The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

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Putting one foot in front of another

Logging the World • 976 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Exercise Nature Well-being
  1. Taking 10,000 steps daily can benefit physical and mental health by providing fresh air, exercise, and a change of scenery.
  2. Walking at a slower pace allows for a better connection with the surroundings, noticing details like street art and wildlife.
  3. Embarking on longer walks can lead to unique experiences, connections with landscapes, and a sense of personal achievement.

"And it was never enough"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1478 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Mental health Literature Personal Stories History
  1. Trauma from childhood can make people feel like nothing they do is ever good enough. This feeling can linger throughout life, no matter the achievements.
  2. People often experience a deep sense of loneliness and self-doubt even when they are successful. It's common to feel like there's always something missing.
  3. Talking openly about mental health struggles can help others who feel the same way. Many people share these feelings but might not know how to express them.

Friday Q&A: microplastics; infrared saunas; yoga versus pilates; & tinnitus

Are You Okay? • 519 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Fitness Mental health Wellness Self-care
  1. Limit exposure to microplastics by using stainless steel or glass instead of plastic products like water bottles and food containers.
  2. Infrared saunas may not be effective for energy and weight loss as some claim, according to a medical professional.
  3. Research on the potential health impacts of microplastics and the mechanisms for toxicity is ongoing; more studies are needed.

Schizophrenia: a coda

Wyclif's Dust • 1877 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Research Genetics Social Disparities
  1. There are significant differences in schizophrenia polygenic scores between ethnic groups, which can impact diagnosis and treatment.
  2. Genetic research on different ethnic groups can lead to improved medical outcomes and understanding disparities.
  3. Studying gene-environment interactions in intergroup context can provide insights into causal pathways for social and medical outcomes.

The Death of My Sister

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 471 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Family Trauma
  1. The author shares a heartbreaking story of his sister's struggles with addiction and mental health issues, leading to her tragic death.
  2. The importance of family support and forgiveness during difficult times is highlighted in the narrative.
  3. The impact of childhood trauma, like being given up for adoption, on a person's life and mental health is explored through the author's personal reflection.

218: A Thanksgiving Story

Castalia • 779 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health Veterans Storytelling Documentary Personal narrative
  1. Many veterans face difficult lives filled with trauma, and often struggle to adjust to life after service. Places like Ft. Endurance provide support, but the road to recovery can be very tough.
  2. Scott's journey illustrates the deep emotional and physical pain veterans can endure, alongside their desire for connection and healing. Even small acts, like talking to a horse, can bring a sense of peace.
  3. Mental health struggles are real and ongoing for many veterans, and support from friends and family is crucial. It's important to check in on loved ones and encourage them to seek help.

The Woke Marxist Agenda to Destabilize Kids' Health

Welcome to Absurdistan • 982 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Fitness Lifestyle Diet
  1. The article discusses how societal movements like 'Fat Positivity' and 'Insulin Resistance' are impacting kids' health negatively.
  2. It criticizes the obsession with body image and the pressure to conform, which can lead to emotional issues and overeating.
  3. There is a focus on the health risks associated with obesity, especially in children, and the need to prioritize physical health over body positivity movements.

The Paper Workout Journal

The Analog Family • 339 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Mental health Nutrition Self-care Lifestyle
  1. Keeping a paper workout journal can help you track your fitness progress over time. Writing down workouts lets you see how you've improved in a more personal way than just using an app.
  2. Using a physical notebook allows for more detailed notes, like how you felt during a workout, which can be helpful for future training sessions.
  3. Writing on paper helps maintain focus and reduce distractions from phones during workouts. The act of using a journal can make the experience feel more real and meaningful.

Links to Consider, 11/22/2024

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Regulation Mental health Social media Executive Power
  1. There are situations where the law isn't followed as written, and officials can create their own rules. This can lead to them only helping those who know how to navigate these unofficial processes.
  2. Some experts believe that a more advanced society might need less democracy, with more reliance on specialized knowledge and secrecy. This suggests a shift away from traditional democratic values.
  3. Social media can amplify extreme voices, which affects how society views issues and political figures. It mixes up the way we see our neighbors and can deepen divisions.

Friday Q&A: osteoporosis; Paxlovid; COVID misinformation; & breathing and heart rate

Are You Okay? • 619 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Exercise Nutrition Medication
  1. Engaging in weight-bearing exercises like yoga can improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, along with a calcium-rich diet and vitamin D supplements.
  2. For older adults, incorporating simple weight-bearing exercises into routines, like wearing a weighted vest while walking, can significantly enhance muscle strength and overall health.
  3. Decisions on medications for osteoporosis should be personalized, considering the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and the potential benefits of prescriptions like Fosamax, which may be complemented by habits like yoga.

You can do it

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Recovery Self-Improvement Personal Stories
  1. You have the power to choose to quit drinking and make positive changes in your life. It doesn't matter how you do it, as long as it's a choice that helps you.
  2. Stopping drinking can reveal a lot of painful truths about your life and choices, but facing those realities is necessary for growth. It's hard at first, but it can lead to a healthier perspective.
  3. Believe in your strength and ability to change. Don't underestimate yourself; your willpower is stronger than you think.

