The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

5 Lessons from Stanford's COVID Conference

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 129 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Education & Policy Mental health Data Analysis
  1. Closing elementary schools during the pandemic may have been a bad idea because kids were not significant spreaders of COVID-19. Some experts, like Anders Tegnell from Sweden, believed this from the start.
  2. Many people now agree that long school closures were harmful, but some didn't speak up about it at the time. It shows the importance of questioning popular opinions instead of just following the crowd.
  3. Countries that had less income inequality tended to handle the pandemic better than those with more inequality. Access to basic healthcare might have played a bigger role than strict lockdowns or border closures.

Bacterial Xanax

Eat Shit and Prosper • 519 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Neuroscience Pharmacology Gut Health
  1. The human brain has many neurotransmitters that affect how we feel, much like how different tastes shape our eating experience. Just as tasting food can change our mood, our brain's chemistry can influence our emotions.
  2. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax, were discovered to help with anxiety before scientists fully understood how they worked. They enhance the effects of a natural calming neurotransmitter called GABA, but researchers are still figuring out if our bodies have natural versions of these calming substances.
  3. Gut bacteria might play a role in anxiety by producing compounds that assist with brain function. If these helpful bacteria are reduced or absent, it could lead to anxiety disorders, suggesting that restoring these good bacteria could help some people.

Hospitals, BA.2.86, schools, Twitter, teaching

Logging the World • 637 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Mental health Teaching
  1. COVID optimism might be on the rise based on recent data trends like the BA.2.86 growth rates and hospital investigations.
  2. Studies show a concerning decline in mental health among school children during the pandemic, indicating the need for better support.
  3. Personal experiences such as being locked out of social media and starting a large teaching session can affect one's daily routine.
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Miscellany and mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 799 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health Creativity
  1. Try using half and half instead of milk for a creamier taste in your recipes. It’s a small change that can make things taste better.
  2. You don’t need a lot of different cleaners at home. You can make your own laundry detergent with simple ingredients you probably already have, saving money and reducing clutter.
  3. When you're bored, sing 'Crimson and Clover' but change the words to make it fun. It’s a silly way to lift your spirits!

Gratitude?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 56 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Meditation Gratitude Self-care Mindfulness
  1. Meditation classes can focus on specific themes, like gratitude, which may surprise you. It's important to check the class details to see what you'll be learning.
  2. Experiencing anger during meditation is normal and can be a part of the process. It's okay to feel frustrated sometimes, even when you're seeking calm.
  3. Gratitude practices can be challenging and may not always lead to instant peace. Remember that finding peace takes time and patience.

Bicycle Day (April 19): The First Acid Trip in Human History 🚲 🍄

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Self-Exploration
  1. Bicycle Day commemorates the first intentional dose of LSD by Albert Hofmann in 1943, marking a significant event in the history of psychedelics.
  2. Psychedelics like LSD are celebrated on Bicycle Day for their mind-opening capabilities and not just for their euphoric effects.
  3. People celebrate Bicycle Day by consuming psychedelics responsibly, learning about psychedelics, engaging in psychedelic-inspired art, music, and nature activities.

New Zealand’s shamefully high use of puberty blockers for kids gets exposed.

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Mental health Child Health Policy Debate
  1. New Zealand has a very high rate of puberty blocker use in kids, much higher than in England, and this raises concerns.
  2. Many young people who use puberty blockers end up regretting it, but there isn't enough proper mental health support to help them before transitioning.
  3. Parents feel worried and confused because they want to support their kids but often get mixed messages about the safety of puberty blockers.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Are You Okay? • 878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Nutrition Exercise Well-being
  1. Health is more than just physical metrics like blood pressure; it also encompasses how we feel, think, and behave in our daily lives.
  2. Being healthy involves honesty, asking for help, and building structure and support where needed, rather than quick fixes or fad diets.
  3. Prioritize four key elements for health: Sleep, Talk, Eat, Move, remembering that self-care is about meeting basic needs and nurturing a foundation for overall well-being.

