The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

American Psychological Association Slammed for ‘Virulent’ Jew Hate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Antisemitism Mental health Social Issues Community
  1. Over 3,500 mental health professionals have signed a letter criticizing the American Psychological Association for allowing antisemitism to grow within its ranks. They believe this issue needs urgent attention.
  2. The letter claims that Jewish members of the APA have faced harassment and have been silenced when trying to address antisemitic comments or misinformation.
  3. The signers have provided examples of antisemitic behavior and discourse within APA divisions, indicating a significant and systemic problem that needs addressing.

A snapshot into how deportations affect health

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1399 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Mental health Immigration Child welfare Policy Impact
  1. Deportations affect not just the individuals who are removed but also the families and communities left behind, especially children who may experience trauma, stress, and uncertainty.
  2. Studies show that fear of deportation can lead families to avoid seeking medical care, which can have serious public health implications for entire communities.
  3. Support from caregivers, educators, and communities is crucial for children and families affected by these policies, helping them cope and thrive despite the challenges they face.

The Most Compelling Argument Against Tech in Schools

After Babel • 2022 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🚌 Education Child development Technology impact Learning methods Digital Literacy Mental health
  1. Too much screen time is hurting kids' learning and development. It's taking their focus away from teachers and each other, making them more anxious and isolated.
  2. Studies show that using too much technology in schools isn't helping students. In fact, it can make their learning worse and even affect their mental health.
  3. We need to rethink how much tech kids use in school. Instead of relying on screens, we should promote reading books and spending time with teachers to help kids learn better.

Here's Your Kanye West Cliff Notes

Freddie deBoer • 17079 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Mental health Disability Identity Media
  1. Kanye West has claimed he's not bipolar but autistic, stirring up a lot of conversation. This shows how he sometimes tackles personal issues in surprising ways.
  2. People are becoming less sympathetic toward Kanye as he shows more unstable behavior online. Critics are more focused on his actions rather than considering if his mental health influences them.
  3. There is a strange disconnect around how society views mental illness. Critics want to blame Kanye but feel conflicted about viewing him as a person influenced by his disability.

Ask a Divorced Person (in 2025)

Culture Study • 2795 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Divorce Parenting Mental health Social Dynamics
  1. Divorce can be a positive step for people in unhealthy relationships. It can bring freedom and greatly improve overall happiness.
  2. It's normal to feel guilty and uncertain about wanting a divorce, but it's important to prioritize your own happiness and well-being.
  3. Communication about feelings and the state of a relationship is key. Talking openly with a partner can help clarify whether to stay or leave.
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Who Else Is Feeling This In Their Body

Culture Study • 9438 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Essays Personal Resilience Wellness Mental health
  1. It's important to take your own feelings seriously, as well as the feelings of others. We often avoid acknowledging our true emotions.
  2. Resilience can mean carrying a lot of emotional and physical weight without realizing it. We need to recognize how it affects our bodies.
  3. Sometimes we create excuses for our struggles instead of facing them. Understanding what we feel can help us cope better.

Friday Thread: FEBRUARY OPEN CHAOS THREAD

Culture Study • 1205 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Trends Community Lifestyle Mental health
  1. People are feeling a lot of fear and anxiety due to the current events. It's important to talk about these feelings and find ways to cope.
  2. Chaos can sometimes provide a distraction from the overwhelming emotions we face. Engaging in open conversations about our experiences can help.
  3. The social fabric is changing, and it's crucial to reflect on these changes. Sharing thoughts and feelings can be a way to process what's going on.

35

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 1848 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Relationships Self-care Emotional Intelligence
  1. Take responsibility for your actions and choices. Instead of blaming others or circumstances, focus on how you can respond and change going forward.
  2. Develop an abundance mindset by wanting others to succeed. When you help others, it creates a positive cycle that often leads to you benefiting too.
  3. It's never too late to change or start something new. Every day is a chance to make improvements in your life and relationships.

