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

Enjoy the Power of Music

0 implied HN points • 17 May 20
🎶 Music Power Experience
  1. Relax and enjoy some time outside to lift your spirits and bring happiness.
  2. Upgrade your dining experience with music to create a calming atmosphere.
  3. Find joy in small moments, like capturing a pop of floral color in a photo to share with others.

Connect in New Ways with your Neighbors

0 implied HN points • 15 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Information Community Engagement Mental health
  1. Widespread and coordinated contact tracing is vital for preventing community spread of COVID-19, as it helps contain the virus and stop potential outbreaks.
  2. Individuals can now readily self-refer for COVID testing without a doctor's order, but the interpretation of test results requires clinical context for proper decision-making and care.
  3. Volunteering as a contact tracer is an essential way to contribute to the system that helps contain the virus and save lives during the pandemic.

Become the President and CEO of You (and Give Yourself a Signing Bonus)

0 implied HN points • 11 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Mental health Physical health Immunity Medical Updates
  1. Lockdowns were initially implemented to reduce COVID cases, prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, and save lives. However, the lack of a clear plan and tools has led to economic, social, and emotional devastation.
  2. In order to navigate the risks of reentering public life, individuals are advised to become the President and CEO of themselves. This involves staying informed, having trusted advisors, understanding personal health risks, and assessing the public health situation of their state.
  3. Testing for COVID antibodies and the development of vaccines and treatments are crucial for safely reopening the economy and allowing people to resume normal activities without fear.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Follow the Facts (Even When Painful, Inconvenient, and Easy to Ignore)

0 implied HN points • 09 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Facts Prevention Pandemic Mental health
  1. Coronavirus can be asymptomatic and easily spread, so staying vigilant is crucial.
  2. Nasal swab tests can have a high false negative rate, making it important to follow health guidelines despite negative results.
  3. Following facts and science, even when it's tough, is essential in protecting ourselves and our communities during the pandemic.

Don’t Succumb to the Tyranny of the Urgent

0 implied HN points • 08 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Telemedicine Medical Advice
  1. Being alone does not always equate to loneliness; it can lead to self-reflection, growth, and meaningful connections.
  2. Do not neglect non-COVID related health issues; reach out to your doctor for a checkup, especially for concerning symptoms.
  3. Telemedicine is becoming more common and can improve healthcare access, allowing for remote medical consultations.

Take the Hard Right Instead of the Easy Wrong

0 implied HN points • 06 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Social Distancing Pandemic Self-compassion Parenting
  1. Stay informed and follow the facts about COVID-19, like the rising death toll and benefits of social distancing.
  2. Show compassion to yourself and others, acknowledging the natural desire for connection and activities we can't currently enjoy.
  3. Choose the harder right decisions over the easier wrong ones to set a good example, prioritize public health, and look forward to a safer future.

Put Yourself on the Back

0 implied HN points • 04 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Antibody testing Preventive measures Self-care
  1. Restrictions should ideally be relaxed when there is a sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases, hospitals can treat patients safely, and there is testing and contact tracing capacity.
  2. Getting antibody testing can provide valuable data in understanding illnesses and potential immunity.
  3. Deciding on activities like going to the beach involves a mix of scientific data, personal risk tolerance, and responsibility.

Make New Connections

0 implied HN points • 03 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Connections Social Distancing Physical health Online Communication
  1. Human connections are essential for our health and well-being, and it's important to find new ways to connect even when physically apart.
  2. Being creative in how we connect can help us stay engaged and maintain relationships, such as planning virtual playdates or sending hand-written notes.
  3. It's a good time to make new connections, whether through online dating, reaching out to old acquaintances, or collaborating with intimidating coworkers.

Give Yourself a Break

0 implied HN points • 02 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. It's important to give yourself a break, especially during times of stress and exhaustion. Don't be too hard on yourself.
  2. Taking care of your mental health is crucial in maintaining overall well-being. Self-forgiveness, rest, and relaxation are key.
  3. Remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Make May Mindful

0 implied HN points • 01 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Medical care Well-being Holistic health
  1. Dr. Lucy McBride emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health in conjunction with physical health for overall well-being and better medical outcomes.
  2. Listening and understanding the patient's story is integral to effective medical problem-solving and patient-centered care.
  3. During mental health awareness month, Dr. Lucy McBride will be sharing daily mental health tips to promote mindfulness and holistic health.

