The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

the privatization of stress

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 884 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Stress Community Therapy
  1. The privatization of stress theory highlights how mental wellness is viewed as an individual issue rather than a societal one.
  2. The cycle of stress privatization traps individuals in jobs that make them miserable, perpetuating a harmful system.
  3. Individualized causes and cures for stress fail to address the systemic issues and lack of public mental health support.

Promiscuity

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 8 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Sexuality Social norms Personal Growth Mental health
  1. Promiscuity can lead to emotional struggles and may complicate future relationships like marriage. It's often harder to build trust if there are many past partners.
  2. Having a lot of sexual partners can create feelings of jealousy and insecurity in relationships. It's difficult to forget past lovers when starting something new.
  3. Finding a meaningful connection takes time and effort. Meeting people through shared activities or environments can be better than using dating apps.

I've always relied on the kindness of strangers

Disaffected Newsletter • 1418 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health Emotional Support Childhood Trauma Therapy Social relationships
  1. Many people who experienced emotional abuse as children crave for their feelings to be understood and validated by others. They want someone to 'get' their pain, even if just for a moment.
  2. It's hard for others to truly feel what we feel, and we shouldn't rely on that to explain our experiences. Understanding can happen without sharing the exact emotions.
  3. Adults who were hurt as kids often seek comfort from others, since they didn't receive the emotional support they needed as children. It’s important to find a way to cope with that disappointment on our own.

"I'll Never Be Beautiful, He'll Never Love Me, and I Just Can't Live Like This"

Ask E. Jean • 1552 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Beauty Emotional Wellbeing
  1. The key to changing how you see yourself is to change the relationships that influence your self-perception.
  2. Having the will and determination to make positive changes in your life is a huge accomplishment.
  3. Embrace your uniqueness and focus on being unforgettable rather than aiming for average beauty.
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Autism diagnoses are rising, yes, but autism, probably not

Just Emil Kirkegaard Things • 923 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🔬 Science Autism Diagnosis Mental health Genetics Bioethics
  1. Autism diagnoses are increasing due to more liberal diagnostic criteria and shifts in categorization.
  2. There is a trend of decreasing thresholds for autism diagnoses, including reclassifying individuals previously diagnosed with other conditions.
  3. The prevalence of autism is influenced by genetic factors, and options for reducing autism risk may raise ethical questions.

Sons of Borderline mothers

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health Family Dynamics Gender Issues Personal Growth
  1. Many men who grew up with borderline mothers experience emotional struggles and trauma. Their pain is often misunderstood because society doesn't talk about these issues much.
  2. Growing up in a chaotic or unsafe environment can lead to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and anger in adulthood. Men may feel stuck or frustrated when they see others succeed in family life.
  3. It's common for men from these backgrounds to feel alone and not understood. Sharing these experiences can help break the silence and offer support to those who relate.

Experiences Quitting Twitter

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Productivity Personal Growth Lifestyle
  1. Quitting Twitter can be easier than you think. After a short period of craving, you might find more freedom and productivity.
  2. Removing social media entirely might be more effective than just cutting back. It's like going on a strict diet; all or nothing might work better for habits you want to change.
  3. After cutting out Twitter, you might feel an initial sense of anxiety but it can quickly turn into a sense of relief and focus, helping you pursue more meaningful activities.

California sobriety journal

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Sobriety Addiction Mental health Lifestyle Personal Growth
  1. Staying sober can be challenging, especially in social situations where others are drinking. It's normal to miss the feelings and experiences associated with drinking.
  2. Going out to fancy bars or events can be tough while sober, as the allure of cocktails and the atmosphere is strong. But it’s possible to enjoy these experiences without alcohol.
  3. Every person's journey with sobriety is unique, and it takes time to find what works best individually in social settings. The process can involve ups and downs as one learns to navigate these situations.