Character.AI: So This is How AI Will Kill Us

Heir to the Thought • 219 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Mental health User Experience
  1. AI products like Character.AI can create harmful attachments for users, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes, like the case of a young user who became obsessed and ultimately took his life.
  2. The rise of AI may lead to increased loneliness and addiction as people prefer interacting with bots over real-life connections, which can result in negative mental health effects.
  3. It's important to consider the real-world impacts of technology and prioritize creating helpful solutions rather than just exciting ones, to prevent future harm.

Scream's Hidden Message: Victimhood is Deadly

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 178 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Mental health Victimhood Philosophy
  1. The Scream movies show that people need to take responsibility for their actions. Blaming others doesn't help anyone grow or heal.
  2. Characters who see themselves as victims often end up causing harm to others, while those who empower themselves can overcome their struggles.
  3. The main character, Sidney, learns to control her life and refuses to be defined by her past traumas, showing that self-reliance leads to true strength.

Anti-depressants: The trials last 8 weeks; People take them for 8+ years

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 85 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Medications Clinical Trials Public Health Psychiatry
  1. People often take anti-depressants for many years, even decades, but they were only studied for about 8 weeks in trials.
  2. There isn't clear evidence that taking these medications long-term is better than not starting them at all, which raises concerns about their effectiveness.
  3. We need longer and better studies to truly understand the benefits and downsides of anti-depressants, including how they impact things like sexual health.

The Men Who Lost Their Babies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5393 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reproductive Health Mental health Women's Rights
  1. Men experience deep emotional pain during pregnancy loss, but their feelings are often overlooked by society and medical professionals. This can lead to feelings of isolation and grief that are not acknowledged.
  2. Doctors sometimes say insensitive things that can hurt men grieving the loss of a child. It shows a lack of understanding about how fathers feel and are affected by these tragedies.
  3. There's a stereotype that men don’t have a role in pregnancy and childbirth discussions, which can leave them feeling sidelined. It's important to recognize that fathers also have emotional connections to their unborn children.

Balance, Trauma, Energy, Pathogens: What Is Health? 

Tessa Fights Robots • 20 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Alternative Medicine
  1. Health is seen as a balance of energy, while disease is thought of as an imbalance. Everything, including us and other living beings, is energy that can affect our well-being.
  2. Trauma and toxins are considered destructive energies that can disrupt our health. It's important to address these issues directly to heal properly.
  3. Generational trauma can carry unresolved pain through families. Healing isn't just about the individual but also about understanding and addressing collective pain from our ancestors.

Movers and Shakers: Help!

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 892 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Caregiving Health Policies Mental health
  1. Parkinson's disease can progress in ways that become very hard for patients and caregivers. It's important to prepare for these changes to ensure proper care and support.
  2. There are resources and help available for those caring for someone with Parkinson's, like occupational therapy and local support groups. Connecting with others can provide useful information and comfort.
  3. If you live outside of areas with great services, reach out to your local Parkinson's group and keep the Parkinson’s UK helpline number handy for expert advice.

Open Thread: What are your most helpful ideas for difficult times?

Everything Is Amazing • 1642 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Life Advice Self-care Personal Growth Community support
  1. Most people are generally good, and if they're not, it's often because they're scared. This helps us understand and forgive others better.
  2. It's important to focus on what you stand for instead of just what you oppose. This creates a positive environment for discussion and teamwork.
  3. When you feel anxious, try doing something physically active. It can help clear your mind and improve your mood.

Two dead and 10 injured in Mannheim after Alexander S. – reportedly a 40 year-old native German with no migrant background – drives his Ford Fiesta into Carneval crowds

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 129 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Public Safety Mental health Violence
  1. A man drove his car into a crowded festival in Mannheim, causing tragic injuries and deaths. The incident left two people dead and ten others hurt.
  2. After the attack, the suspect fled but was later arrested by the police. He also attempted to harm himself while being apprehended.
  3. Authorities have indicated that the suspect did not have any political motivations for his actions. His history suggests he has been struggling with psychological issues.