Follow the Data

0 implied HN points • 30 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Mental health Fitness Wellness Nutrition
  1. Hopeful updates: Vaccine progress from Oxford University, potential emergency use of Remdesivir, and 'canine surveillance' for virus detection.
  2. Interesting medical developments: Rashes as COVID-19 symptoms, varying illness severity in different weeks, and the virus's impact on organ systems like the vascular system.
  3. Advice for coping: Maintain hope, journal thoughts, stay connected, try new activities, and keep dreaming big for the future.

Write it Down

0 implied HN points • 29 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. High school seniors are experiencing significant losses due to the pandemic, missing out on important events like prom and graduation.
  2. Finding joy in simple activities like hobbies and spending time with family and friends can help maintain a positive mindset during quarantine.
  3. Despite the current challenges, looking forward to life post-quarantine with optimism can lead to a new appreciation for living life to the fullest.

Be Well

0 implied HN points • 28 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Trauma Physical health Therapy Resilience
  1. Trauma can affect anyone, not just those who have been through extreme events like war or natural disasters.
  2. Recognizing trauma can lead to growth and healing, both mentally and physically.
  3. Mental health is crucial for overall well-being and should be addressed in medical care.

Pick your Mantra

0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Emotions Self-care Mindfulness
  1. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an effective therapy for managing intense feelings.
  2. DBT is comprised of four main areas: distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal communication, and mindfulness.
  3. Simple tools and strategies like ACTIVATE, CONTRIBUTE, COMPARE, PUSH AWAY, THINK, and SENSE can help process and redirect intense COVID-related emotions.

Pick your Path

0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Updates Antibody testing Safety measures
  1. If you have any respiratory symptoms, even mild ones, consider getting a COVID test - it's better to be safe than sorry.
  2. An antibody test can be helpful for determining past infection, especially for those caring for vulnerable individuals.
  3. Testing for COVID, whether for active virus or antibodies, is crucial for safe reopening and taking care of the community.

Keep on Keeping on

0 implied HN points • 21 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Recovery Support Endurance Gratitude
  1. Perseverance is key in tough times - just like in a marathon, focus on staying mentally strong and taking it one step at a time.
  2. Journaling and expressing gratitude can help reduce worries and stay positive during challenging times.
  3. Connecting with others, asking for support, and rewarding yourself for small victories can all contribute to getting through difficult situations.

Trust the Future

0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Trust Science Nature Pets
  1. States will decide for themselves when to reopen based on achieving four goals: hospital capacity, testing, contact tracing, and a sustained reduction in cases.
  2. In navigating the uncertain post-quarantine world, trust in science, nature, respectful individuals, self-love, and supportive relationships.
  3. Trusting in facts, self-compassion, and humor can help guide decisions during these challenging times and give us hope for the future.

Take your Temperature

0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Preventative measures Technology Global impact
  1. Taking your temperature is important to check for signs of illness like fever, which is a common symptom of coronavirus.
  2. Normal body temperature can vary throughout the day, but typically is considered around 98.6 F (37 C), and a fever is when temperatures rise above the standard range.
  3. Countries like China, South Korea, and Italy use various temperature-checking methods on a large scale, such as handheld thermometers, infrared imaging scanners, and even specialized glasses for detecting body temperatures.

Test your Patience

0 implied HN points • 16 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Well-being Physical health Self-care Mindfulness
  1. Massive and widespread testing for COVID-19 is crucial and involves two main types of tests: nasal swab for active virus and blood test for past infection with antibodies.
  2. Current COVID-19 tests have limitations like not being 100% reliable and some safety concerns for the nasal swab test.
  3. To navigate uncertainty during the pandemic, it's important to focus on the present, validate your feelings, and find moments of calm and joy in everyday activities.

Trust Science

0 implied HN points • 14 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Mental health Treatment Research Therapeutics
  1. Trust science for COVID-19 treatments: It's crucial to rely on scientific methods like randomized controlled trials and emergency use authorizations for drug approvals.
  2. Current drug treatments: Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, and convalescent plasma are being explored for COVID-19, but careful monitoring is needed due to potential risks and uncertainties.
  3. Mental and behavioral health impact: Patience with drug development processes is important, collaboration among researchers is key, and humor can play a role in maintaining mental well-being during uncertain times.

Imagine Solutions

0 implied HN points • 13 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Science Mental health Medicine Vaccines Behavioral Health
  1. COVID 301 focuses on solutions for planning the future of human health and behavior in crisis.
  2. Developing an effective vaccine for coronavirus will take time due to safety and efficacy trials, individual variability, and the virus's tendency to mutate.
  3. It's important to trust science, be patient, and stay calm to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic.

