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

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.

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 #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.

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.

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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Test, Triage, And Trust the Vaccine

0 implied HN points • 23 Aug 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccine Testing Immunity Booster shots
  1. COVID testing options include rapid antigen tests with high sensitivity for symptomatic adults, and PCR tests for early and late infection detection.
  2. The CDC recommends testing and isolation protocols for fully vaccinated individuals who are sick or exposed to COVID-19, with different requirements based on symptoms.
  3. Vaccinated individuals can still infect others, but likelihood is lower than in unvaccinated individuals; Booster shots are not universally necessary but could benefit some high-risk groups.

Reclaim Agency

0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Personal Growth Addiction Recovery
  1. Anxiety thrives when we give it a home, but we can reclaim agency over fear and uncertainty in challenging times.
  2. It's important to scan your body for physical signs of anxiety, refresh your coping strategies, and focus on things you can control to better manage uncertainty.
  3. Reclaiming agency involves accepting what we can't control, directing energy towards improving what we can control, and being intentional about our habits and relationships.

Hope is Healthy

0 implied HN points • 24 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Optimism Well-being
  1. Late-pandemic fatigue is normal after over 15 months of the pandemic, affecting mental health.
  2. Young people have been particularly vulnerable to stress during the pandemic, facing issues like depression and disordered eating.
  3. A dose of hope can have a positive impact on mental and physical health, providing optimism for the future despite pandemic challenges.

Pace Yourself

0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Nutrition Sleep Exercise
  1. Sleep is crucial for physical and mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep to improve mood, stress management, focus, and more. Prioritize a bedtime routine for overall well-being.
  2. Pay attention to your eating habits. Evaluate your relationship with food, ensure you're getting proper nourishment, and avoid stress-eating. Keeping a food journal can help maintain healthful eating.
  3. Incorporate movement into your daily routine. Regular exercise is beneficial for various health conditions and doesn't have to be complex. Start with simple activities like a morning walk or short yoga stretches.

Vax to Relax

0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Child Health COVID-19 Public Health Vaccination Mental health
  1. Parenting involves balancing restrictions and freedoms for children.
  2. Fall 2020 was a challenging time for kids due to the pandemic, and there are considerations about reopening schools in a safe manner.
  3. It's important to shift from a zero-risk approach to relative-risk-reduction mode when dealing with COVID-19 to address the broader needs of individuals and populations.

Boost your Vaccine Confidence

0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Immune System Booster shots Variants Anxiety
  1. Boosters shots for COVID-19 may be unnecessary in the near future due to the robust and lasting immune response from the vaccines.
  2. The immune system has two main arms - B cells and T cells - that work together to protect against threats like viruses. T cells play a crucial role in fighting off infections.
  3. Having a nuanced understanding of the immune system can help alleviate anxiety about boosters and variants, especially in the face of uncertainty after a challenging year.

Don’t be Surprised When Vaccinated People Get Covid

0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Mental health Anxiety Immune System
  1. Vaccines are working - reducing severe disease, hospitalizations, and asymptomatic transmission, providing hope for lifting restrictions soon.
  2. Challenges remain - rising case rates in states with lifted restrictions, vaccine hesitancy slowing herd immunity, and reports of breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals.
  3. Breakthrough infections after vaccination are expected, but rare, and usually do not result in severe illness or onward transmission - no need for alarm.

Collect Your Covid Cliff Notes

0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Immunity Pregnancy Breastfeeding
  1. Currently available vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) effectively prevent death, hospitalization, and severe disease from COVID-19, transforming it into a milder illness.
  2. The vaccines demonstrate high efficacy in the real world, significantly reducing rates of death, hospitalization, and overall cases.
  3. Vaccines work well against current variants, especially when wide vaccination coverage is achieved; masking and distancing are still important, even for vaccinated individuals.

Fight the Three “F”s - Fatigue, Frustration, and Fear

0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Vaccination Precautions Pandemic
  1. Fight against fatigue, frustration, and fear during the ongoing pandemic. It's important to manage these emotions to stay mentally healthy.
  2. Educate yourself about the benefits of vaccination along with following safety measures. Hope rooted in science is crucial.
  3. Stay positive, celebrate good news, and continue practicing safety measures like mask-wearing and hand hygiene. The pandemic is not over, but progress is being made.

Keep the Facts at your Fingertips

0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Mental health Self-care Preventive measures COVID-19
  1. The GOOD: Vaccines seem promising, immunity can last years, and self-administered tests are authorized, giving hope for the future.
  2. The BAD: COVID-19 cases are rising, a significant number of American lives have been lost, and the virus is widespread, especially with winter starting.
  3. The advice: Stick with basic pandemic guidelines, like quarantine after exposure, get tested, and closely monitor symptoms to stay safe and help curb the spread.