Cheers to a (California) sober 2025

Sex and the State • 29 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Lifestyle Self-care Personal Growth
  1. Going sober for a year can help you realize what alcohol actually adds or takes away from your life. It's about finding clarity and feeling more present.
  2. Being sober means facing your emotions rather than hiding from them with drinks. This can help you deal with social anxiety and other feelings more effectively.
  3. Living without alcohol can lead to better energy and memory. The focus shifts from seeking fun through drinking to enjoying life as it is.

"Look What You Made Me Do"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1318 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Mental health Childhood Family Dynamics Abuse
  1. Borderline Personality Disorder can lead to emotional instability and unpredictable behavior, affecting those around them. It's important to understand that this behavior is not the fault of others.
  2. Experiencing emotional or psychological abuse manifests in guilt and confusion, often leading to questions about one's actions. People involved can feel responsible for the abuser's pain, which is a common manipulation tactic.
  3. Societal norms have changed, and behaviors once considered unacceptable in private are now more visible and often seen as normal. It's vital to recognize these signs of abuse in both personal relationships and broader social contexts.

The Placebo Effect in Therapy (Part 1/2)

Living Fossils • 18 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Placebo effect Psychotherapy Behavioral Science
  1. There are over seventy types of therapy, each with its own method, but research shows they often work about the same. It's called the Dodo bird verdict.
  2. The placebo effect plays a big role in therapy success. Just believing that therapy will help can lead to real changes.
  3. Instead of focusing on which therapy type is best, it might be smarter to understand what makes therapy work, like a supportive environment and the client's expectations.

Friday Q&A: Hormonal mood swings; tapering antidepressants; HRT and breast cancer; & long COVID

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Therapies Medication Women's Health
  1. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a real and potentially debilitating condition that affects many women. Managing it can involve tracking symptoms, regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, hormonal treatments, SSRIs, psychotherapy, and stress reduction techniques.
  2. When considering tapering off antidepressants, it's important to discuss this process with a healthcare provider. Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool for retraining the brain during this transition.
  3. Individualized treatment plans are crucial for addressing specific symptoms and needs when managing hormonal mood swings, tapering antidepressants, or dealing with other health concerns. Working closely with a doctor can help in developing a suitable plan.

When love has nowhere to go

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Family Dynamics Emotional Healing Mental health Life Reflection
  1. Talking about bad experiences is easier than sharing happy memories. It's hard to explain feelings when love seems inconsistent.
  2. As time passes, there’s a heavy realization about lost opportunities in life, like not having a family of their own.
  3. Love can be difficult to express when it feels like there's no right place for it to go, leading to feelings of sadness and frustration.

Cultivating Resilience by Changing How You View Your Identity

QUALITY BOSS • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Self-care Identity Resilience
  1. Focusing on your core values rather than roles can help you bounce back from tough times. When your identity is built around values like connection and integrity, you're more adaptable to change.
  2. People who tie their identity to their job or relationship might struggle more during transitions. If you see yourself as defined by your values, losing a job or going through a divorce feels less drastic.
  3. Building daily habits that reflect your values can strengthen your sense of self. For example, if curiosity is important to you, spending time learning new things helps keep you engaged and authentic.

Not the best, not the worst

City Quitters • 519 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Achievement Workplace culture Social norms Mental health
  1. Our culture often pushes us to constantly achieve and compete, but this can lead to burnout and unhappiness. It's okay to not always strive to be the best.
  2. Instead of focusing on individual success and status, we should value relationships and collaboration. A shift towards caring for each other can be more fulfilling.
  3. Giving up the pressure of achievement can be freeing. Embracing who we are, with all our flaws and feelings, can lead to a more authentic and enjoyable life.

NYT Ethicist's Weight Stigma Hypocrisy Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 918 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Ethics Healthcare Body positivity Mental health
  1. The column discusses weight stigma and hypocrisy in healthcare, pointing out discrimination based on body size.
  2. It highlights the importance of respecting boundaries and being cautious with compliments related to body size manipulation.
  3. The response from the Ethicist regarding concerns about weight loss drugs brings to light inconsistencies and potential ethical issues.

RTO mandates tend to follow poor results

Make Work Better • 125 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Employee Rights Mental health
  1. Return-to-office rules often happen after companies see bad results. This suggests that there might be a link between poor performance and the push for employees to return to the office.
  2. Many people are facing burnout in their jobs, which can lead to serious thoughts about life. It's important to talk about mental health and the pressures of work.
  3. Companies are starting to pay more for jobs that require workers to be in the office, with some salaries increasing by around 20%. This shows a shift in how businesses value in-person work.

Do You Know How To Read Online Social Cues? I Certainly Don't

Default Wisdom • 111 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Digital Communication Online Communities Isolation
  1. Reading social cues online can be really hard and people often feel awkward in digital spaces. It’s not like we magically become better at socializing when we switch to the internet.
  2. The rise of online eating disorder communities is alarming, and it seems like each new platform struggles to address the issue. It's dangerous to have these conversations pushed into our feeds without proper care.
  3. There’s a theory called 'virtual autism' that suggests kids might miss out on learning social skills due to too much screen time. This could lead to them feeling out of place both online and offline.

Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms skyrocket; Could psychedelics lead to better sex? And will CA be the next state to launch a psychedelics program?

The Microdose • 432 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Research Legislation Therapy
  1. Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms have significantly increased over the years, indicating a potential rise in availability and use.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin can lead to improvements in sexual functioning and satisfaction.
  3. California is considering launching a state-regulated program for therapeutic use of psychedelics, potentially making it the first to focus explicitly on psychedelic therapy.