Perhaps You Would Be a Little Touchy Too

Freddie deBoer • 16429 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Disability Psychiatry Therapy Identity politics
  1. Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood, with many thinking mood swings happen quickly, but the truth is they usually take weeks or months. It's important to really understand how the disorder works.
  2. People are increasingly claiming new and unusual diagnoses for mental health issues, which can undermine the seriousness of established conditions. This shift creates confusion and can affect how we view our own experiences.
  3. Claiming a diagnosis can feel liberating for some, but it can also lead to challenges when others misrepresent these conditions. It's tough when what you know to be true about your own illness feels threatened.

Runners I Know: Nancy Martin

Running Probably • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Aging Nutrition Mental health Lifestyle
  1. Staying active as you age is really important. Nancy believes that if people moved more when they were younger, they would have better mobility as they get older.
  2. You can adapt your exercise routine to fit your abilities. Nancy shows that even if you give up certain activities, you can find new ways to stay active, like walking or doing water aerobics.
  3. It's okay to make adjustments and acknowledge your limits. Nancy emphasizes that you should keep moving and adapt to your current abilities to stay healthy.

Depressing, Not Depressed

Situation Normal • 128 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Depression Personal Growth Self-help
  1. There's a big difference between feeling depressed by what's happening around us and actually being depressed. You can be upset about the news but still feel okay inside.
  2. Taking care of your mental health is important. Things like therapy, medication, and yoga can help you feel stronger and more resilient.
  3. It's possible to face dark times and still come out okay. You can experience tough moments without letting them define how you feel about yourself.

Why Women Fall for Wellness Bullshit

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1061 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Wellness Trends Influencer Culture
  1. Many women feel a strong need to be understood and validated, especially when experiencing health issues. This desire makes them more likely to follow wellness trends that promise relief.
  2. The story of Belle Gibson shows the dangers of wellness influencers who exploit the struggles of others for gain. Her narrative reflects a broader issue where people's real pain is often dismissed.
  3. Skepticism from medical professionals about women's health issues can lead to feelings of desperation. This can push women towards unproven wellness solutions in hopes of finding someone who believes and helps them.

The underside narrative surfaces

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 2956 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trans rights Legal issues Mental health Social justice Disability Rights
  1. Gavin Grimm faced a lot of bullying and rejection after coming out as transgender, which made life very difficult for him. His transition didn't solve all his problems and instead brought new challenges that he had to deal with.
  2. Grimm's story highlights the serious mental health issues that can arise, like PTSD, after being bullied and misunderstood. Even with support from friends and some family, the pain of being rejected really affected his well-being.
  3. There are questions about how well the medical community takes into account the unique struggles of transgender people, especially in cases like Grimm's. Just transitioning doesn't guarantee a happy future, and many still face tough realities.

'Aging is another word for living'

What Do We Do Now That We're Here? • 4220 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Mental health Parenting Self-care Lifestyle
  1. Aging should be seen as a natural part of life, not something to fear or fight against. Embracing the changes can lead to more joy and freedom.
  2. Taking short breaks for self-care can really improve your mood and relationships. It's important to carve out time for yourself, even if it's just a little.
  3. You don’t always have to keep your options wide open. Sometimes, making firm choices can lead to more happiness rather than feeling stuck in endless possibilities.

morning in america

bad cattitude • 344 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Public Policy Propaganda Social Issues Governance Mental health
  1. People have started to feel more hopeful and positive lately, even if the problems haven't fully disappeared. There's a sense that things might be getting better.
  2. Humiliation and constant control can really wear people down and make them feel helpless. When daily annoyances pile up, it can crush a person's spirit.
  3. Believing that tomorrow will be better can create a positive cycle. Hope can return when people feel like there's a chance for improvement in the future.

