The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Open Thread 363

Astral Codex Ten • 3372 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Mental health Writing Social media Discussion
  1. You can share anything you'd like in the open thread. This is a space for questions and discussions about various topics.
  2. There's a survey available for feedback that closes soon, so make sure to participate if you want your voice heard.
  3. The blog recommendations have been updated for the New Year, focusing on new writers and changing recommendations yearly.

Does the West Need a Religious Revival? Join Us for Our Next Live Debate.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1061 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Debates Cultural Issues Society Mental health
  1. The West is facing issues like low marriage and birth rates, more depression and loneliness, and a general sense of unhappiness. Many believe this might be linked to a decline in traditional religion.
  2. FDR's four fundamental freedoms, including freedom of worship, are currently challenged by new societal problems like technology and economic inequality.
  3. A debate is happening about whether a return to religion could help with the current crisis of meaning, highlighting differing views on modern secularism versus traditional belief systems.

The Year The Phone-Based Childhood Began To Reverse

After Babel • 1780 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Child development Parenting Technology impact Social media
  1. Many believe that 2012 marked the start of a mental health crisis for young people, but 2024 might be when it starts to improve. There is a shift in awareness about the negative effects of smartphones and social media on kids.
  2. The problems children face today include being overprotected in real life while not being protected enough online. This has led to a deep concern for young people's mental health and has sparked conversations about how to fix it.
  3. It's important for kids to have opportunities for risk and independence while playing. Allowing them some freedom can actually make them safer and help prevent potential mental health issues.

Happy 2025 High Growth Engineer 🎉

High Growth Engineer • 363 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software Engineering Personal Growth Productivity Mental health
  1. Prioritize your mental health and learn to say 'no' when needed. This helps prevent burnout and keeps you focused on what really matters.
  2. Adapt your systems to align with your goals. If your priorities change, make adjustments to ensure your daily actions support your personal growth.
  3. Embrace change and keep learning. The tech industry evolves quickly, so being open to new skills will help you stay relevant.

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 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.
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Hey, Aren't We Supposed to Be Hibernating Right Now?

OK Doomer • 106 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Nutrition Lifestyle Wellness
  1. Motivational marketing is coming, trying to get us to work harder and spend money. Be ready for advertisements about fitness, side hustles, and investments.
  2. Many people experience seasonal affective disorder during winter, making them crave comfort food and feel less motivated. This is just a natural response to the cold months.
  3. Hibernation is a survival tool that has helped some mammals endure tough conditions. It's not a disorder but an evolutionary advantage for some species.

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.

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.

My People. Are You out There?

antoniomelonio • 119 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Mental health Community Literature Creativity
  1. Many people feel like outsiders and struggle to express their true selves. It's common to be drawn to others who also feel different.
  2. Life can feel boring and tiring, especially when trying to fit into societal norms. Finding joy and connection with interesting people is important.
  3. Reading fiction and engaging with meaningful topics can bring happiness. It's better to focus on what truly matters rather than on unimportant daily drama.

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.

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.

TikTok is done for

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Internet Politics Mental health
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

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.

Indulge Your Internet Addiction By Reading About Internet Addiction

Astral Codex Ten • 11769 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Addiction Family Dynamics Mental health Surveys
  1. Many people consider themselves addicted to the internet, and the more time they spend online, the more likely they are to perceive their usage as an addiction. On average, self-reported addicts spend more time online each day.
  2. There is a negative link between internet addiction and life satisfaction. Those who consider themselves more addicted tend to report lower happiness levels.
  3. Parents who restrict their children's internet use when they are young may help reduce the chance of their kids becoming internet addicts as adults. This suggests that early internet habits can influence future behaviors.

Want to Be Happier? Use These Five Charts to Improve Your Life.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2796 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Wellbeing Happiness
  1. Happiness comes from many types of wealth, not just money. You should focus on time, social connections, mental well-being, and physical health too.
  2. Reflect on the time you have left with loved ones. Understanding this can help you prioritize your time and who you spend it with.
  3. There's always something more to chase in life, like a bigger boat. Instead of striving for what society tells you to want, figure out what truly matters to you.

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.