Have insurance? Good luck finding an in-network mental health professional.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Insurance Healthcare access Patient Care Legislation
  1. Finding an in-network mental health professional is really hard for people with insurance. Many providers are not actually accepting new patients or have left the network, making it feel like a waste of time for those seeking help.
  2. Even with insurance, many patients face high out-of-pocket costs. The average cost for therapy sessions can be over $174, creating a barrier for those who need mental health care.
  3. Insurance companies often make it tough to get claims approved by imposing complicated processes. This frustrates providers and leaves patients without the care they deserve.

The Recovering Academic in 2023

The Recovering Academic • 970 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-discovery Personal Growth Emotional Healing Community Building
  1. The author shares their journey of leaving academia and dealing with grief, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community in the recovery process.
  2. The plan for 2024 includes more thought pieces on higher education, collaboration to build community, original memoir and poetry sharing, and interviews to explore interesting life stories.
  3. Despite challenges, the author looks forward with anticipation, focusing on personal growth, gardening, and embracing individuality in their writing journey.

Tell Me Something Good 

My Sweet Dumb Brain • 1493 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Gratitude Relationships Positive thinking Self-care
  1. Creating a nightly routine of sharing something good can help rewire your brain to focus on the positive.
  2. Even in challenging times, finding and sharing a bright moment before bed can bring joy and connection.
  3. Prioritizing moments of positivity with loved ones can offer respite from the overwhelming negativity of the world.

unself yourself

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 786 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Community support Collective action Crisis response
  1. Unselfing is about losing our egos and reconnecting with the nourishing aspects of the world.
  2. Approaching collective problems from an individualistic perspective can lead to paralysis; collective action is more effective and fulfilling.
  3. Technology, like social media, can help us stay connected and mobilize for social change amidst challenging times.

Kanye, Deranged Penguin

The Carousel • 8 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Mental health Criticism Social Issues
  1. Kanye West challenges people’s views on mental illness. Some believe his behavior is a result of mental health issues, while others think he uses it to provoke reactions.
  2. The loudest critics of Kanye often struggle with his different approach to expressing himself. His actions can make people uncomfortable, leading to a conflict between their beliefs and reactions.
  3. Some people see artists like Kanye as outsiders who break the rules of society. This outsider perspective can lead to creative and unexpected ideas, even if it seems strange to others.

Daniel Penny: The Good Samaritan?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 145 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Legal issues Mental health Public Perception Crime Policy
  1. Daniel Penny is charged with manslaughter after a subway incident where he used a chokehold on Jordan Neely, who was threatening passengers. This event raises questions about when it's okay to intervene and how much force is necessary.
  2. Public opinion is split on whether Penny acted as a hero or a villain. Some support him, arguing that he was trying to protect others, while others believe he used excessive force.
  3. The case highlights issues around mental health and safety. Many people find themselves in tense situations with individuals who may be mental health crises, making it hard to know what actions are appropriate to take.

This is How The World Ends. Not with a Bang, but a Smile.

OK Doomer • 126 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Mental health Society Philosophy Self-help
  1. There's a growing trend of courses teaching people how to smile, reflecting a culture obsessed with appearing happy despite feeling otherwise. Many are pressured to smile even when they don't feel like it, which can be unhealthy.
  2. T.S. Eliot's poem 'The Hollow Men' speaks to the emptiness of society and resonates more today as we face crises and pressures to conform, like forcing smiles.
  3. Forcing yourself to smile can worsen mental health issues, and it's important to acknowledge how societal expectations around smiling can be harmful.

If You Didn't Comply During COVID You're a Psychopath

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1454 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Mental health Medication Influence History
  1. Psychologists can label non-compliance during COVID as psychopathy, justifying 'fixing' individuals as they see fit.
  2. The power dynamics post-COVID have allowed for the manipulation and control of citizens, using psychology as a weapon.
  3. Psychiatry and psychology have a history of coercion, drugging, and inhumane treatments towards those deemed non-compliant or ill.