The Covid Screwtape Letters - Part 4 - The "New Normal"

COVID Reason • 475 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Social Behavior Remote work Mental health
  1. Social distancing has made people feel more isolated and suspicious of each other. It's now hard for them to feel comfortable with close contact, like handshakes or hugs.
  2. Working from home sounds good, but it has turned into a way to control people's lives. They end up working more and feel stuck, as their home becomes like an office.
  3. People might miss in-person interactions, but they are being trained to prefer the convenience and safety of digital communication. This can make real connections feel uncomfortable.

Pulling Out The Big Guns For Needle Phobia In An Insane World Where Nobody Seems To Take It Seriously

Knowingless • 1121 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Medical treatment Self-help
  1. Needle phobia can be very serious and isn't always taken seriously by others. This fear can lead to panic attacks and avoidance of medical care.
  2. Exposure therapy often doesn't help with severe needle phobia. Finding alternatives like distraction or numbing methods can be more effective for managing panic.
  3. Techniques like ice packs and specialized devices can significantly reduce the pain associated with needles. Experimenting with different methods can lead to better results and less anxiety.

‘I Gave My Life to the FBI. And It Damn Near Broke Me.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3964 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Law enforcement Mental health Public Service
  1. Pat McMonigle dedicated his life to the FBI after a personal tragedy, aiming to fight terrorism. His commitment led him to a long career with many challenges.
  2. Despite his success and achievements, including multiple commendations, he faced severe mental health struggles, particularly PTSD from traumatic experiences on the job.
  3. Ultimately, he chose to resign from the FBI to protect his well-being, highlighting the serious mental health issues faced by many agents in high-stress positions.

American Bulk

Culture Study • 5514 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Consumerism Body Image Family Dynamics Mental health Identity
  1. Bulk shopping reflects a deep cultural connection to abundance in America. It's not just about getting what you need; it's tied to feelings of security and desire.
  2. Family dynamics and personal histories impact our relationship with stuff. Experiences with parents and grandparents can shape how we view consuming and accumulating items.
  3. There are complexities in how we handle issues of body image and weight. Personal acceptance is often mixed with societal pressures, and it's okay to feel conflicting emotions about it.

The real bullying happens at home

Disaffected Newsletter • 5015 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Child abuse Mental health Violence Bullying Family Dynamics
  1. Many serious issues stem from troubled home environments rather than just bullying at school. A supportive home life is really important for children's mental health.
  2. Kids often act out or show strange behaviors due to trauma at home, and these issues can be overlooked or not understood by others. Parents play a huge role in shaping their child's well-being.
  3. There's a big need for society to talk more openly about child abuse and hold parents accountable. It's crucial to recognize that many violent behaviors in youth can often be traced back to a harmful upbringing.

Who "Neurodiversity" Left Behind

Freddie deBoer • 15655 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Disability Rights Activism Mental health Social Issues Public Discourse
  1. The voices of people living with severe disabilities are often overlooked in public discussions about neurodiversity. This can leave families feeling isolated and unheard.
  2. Autism discourse has shifted to focus on individuals who thrive, while those who struggle daily are sidelined. It's important to acknowledge the challenges faced by many with severe autism.
  3. A diverse conversation about autism is needed, including all levels of ability and experiences. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have a say in these important discussions.

Why Are Some Of Our Most Successful Leaders Mentally Ill?

The Ruffian • 510 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Psychology Economics Political theory Mental health
  1. Some successful leaders, like Javier Milei and Elon Musk, show traits that could be seen as mentally ill or eccentric. This often helps them think outside the box and act decisively, even in the face of criticism.
  2. Having a lack of empathy can sometimes be a strength in leadership. When leaders don't try to please everyone, they can take bold actions that others may avoid.
  3. While unconventional behavior can lead to positive change, not all 'crazy' actions are beneficial. Sometimes it's just madness without any deeper logic.

