office

139 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical care Self-Advocacy Holistic health Physical therapy Mental health
  1. Doctors should treat the patient as a whole person, not just based on test results, and consider holistic approaches to health and well-being.
  2. Patients should communicate their daily activities and lifestyle to their doctors for a more comprehensive understanding of their health issues.
  3. Both doctors and patients benefit from effective communication, where patients can ask questions, seek clarifications, and be actively involved in decision-making.

Friday Q&A about Teens: Emotional Eating; Marijuana Overuse; When Screens are Too Much; & Bedtime Routine Hacks

79 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. It's important to approach the issue of emotional eating in teens with empathy and understanding for their struggles.
  2. Encourage teenagers to explore alternative ways to manage stress and complex emotions beyond turning to comfort foods.
  3. Maintain open communication with teenagers about their challenges and provide support to help them navigate difficult situations.

Dispel Medical Myth #3: Hormone Therapy is Bad for You

119 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Menopause Hormone Therapy Cardiovascular Health Risk Factors
  1. Menopause hormone therapy can be safe and beneficial when prescribed appropriately, considering individual risks and benefits.
  2. Estrogen doesn't cause breast cancer for the majority of women; the benefits of hormone therapy often outweigh the risks.
  3. Women going through menopause should have open conversations with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about hormone therapy.

Maintain Boundaries Re: Food and Family

39 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Body Image Emotional Well-being
  1. Maintain healthy boundaries when discussing food, weight, and bodies with loved ones to foster positive relationships and support.
  2. Recognize the impact of societal influences like diet culture on our relationship with food and body image and work towards correcting harmful beliefs and language.
  3. Prioritize your well-being by setting boundaries with family, focusing on your needs, and allowing yourself to enjoy food without guilt during the holiday season.

Myth #5: Depression & Anxiety Medications are for Wimps

39 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Medication Therapy Physical health Emotional Health
  1. Depression and anxiety medications are important tools for treating mood disorders and can significantly improve quality of life and, in some cases, be life-saving.
  2. Anxiety and depression symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and physical health, and seeking support, including medication when needed, is crucial.
  3. Treatment for anxiety and depression varies for each individual and may include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication as part of a holistic approach to mental health.

An Invitation to a Zoom Hangout with Me!

19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Menopause Hormone Therapy
  1. Lucy McBride is hosting Zoom hangouts for paid subscribers to discuss health topics like Menopause & Women's Health: Risks & Benefits of Hormone Therapy.
  2. The upcoming session focuses on data and decision-making regarding hormone therapy, with an opportunity for subscribers to watch a recording if they can't attend live.
  3. Subscribers can access exclusive content and engage in discussions by subscribing to Lucy McBride's newsletter.

Connect With Loved Ones

19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Human connection Mental health Podcasts Emotional Well-being Relationships
  1. Connect with loved ones for good health: In-person human connection is important for emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
  2. Spend time with friends and family: Being together in the same physical space can strengthen relationships and create a sense of renewal.
  3. Shared vulnerability strengthens relationships: Opening up, being genuine, and accepting ourselves can foster deeper emotional connections with others.

What's For Dinner? 🥗

1 HN point • 08 Apr 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Meal Planning Family Meals Healthy Eating Recipes
  1. Cooking for your family can be overwhelming, but with a proper plan in place, you can reduce the chaos and stress around meal preparation.
  2. Simplify your shopping by planning your meals in advance, utilizing local markets for fresh produce, and being flexible with your grocery choices.
  3. Engage your family in the cooking process, reuse ingredients for multiple meals throughout the week, and prioritize family dinner time as a moment to connect and enjoy each other's company.

Understand Monkeypox

0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Disease Prevention Treatment Symptoms Vaccination
  1. Monkeypox is a DNA virus that is significantly less contagious than COVID and spreads through close contact, making it unlikely to cause a nationwide epidemic like COVID.
  2. Monkeypox is primarily spread through close skin-to-skin contact and is not easily transmitted through surfaces or asymptomatic individuals.
  3. Vaccines like JYNNEOS are crucial for preventing monkeypox, while treatments like TPOXX and isolation help manage symptoms and contain the spread.

Boost Your Vaccine Confidence

0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Booster shots Immunity Public Health
  1. The CDC recommends booster shots for specific groups at higher risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 breakthrough infections, but the decision is complex and based on evolving data.
  2. Recommendations for Moderna and J & J vaccine recipients are still pending, but it's suggested that high-risk individuals consider a third dose, potentially even from a different type of vaccine for additional protection.
  3. The focus should be on trusting the existing vaccines and immune systems to manage COVID-19 risks, rather than solely relying on boosters to eliminate the pandemic threat entirely.

Dream Big

0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Pandemic Vaccination Well-being
  1. Spread awareness about mental and physical health is important, and achieving wide audience impact is a collective effort.
  2. Reflecting on dreams and aspirations is crucial for growth and progress, especially during challenging times.
  3. Hope is essential, but action is needed to make real change - so let's dream big and work hard towards our goals.