Stuff your Heart and Brain with Hope

0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Mindfulness Spirituality Art Community
  1. The COVID-19 situation has a mix of good, bad, and ugly news but it's vital to stay informed.
  2. There are various tools available to manage COVID anxiety, such as meditation, looking at old photos, or writing letters to loved ones.
  3. Engaging in activities like volunteering, pursuing creativity, and immersing oneself in beauty can contribute to inner peace and well-being during stressful times.

Pace Yourself

0 implied HN points • 05 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Health
  1. You are doing well in navigating the challenges of COVID-19.
  2. Celebrate your achievements and give yourself credit for the efforts.
  3. Take time to pace yourself and acknowledge your wins during this time.

Be the Change

0 implied HN points • 09 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Stress Comfort Behavior
  1. When stressed, people often seek comfort in familiar things like food or activities that trigger pleasure in the brain, similar to how a Jeopardy contestant instinctively pushes the buzzer.
  2. Cravings for comfort during stressful times are a common response to seeking dopamine and relief in the brain's pleasure center.
  3. Global pandemics can trigger behaviors that lead individuals to seek solace in familiar or pleasurable activities like indulging in food or drink.

Get to Know Your Brain

0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The post discusses a class called 'COVID-201' that provides facts and guidance on managing COVID-19 anxiety for both sick and well individuals.
  2. It mentions that this class is a higher level course that builds upon the previous 'COVID-101' course about the virus.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to 'Are You Okay?' for access to the full post archives and a 7-day free trial.

Protect Your Body and Mind

0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health
  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is crucial for protecting workers from job-related risks.
  2. Healthcare workers wear PPE like how a construction worker wears a helmet to safeguard their health.
  3. Ensuring healthcare workers are healthy is essential in maintaining overall healthcare system functionality.

Start With The Basics

0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Pandemic
  1. Starting with the basics is important when learning about a new topic like mental health in a pandemic.
  2. Understanding the fundamentals, like what a virus is, is crucial for building knowledge.
  3. Engaging in trial periods can be a helpful way to decide if a service or content is worth paying for.

Grab a Book

0 implied HN points • 28 Mar 20
  1. Sleeping in can be refreshing and seeing loved ones help out with chores can bring joy.
  2. Spring cleaning can be a good opportunity to tidy up and declutter your living spaces.
  3. Consider trying a 7-day free trial to access full post archives on Are You Okay? for more content.

Exhale

0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Health
  1. It's important to congratulate ourselves for making it through difficult times.
  2. Medical professionals are facing increasing challenges and it's getting harder for them.
  3. Reflection and updates on key takeaways from the week are crucial for personal and professional growth.

Follow the Facts

0 implied HN points • 23 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Health
  1. Stay updated with facts and general guidance on managing difficult times.
  2. CDC created an online tool to help patients navigate symptoms and when to seek help.
  3. Advice is still to stay home when able during challenging times.

Take Action

0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Health
  1. The author is actively engaging with their community both online and offline, sharing personal experiences and providing guidance on staying updated on the virus.
  2. Encourages readers to subscribe for a free trial to access more content and archives on the topic.
  3. Emphasizes the importance of staying connected with healthcare professionals, public officials, and colleagues for the latest information and guidance.

Managing Anxiety in an Anxious Time

0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Management
  1. Some anxiety is normal because our bodies are wired for survival and stress hormones surge under pressure.
  2. It is common to experience both emotional symptoms like worry and physical symptoms like increased heart rate.
  3. Understanding that anxiety is a natural response can help in coping with it during stressful times.

Stay Positive

0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical
  1. Staying positive is important during challenging times like a pandemic
  2. Maintaining high energy and spirits can help in coping with stressful situations
  3. Calm vigilance is necessary to address both COVID and non-COVID medical needs effectively

Social Distance

0 implied HN points • 26 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Medical Updates
  1. The importance of discussing mental health during the pandemic is crucial for our well-being.
  2. The death toll in the US has crossed 1,000 according to the New York Times today, which is a stark reality of the situation.
  3. Subscribing to 'Are You Okay?' provides access to insightful posts and a 7-day free trial for the full archives.

An Invitation to a Zoom Hangout with Me!

0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Wellness
  1. Health is more than just physical indicators like cholesterol and weight. It involves awareness, acceptance, and agency over our lives.
  2. The Four 'I's framework encourages re-conceptualizing health as a process, not just an outcome.
  3. Paid subscribers have the opportunity to join Zoom hangouts to discuss various health-related topics.

An Invitation to a Zoom Hangout with Me

0 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Health
  1. Paid subscribers are invited to Zoom hangouts to discuss topics like Food, Alcohol, Viruses, and Anxiety.
  2. Subscribers can choose the topic for the next Zoom hangout.
  3. A 7-day free trial is available for those who want to access full post archives.