Our Healthcare System, a Reign of Terror

Freddie deBoer • 18038 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Mental health Social justice Policy Critique Inequality
  1. Many people only react strongly to certain types of suffering and fail to recognize the ongoing harm of our healthcare system. It's important to think about why we care more about some victims than others.
  2. Our healthcare system often denies essential care to those who need it, leading to tragic outcomes. The choices made by companies and policymakers directly affect people's lives and deaths.
  3. There's a disconnect in how society views death caused by healthcare versus murder. We need to acknowledge and address the systemic issues causing suffering in our healthcare system, rather than just express sympathy for individual cases.

Je dis que je suis malade au lieu de dépressif

L'Atelier Galita • 159 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Depression Wellness strategies Emotional Support
  1. Many people experience depression, and it's a real illness like a cold. It's surprising how many people have gone through it but don't talk about it openly.
  2. When explaining depression, people often bring up misunderstandings about mental illness. Saying 'I'm sick' instead can make it easier for others to understand without complicating things.
  3. We shouldn't treat depression any less seriously than physical illnesses. Just like we don't hesitate to take medicine for a cold, the same understanding should apply to mental health issues.

Part 3: Who can suffer the most “for the greater good.”

COVID Reason • 614 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Pandemic response Civil Liberties Social Behavior Mental health
  1. People have started to believe that their safety relies on how strictly they isolate themselves, sometimes even turning against one another for not following the rules.
  2. Many individuals are competing to show how much they can sacrifice for others, feeling proud of their suffering for the supposed 'greater good.'
  3. There are some who are questioning the restrictions and looking for balance in life, but they are often faced with pressure to conform and are labeled as selfish.

My Mom Was Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Then She Got Better.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9070 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Caregiving Medical system Alzheimer's Disease Family Dynamics
  1. The family faced a tough time after the mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which came after years of unexplained symptoms. It was a shocking moment for them all, shifting their roles to caregivers.
  2. After a year of uncertainty and prayer, something unexpectedly positive happened that changed their situation. This turn of events felt like a miracle to the family.
  3. The experience highlighted the challenges of the medical system, as the mom had fallen through the cracks but eventually found a solution that helped her condition. It shows the importance of persistence and hope in difficult times.

How Psychological Distress Globally Accelerated Among Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

After Babel • 691 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Youth Issues Crisis response Global trends
  1. Youth mental health issues have greatly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many more young people are reporting feelings of anxiety and depression now than before.
  2. The rise in mental health complaints among adolescents has been particularly high for girls. Almost 60% of girls experience mental health complaints regularly.
  3. Different countries show varying levels of mental health issues among youth. Cultural and societal factors play a big role in how these problems are experienced in different places.

No, it's not "the drugs"

Disaffected Newsletter • 2358 implied HN points • 12 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Behavior Responsibility Substance Use
  1. Bad behavior often gets blamed on drugs, but it's important to recognize that the person themselves may be the root cause. It's too simple to attribute negative actions solely to external factors like substances.
  2. Many people falsely assume that everyone has a normal, healthy mindset. This leads to ignoring the reality of personality disorders and the individual's responsibility for their actions.
  3. Understanding the role of personality pathology is key to addressing and reducing bad behavior in society. Blaming drugs distracts from deeper issues within individuals.

When the Sackler Brothers studied LSD

Res Obscura • 2799 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💾 History Psychedelics Medical Ethics Pharmaceuticals Mental health Scientific research
  1. The Sackler brothers, known for their later role in the opioid crisis, initially explored the potential of LSD and other psychedelic treatments in the 1950s. They even attended early scientific discussions about LSD.
  2. Despite their good intentions to improve mental health treatments, the Sacklers also recognized the financial gains from pharmaceuticals. This shift in focus highlights how idealistic motives can change when wealth is involved.
  3. The ongoing debate about psychedelics mirrors this historical pattern. As society cautiously opens up to these substances for therapy, there are concerns about commercialization, addiction, and the potential for harm.