What failed in weight loss for me

Metabolic Repair • 19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Fitness Dieting Mental health Lifestyle
  1. Using stimulants can lead to weight gain instead of loss, especially if you still eat unhealthy foods.
  2. Diets that are hard to stick to or require too much willpower usually fail because they aren't enjoyable in the long run.
  3. Finding a default eating and exercise routine that suits your body is important for maintaining a healthy weight over time.

"Growing concerns" that Ozempic will disrupt big tobacco, candy companies, and alcohol brands, according to Morgan Stanley

Curing Addiction • 142 HN points • 26 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Food Pharma Mental health Treatment
  1. The use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic is showing potential to disrupt big tobacco, candy, and alcohol industries.
  2. Reports suggest that GLP-1 drugs are impacting consumer behavior, such as reducing spending at restaurants and consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.
  3. The rise of GLP-1 drugs is projected to have a significant market worth and could potentially reshape consumer sectors by influencing behaviors related to food and substance cravings.

A cornucopia of new bills; Canadians support end-of-life psilocybin therapy; and tempering the hype

The Microdose • 294 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Therapy Hype Research Mental health
  1. At least 10 states have introduced new legislation related to psychedelics since the beginning of the year.
  2. Canadians show strong support for end-of-life psilocybin therapy.
  3. There is a growing movement to critically examine and temper the hype surrounding psychedelics, focusing on ethical and political implications.

Prepare For Liftoff: Your Magic Mushroom Prep Guide

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelic Preparation Safety Mental health
  1. Proper preparation is key for a safe and enriching magic mushroom experience. Respect the unpredictability of mushrooms and take precautions like testing samples, staying in a safe environment, and having a responsible trip sitter.
  2. Set and setting are crucial for a positive trip. Choose a comfortable and safe environment that aligns with your intentions, and approach the experience with a positive mindset.
  3. Research and know the specifics of the magic mushrooms you're consuming, including species, strains, dosages, and potential risks. Opt for a trusted trip sitter and be mindful of physical health considerations when using psychedelics.

✨ How an AI technopanic begins

Faster, Please! • 91 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Chatbots Mental health Legal issues Social Impact
  1. People worry that AI will take all the jobs and cause harm, similar to past fears about trade. These worries might lead to backlash against technology.
  2. A tragic case involving a teen's death highlights the potential dangers of AI chatbots, especially for vulnerable users. It's important for companies to take responsibility and ensure safety.
  3. Concerns about AI often come from emotional reactions rather than solid facts. It's crucial to address these fears with thoughtful discussion and better regulations.

When the Mask Drops: Trying, Failing, and Re-Finding Myself

Caravanserai with Samantha Childress • 569 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Work-life balance Self-discovery Personal Growth Creativity
  1. The author struggled with finding time and headspace to write due to working full-time, but decided to post twice a month to make the newsletter more sustainable.
  2. The author felt like a failure for not keeping up with their original writing goals, but realized that quality is more important than quantity.
  3. By being more sincere at work and letting the 'mask' drop, the author found more freedom to be themselves and write more authentically.

Knowing, doing and 'staying on the bus'

The Half Marathoner • 569 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Mental health Personal Growth Self-Improvement
  1. Having a clear plan and sticking to it can lead to successful outcomes, such as completing a marathon.
  2. The concept of 'staying on the bus' emphasizes the importance of patience and commitment to see long-term results.
  3. Immersion in the initial phases of learning or pursuing a goal can lead to unique and distinctive work in the future.

America's Peacetime Conundrum

Max Meyer Blog • 569 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Memorials Legislation Statistics
  1. In 2022, there were no US soldier combat deaths but over 300 soldier suicides.
  2. The number of veteran suicides has been consistently higher than the civilian rate, with rates increasing over time.
  3. Efforts have been made to address veteran suicide, including anti-suicide legislation and national strategies, but the impact is still being observed.