Understanding Boosters

0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Boosters Immunity Side Effects Health Information
  1. Boosters are recommended for certain groups like those over 65 or with chronic conditions, and timing varies depending on the initial vaccine received.
  2. It's important to consider the type of booster based on individual health and risks, with options like sticking with the original vaccine or mixing and matching for added protection.
  3. Side effects from booster shots are similar to initial vaccines, so it's advisable to plan for a day or two for potential reactions like fatigue or arm soreness.

Replace Fear with Facts

0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Vaccination Long Covid Mental Wellbeing
  1. Fear-based messaging can be harmful by causing anxiety, promoting unhealthy behaviors, and impairing decision-making.
  2. Medical professionals should focus on providing fact-based information, nuanced guidance, and empowering patients to make informed decisions.
  3. Doctors in the public eye should remain humble, aware of their biases, and prioritize delivering accurate medical information rather than sensationalism.

Trust Science

0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Vaccination Trust Pandemic
  1. Trust the science behind COVID-19 vaccines and public health measures.
  2. Vaccination is key to returning to normalcy, and optimism based on evidence is important for motivation.
  3. Continue to follow safety guidelines, get vaccinated, and maintain hope for a healthier future.

Reimagine What it Means to Be Healthy

0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Preventive Care Meditation Sleep
  1. Health is more than just the absence of disease; it's about optimizing overall well-being, treating root causes, and connecting physical and mental health.
  2. Focus on individualized health goals beyond just preventing COVID-19, such as scheduling preventative screenings and prioritizing mental health.
  3. Balancing risks is crucial in medicine and public health, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, booster shots, and wider access to antiviral medications.

We Are Not Done

0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Immunity Public Health Therapeutics
  1. High school and college students are experiencing mixed emotions about removing masks, ranging from excitement to worry and empathy for others.
  2. As mask mandates are lifted, individuals are responsible for assessing their own risks and decisions about wearing masks.
  3. Key lessons learned in the age of Omicron include the evolving role of vaccines, the importance of ventilation, the legitimacy of infection-acquired immunity, and the increasing population immunity compared to last year.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Self-care Medical Myths Burnout
  1. It's important to acknowledge and accept when you're not okay, especially during challenging times like a pandemic.
  2. Being healthy involves more than just physical check-ups; it's about understanding our emotional well-being, habits, and relationships.
  3. Taking care of ourselves is essential, including facing our truths, seeking support, and redefining what true health means to us.

Dispel Medical Myth #1: I Don’t Need Therapy Because…

0 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Therapy Mental health Wellness Emotions Coping
  1. Therapy is beneficial for a wide range of issues like anxiety, depression, substance use, and grief, not just for those in crisis. It's like exercising for mental health.
  2. While friends and family provide support, therapy offers unbiased professional help and a dedicated space for self-growth without straining personal relationships.
  3. Therapy doesn't aim to solve external problems but to build resilience in handling difficulties. It's important to invest emotionally and be open to change for therapy to be effective.

Myth of the Day: You Must Exercise More to Lose Weight

0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Exercise Well-being Physical health Mental health
  1. Exercise alone generally does not result in weight loss; it's more about managing expectations and understanding the complex factors at play.
  2. Incorporating strength training can be crucial for weight loss as it helps build muscle mass, which is key for metabolism and fat-burning.
  3. Consider switching up your exercise routine, including trying morning workouts, and focus on finding joy and health benefits in physical activities beyond just weight loss.

Disarm BA.5 With Immunity and Agency

0 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Immunity Healthcare Wellness
  1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay and to give yourself permission to feel human emotions.
  2. The BA.5 variant is more contagious than previous Omicron subvariants, but not necessarily causing more severe disease. Vaccines still provide good protection against serious outcomes.
  3. To protect against BA.5 and future variants, focus on basic health measures, vaccination, boosters if recommended, and consider options like nasal vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

Dispel Medical Myth #2: Everyone Needs the New Booster

0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Myths Vaccination Immunity
  1. New booster shots are designed to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection by producing fresh antibodies against current variants.
  2. People who had COVID in 2020 or 2021 might not benefit significantly from the new booster shot due to existing immunity.
  3. The decision to get the new booster shot should be personalized based on age, health conditions, and time since last COVID shot or infection.

Myth of the Day: I Don’t Need a Flu Shot

0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Preventative Care Vaccination Health Education Disease Prevention Immunity
  1. Flu is a serious illness caused by influenza virus with symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.
  2. Getting the flu shot is crucial every year, with effectiveness ranging from 20% to 60%, to reduce severe disease and mortality.
  3. COVID and flu are spread similarly, but different tests are needed to distinguish them; antivirals like Tamiflu help with flu treatment.

Tip of the Day: Give Yourself and Others Some Grace

0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Stress management Relationships
  1. Acknowledging the universality of struggle can lead to self-compassion and improved relationships, benefiting our health.
  2. Healing from the pandemic's psychological toll involves facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves and normalizing feelings of despair.
  3. Embracing the practice of 'holding paradox' helps in reframing mindset, setting realistic goals, and fostering empathy towards ourselves and others.