Hope is Healthy

0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Prevention Vaccines Medical Updates
  1. Promising developments in COVID-19 treatments, such as Pfizer's vaccine and monoclonal antibodies, show potential for reducing hospitalizations and easing the burden on healthcare systems.
  2. Preventative measures like wearing masks, social distancing, and handwashing are still crucial in reducing the spread of COVID-19 until vaccines and treatments are widely available.
  3. Hope alone is not enough to combat the pandemic - it is vital to combine hope with practical actions like following public health guidelines and staying informed with trusted sources.

Let’s Talk Turkey

0 implied HN points • 26 Oct 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Mental health Risk Analysis Self-care
  1. During the holidays, it's important to balance staying safe from COVID while also taking care of our mental health.
  2. Make decisions based on understanding the facts, assessing risks, and considering the benefits.
  3. It's essential to have realistic plans for the holidays, considering individual health needs and family dynamics.

Remain Vigilant (Even Though it’s Brutally Hard)

0 implied HN points • 17 Sep 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Prevention Self-care
  1. Stay vigilant and continue following safety guidelines for COVID-19, even if it's challenging.
  2. Despite the abundance of information on COVID-19, there's a need to uphold personal responsibility and not let down our guard.
  3. Adopt healthy practices like wearing masks, social distancing, handwashing, and spending time outdoors to stay safe while waiting for scientific advancements.

Let Loose

0 implied HN points • 10 Sep 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Stress management Exercise
  1. Jaw pain can often be mistaken for ear infections; stress and jaw clenching may be the root cause.
  2. To alleviate jaw tension, consider using heat, medication, a nightguard, and jaw relaxation exercises.
  3. Incorporating breaks, limiting caffeine intake, and finding ways to mentally unwind can help manage stress and reduce muscle tension.

Acknowledge the Struggle

0 implied HN points • 31 Aug 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Wellbeing Treatment Support
  1. Young people, especially teenagers and college-aged students, are facing increased struggles with mental health during the pandemic.
  2. Acknowledging the struggle and seeking help is important for maintaining mental well-being.
  3. Having a structured plan, including addressing basics like sleep, diet, exercise, processing emotions, and seeking professional support, is essential for coping with mental health challenges.

Practice Radical Acceptance

0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Trauma Acceptance Therapy Emotions
  1. Radical acceptance involves facing uncomfortable feelings and acknowledging unpleasant realities, no matter how painful or hard.
  2. To practice radical acceptance, it's important to acknowledge emotions, use tools to tolerate the present moment, and understand what can and cannot be controlled in life.
  3. Radical acceptance is not about agreeing with a painful reality, giving up, or judging situations; it's about embracing and dealing with difficult truths in a healthy manner.

Continue Calm Vigilance

0 implied HN points • 29 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Mental health Pandemic Self-care Prevention
  1. Continue practicing calm vigilance to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, since the virus is still prevalent and highly contagious.
  2. Make thoughtful decisions about activities to balance enjoying life and minimizing risks, especially around vulnerable individuals.
  3. Reflect on what truly matters to you and find gratitude in simple pleasures, as it can positively impact your mental health and decision-making.

Take a Cat Nap

0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Self-care Healthcare Physical health
  1. Commit to following safety guidelines like wearing masks and social distancing to protect yourself and loved ones.
  2. Allow yourself to have fun by hosting small gatherings outdoors with precautions like keeping a distance and using hand sanitizer.
  3. Take care of yourself during this challenging time by pacing yourself, prioritizing your needs, and getting enough rest.

Surprise Me

0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 updates Mental health Parenting Social Interactions
  1. The writer broke their promise not to post on weekends because they enjoy engaging with their audience and have a compulsive nature.
  2. The writer recommends a fun Sunday ritual of sitting in a lawn chair in the front yard, which they find to be like a surprise party each time.
  3. The writer is interested in hearing from their audience about topics they would like to read about, with suggestions ranging from COVID-19 updates to parenting advice.

Mental Health Matters

0 implied HN points • 08 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health
  1. Improving mental health can positively impact medical outcomes, with all organ systems interconnected and influenced by our mental well-being.
  2. Addressing mental health is a moral obligation due to the vast suffering caused by undiagnosed and untreated mental illness.
  3. Acknowledging and seeking help for mental health struggles can lead to self-awareness, self-compassion, and improved coping tools.

Lend a Helping Hand

0 implied HN points • 06 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Health Mental health Inequality Community support Public Health
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the existing health inequalities for people of color, making it harder for them as they face job loss, housing issues, and struggles with technology for distance learning.
  2. In Washington, DC, disparities in health outcomes exist despite high rates of health insurance, with significant gaps in life expectancy between predominantly white neighborhoods and predominantly African American neighborhoods.
  3. Community of Hope, a DC non-profit, has been innovative in adapting to the pandemic, using telehealth to continue providing services and aiming to improve health outcomes and eliminate inequities in under-resourced communities.