Top links 609 Deindustrialization as historic trend. Why CHIPS investments go to places with the right workforce. Falling birth rates and the Trieste model of mental health.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Labor Issues Demographics Public Health Mental health
  1. Deindustrialization is a major trend in history, affecting many regions and economies. This means industries are moving or shutting down, which changes job markets and communities.
  2. The success of CHIPS investments relies on having the right kind of workforce in specific areas. This highlights the importance of education and skill development for economic growth.
  3. Falling birth rates are a growing concern, and the Trieste model is an interesting approach to mental health. It shows that innovative practices can impact social issues positively.

the wince

bookbear express • 1051 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Self-reflection
  1. The 'wince' is a feeling we get when we're avoiding things we actually want to do. It's a sign that we care about those things, even if they seem hard or unpleasant.
  2. Recognizing your wince can help you make better choices and create healthy habits. It’s important to figure out whether you should push through the discomfort or let something go.
  3. Everyone experiences fear of hardship, but noticing and facing your wince can lead to personal growth. It helps us move towards what truly matters in our lives.

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.

Your body thinks itself into its shape

The Intrinsic Perspective • 14234 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Neuroscience Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Nutrition science has been confusing, with mixed messages about what's healthy or unhealthy for years. This shows that even experts struggle to understand basic health questions.
  2. Our bodies might work like complex systems, similar to a neural network, meaning personal health experiences can vary greatly from one person to another. This could explain why people have different reactions to the same foods.
  3. Recent research suggests that our cells can 'remember' past states, such as being overweight, which influences how our bodies respond to changes in diet and lifestyle over time.

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.

We rise together

Of Boys and Men • 218 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Equality Philanthropy Mental health Education Social Issues
  1. We need to help both boys and girls to achieve true gender equality. Supporting boys and men doesn't mean we stop supporting women and girls; it's about helping everyone together.
  2. Boys and men face serious challenges that often get overlooked, like educational struggles and mental health issues. Addressing these problems is important for them and for society as a whole.
  3. Philanthropists and advocates should consider investing in boys and men's unique issues, especially in mental health, education, and fatherhood. This will help create a better balance and improve the lives of all genders.

What I'm Thankful For

Freddie deBoer • 10643 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Thanksgiving Family Mental health Media Personal Growth Food
  1. Being thankful for loved ones is essential. Family and friends provide support in tough times.
  2. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday because it focuses on gratitude without the stress of gift-giving. It’s a time to relax and enjoy good food and company.
  3. Mental health medications can be life-saving. They have helped many people rebuild their lives, despite some negative opinions about them.

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.

Why do I forget jobs I have completed?

Brain Pizza • 728 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Cognitive Science Memory Psychology Self-care
  1. People often forget what they did at work, even if they were busy. This can make it hard to recall specific tasks later.
  2. Our brains sometimes have trouble accessing completed tasks from memory. It's like they get filed away and are hard to find when we need them.
  3. The Zeigarnik Effect explains that we tend to remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. This means we might focus more on what’s still left to do rather than what has already been accomplished.

What The Detransitioner Clementine Breen’s Gender “Therapy” Looked Like

Singal-Minded • 1083 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Mental health Activism Medical Ethics Trans rights
  1. Clementine Breen, a UCLA student, is suing her doctor for care she received during her transition. She feels that the treatments led her to regret her decisions.
  2. Breen's therapy involved close connections between her therapist and the medical staff, which raises concerns about impartiality. This makes it important to have independent support in such sensitive situations.
  3. There were signs that Breen's gender identity questions came about due to recent family trauma, suggesting that therapists should explore underlying issues before making treatment decisions.

Five Advanced Meditation Techniques (also, drugs)

Superb Owl • 4396 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Mental health Personal Growth Mindfulness Self-Improvement
  1. Experimenting with different meditation techniques can help if you're feeling stuck. Trying new methods like kasina or mirror gazing can bring fresh perspectives and experiences.
  2. Pain can be a powerful focus during meditation. Instead of avoiding discomfort, you can lean into it to gain better awareness and understanding of your sensations.
  3. Using substances like cannabis or psychedelics may enhance meditation experiences, but it's important to be cautious and not become overly dependent on them.