The Secret Life of Salvia: How this Bizarre Psychedelic Could Revolutionize Gut Health

Tripsitter • 239 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Pain management
  1. Salvia, known for its psychedelic effects, is a potent hallucinogen with medicinal uses such as treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and gut motility issues.
  2. The psychedelic experience induced by salvia is profoundly intense, often leading users to lose their sense of time, identity, and reality, experiencing bizarre and nonsensical visions.
  3. Salvinorin A, the active compound in salvia, works on the kappa-opioid system and is being studied for its potential in developing new drugs for pain management, inflammation, and gut health without the risk of addiction.

Can you feel it?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1199 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Personal narratives Community Psychology
  1. Many people feel like something big is about to happen. It's a shared feeling among those who come from troubled family backgrounds.
  2. If you're feeling overwhelmed or crazy about society, you're not alone. A lot of others are feeling the same way.
  3. It's important to recognize that these feelings do not mean you're not sane. It's a normal response to the craziness happening around us.

Friday Q&A: caregiver burnout; Ozempic; fall allergies vs. viral symptoms; & emotional eating

Are You Okay? • 539 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Caregiving Medication Nutrition Mental health Self-care
  1. When caring for aging loved ones, it's crucial to prioritize your own mental and physical health to prevent caregiver burnout.
  2. Shift your perception of control to restore agency and self-determination in your life, especially while taking care of others.
  3. In caregiving, meeting your basic biological needs like sleep, talking to someone, eating healthily, and moving your body is essential for long-term wellbeing.

Joy or Perfection?

Seven Senses • 479 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Mindfulness Emotional Wellbeing Personal Development
  1. Choosing joy over perfection can lead to a happier life. Perfectionism often steals our joy and makes us feel disconnected from others.
  2. It's okay to struggle and not be perfect at things. Embracing the learning process can bring more fulfillment than focusing solely on being the best.
  3. Our past experiences of feeling inadequate can affect us today. Accepting our imperfections allows us to find happiness and connection again.

Friday Q&A about alcohol: social anxiety; general anxiety; dry November; & alcohol's upsides

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Substance Use Anxiety Well-being
  1. Alcohol consumption can temporarily ease social anxiety, but it's important to remember the risks associated with it.
  2. Socializing without alcohol is possible with strategies like informing friends, finding alternatives, and practicing assertiveness.
  3. Some individuals may feel less anxious after drinking alcohol due to its temporary effects, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential connection between anxiety and alcoholism in the family.

A thank you to supporters

Disaffected Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Consulting Narcissism
  1. Thanks to supporters, there are special consulting rates available for returning clients and Disaffected supporters. You can get a lower price if you're a supporter or returning client.
  2. Consultation focuses on issues like family dynamics or workplace mistreatment. The consultant aims to help people think through their choices and improve their situations.
  3. If someone can't afford the rates, they are encouraged to reach out for a personalized pricing option. The consultant is willing to work with individuals facing financial challenges.

EMDR Blew My Mind. Literally.

Ladyparts • 559 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Trauma
  1. The author tried EMDR therapy to address recurring PTSD symptoms and found it incredibly helpful in overcoming intrusive memories and functioning better in daily life.
  2. A friend recommended EMDR therapy based on their positive experience with a specialist who helped them cope with traumatic loss, highlighting the transformative potential of this approach.
  3. The author now provides paid content but offers free access to those unable to afford it, showing a commitment to sharing informative, science-based stories while acknowledging the importance of financial support.

What can Colorado learn from Oregon about psilocybin?: 5 Questions for Healing Advocacy Fund’s Colorado director Tasia Poinsatte

The Microdose • 275 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Psychedelics Advocacy Regulation Data Collection Mental health
  1. Colorado's psilocybin program is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.
  2. Oregon's program highlighted the importance of allowing licensed professionals to participate in psilocybin services.
  3. Colorado is considering a tiered licensing model and enhanced training requirements for safe facilitation in their psilocybin program.