Don't update too much on money-happiness correlations

inexactscience • 79 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
💰 Finance Money Economics Mental health Surveys Well-being
  1. Money doesn't always equal happiness. Many studies show mixed results, suggesting other factors play a big role.
  2. People have different values around work and leisure. This means that income may not always reflect happiness for everyone.
  3. Surveys on money and happiness can be tricky. The way they ask questions may not capture the real relationship between income and how people feel.

How to Manage Health Anxiety

Are You Okay? • 1258 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Trauma Mental health Well-being Therapy
  1. Health anxiety can be exacerbated by external factors like trauma from the pandemic and current world events
  2. Normalize cognitive distortions of anxiety and seek medical advice to address health anxiety instead of turning to online sources like Dr. Google
  3. Recognize the impact of misinformation on health anxiety and learn to accept uncertainty while addressing anxiety directly through various strategies like mindfulness, exercise, therapy, and medication when necessary

Child abuse and extremist politics

Disaffected Newsletter • 379 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Extremism Child abuse Social Issues Mental health Activism
  1. There is a connection between having a difficult childhood and joining extremist groups. Many people in these groups have faced trauma early in life.
  2. The discussion includes personal stories from former members of groups like Antifa. Understanding their backgrounds can help us see why they joined these movements.
  3. Exploring these connections can lead to better support for those affected by childhood trauma. It's important to address these issues to prevent them from escalating.

"What should I do if I'm scared because of Donald Trump?" – Spiegel consults a behavioural therapist on how to deal with the mental health consequences of Trump's victory

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 181 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health Media Analysis
  1. Many people are feeling scared and anxious because of Trump's victory. It's okay to seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Some therapists are offering advice on how to cope with this fear and anxiety. Talking to a professional can be really helpful.
  3. It seems that Trump's win has deeply affected some people's mental health, especially in places like Germany. National feelings and individual emotions can be closely linked.

Get Ready for Pfizer's "TURBO-CHARGED GUIDED MISSILE" Cancer Drugs

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1395 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Mental health Holistic health Chronic diseases Preventive Healthcare
  1. Our leaders often benefit from wars without considering the consequences for ordinary citizens.
  2. Big Pharma's greed for profits drives the creation of drugs that may not address the root causes of diseases.
  3. People should focus on healthy habits instead of relying solely on medications for their well-being.

5 Questions with Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CDN

Weight and Healthcare • 599 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Wellness Body Image Eating Disorders
  1. Christy Harrison is an anti-diet registered dietitian and journalist who aims to challenge diet culture and promote body acceptance through her work.
  2. She learned about weight-neutral care around 20 years ago but fully embraced it later on through experiences in recovery and training in eating disorders.
  3. Harrison applies weight-inclusive principles in her work across various platforms like books, podcasts, online courses, and speaking engagements, critiquing diet culture and promoting critical thinking about wellness.

Statistical Methods Links

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Public Health Substance Use Social media
  1. The more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to face mental health issues. This shows a clear relationship between social media use and negative effects on mental well-being.
  2. Historical evidence suggests that violence can lead to increased social advantages, but it doesn't prove that violence is beneficial overall. There could be alternative outcomes for peaceful behavior that aren't considered.
  3. Combining multiple studies doesn't automatically correct biases in research. If all the studies have flaws, their average result will likely still be flawed.

The Wisdom of Insecurity

peoplefirstengineering • 17 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Mental health Human experience
  1. Life is full of uncertainties, and it's important to accept that things will not always be stable. Embracing this uncertainty can lead to less anxiety.
  2. Our focus on the past and future often distracts us from enjoying the present moment. Learning to be aware of now can help reduce feelings of insecurity.
  3. Connecting with others and fostering community can help combat feelings of isolation and anxiety. Building strong relationships provides valuable support during tough times.

Links to Consider, 12/3/2024

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Mental health Criminal Justice Cultural critique
  1. Shaming and judging behavior is part of all cultures, but today's society often ignores harmful actions while focusing on different issues.
  2. To improve K-12 education, it's suggested to hire teachers based on their expertise in specific subjects rather than their credentials alone.
  3. Radical ideologies can be harmful because they often distract from real issues and the mental health struggles of those who promote them.