Fighting Discrimination Does Not Entail Defending Shitty Social Behavior

Freddie deBoer • 6373 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Discrimination Fandom Pop culture
  1. Fighting for rights is important, but we shouldn't excuse bad behavior in the process. It's okay to say 'knock it off' when people act inappropriately.
  2. Many young people mimic serious disorders for attention, but this can be harmful to those who genuinely struggle with those issues. It's important to critique this without fear of backlash.
  3. Online fandoms can become hostile, with people using accusations of bigotry to silence criticism. It's necessary for communities to be able to set healthy boundaries and address bad behavior.

America Should Not Become a Nation of Tiger Moms

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1321 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting Education Society Mental health Creativity
  1. Life is about more than just chasing a high salary or getting into a prestigious college. People need to enjoy their lives and find happiness in other ways.
  2. Overly strict parenting, like the 'Tiger Mom' approach, can lead to anxiety and depression in children. It's important to let kids have fun and make friends instead of just focusing on grades and achievements.
  3. A society that values creativity and risk-taking is important. Not everyone needs to be competitive; we need people doing everyday jobs too, like fixing cars or caring for others.

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.

People with Serious Mental Illness Say Racist and Bigoted Shit All the Time

Freddie deBoer • 13211 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Disability Rights Social Issues Psychiatry Stigma
  1. People with serious mental illnesses can sometimes express racist or bigoted thoughts, which challenges the common belief that mental illness doesn't influence behavior. It's important to recognize that mental health conditions can distort thinking and actions.
  2. Acknowledging the complex relationship between mental illness and behavior is essential. People should not dismiss bad behavior outright but consider the person's mental health struggles and how those may impact their actions.
  3. There’s a cultural tendency to oversimplify mental illness, leading to misunderstandings. It's vital to accept that being mentally ill doesn't exempt someone from responsibility for their actions, but it can complicate how we view those actions.

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.

The opportunity theory of depression

Wood From Eden • 3936 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Adaptation Evolutionary Theory Social Status
  1. Depression can happen when people feel there are no good opportunities in their lives. It's like a warning sign telling them to pause and wait for a better situation.
  2. Humans seek to feel useful and appreciated, which is different from just seeking social status. Feeling unimportant can lead to feelings of sadness or depression.
  3. Teenagers today sometimes feel low because they are seen as separate from adults and lack meaningful roles in society. This can make them feel powerless and contribute to depression.

Grading the World's Shortest Manifesto

Cremieux Recueil • 1944 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Healthcare Criminal Justice Social Issues Mental health
  1. The manifesto written by the killer does not support his actions and lacks logical reasoning. It fails to make a strong case for why he committed such a violent act.
  2. The killer misunderstands the U.S. healthcare system and its costs. Poor life expectancy in the U.S. is mostly due to factors unrelated to healthcare quality, like obesity and violence, rather than the system itself.
  3. Blaming 'corruption and greed' in the healthcare system oversimplifies complex issues. Good people can make bad choices in healthcare policy without being motivated by greed or corruption.

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.

Triple Tragedy And Thankful Theory

Astral Codex Ten • 18101 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Medical Ethics Patient Care Neurology Public Health
  1. Survival-oriented systems focus on making quick decisions to prevent crises, while thriving-oriented systems take more time to explore options. This can cause misunderstandings between them.
  2. Collaboration can improve if both sides appreciate each other's intentions and realize they have different communication styles. Being thankful and confirming good intentions helps.
  3. When urgency rises, space-efficient communication might seem harsh, and time-efficient communication can feel unfocused. Both sides should try to interpret this behavior charitably to work together better.

The Anti-Autism Manifesto

Wood From Eden • 5952 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Disability Rights Psychoanalysis
  1. The high-functioning autism label may not accurately describe many individuals who don't fit classic autism criteria, but rather those with unique personality traits.
  2. There are concerns that mental health professionals overlook disorders like schizoid personality disorder by mislabeling them as autism, which can hinder proper treatment.
  3. Mental health discussions should acknowledge individual preferences and personality differences rather than solely focusing on skills or deficits.