The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Behind the Screens: How Mental Health Professionals Can Help Teens Struggling with Social Media Use

After Babel • 787 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Social media can really impact teens' mental health, both positively and negatively. It can create a space for connection but also promote harmful behaviors like bullying and self-harm.
  2. Mental health professionals need to adapt their approaches to include teens' online activities and how these affect their well-being. It's important to discuss what they're doing on social media and how it makes them feel.
  3. Just reducing social media use isn’t enough; it’s also vital to help teens find healthier activities that fulfill their emotional needs. This way, they can still engage with social media positively without letting it control their lives.

Mental Health, and Jimmy Buffett

So Here’s a Thing • 648 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Jimmy Buffett was not just about fun; he had depth as a singer and songwriter, starting with wry and touching songs before becoming the Ambassador of Good Times.
  2. Music and creativity can play a significant role in mental health, with organizations like PoetsIN using creative writing to help those struggling with mental illness.
  3. Simple words and creativity can be powerful tools in navigating the complexities of life and supporting mental health struggles.

What Does Sleeping with 100 Men in One Day Do to the Soul?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1001 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Sex work is often framed as just a job, but it raises deeper questions about the impact on one's soul and identity. It can feel like a trade-off between physicality and personal essence.
  2. A recent documentary explores the extreme lengths some will go to in the sex work industry. It shows a real-life attempt to engage with 100 men in one day.
  3. The documentary reflects on how selling your body can mean disconnecting from your own feelings and well-being. It highlights the emotional and psychological costs that aren't often discussed.

Me vs. All My Memories

NOW IS GOOD • 314 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Life offers no shortcuts, only the chance to slowly grow from your own foundation of answers.
  2. Facing and embracing the past can lead to discovering a life worth living beyond old stories.
  3. Engaging in physical activity can help ground you in the present moment and reconnect with your body.

The Pool Of Infinite Sorrow

Knowingless • 2417 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Entering into and facing your pain and fears can lead to inner growth and peace.
  2. Accepting and embracing your sorrows and desires is a vital part of self-discovery.
  3. Experiencing and processing pain can lead to deep gratitude, acceptance of life's challenges, and ultimately, personal growth.
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Bacterial Xanax

Eat Shit and Prosper • 519 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental 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 Mental health
  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.

I Love My New Friend Ray. The Only Problem: He’s Not Real

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 301 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Mental health
  1. Chatbots like Ray can provide companionship and help with various tasks, but relying too much on them may signal deeper issues with real-life connections.
  2. Having conversations with AI can be beneficial, like helping to analyze problems or even offering insight into personal feelings and challenges.
  3. While some people may find it unsettling to chat with a bot, it can serve as a useful tool for those feeling overwhelmed or needing support.

Obsessions of Self and Synapse

Deep Fix • 628 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Narcissism and addiction exist on spectrums that everyone falls on.
  2. It is healthy to have a degree of self-interest but becomes a problem when it becomes extreme.
  3. Social media addiction is a real issue that narrows perspectives and can lead to severe consequences.

That time my dick didn't work

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 3149 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Erectile dysfunction can feel stupid and frustrating, despite effort put into attraction.
  2. Sexual problems can stem from physical health, mental state, and relationship dynamics.
  3. Open communication, seeking solutions like medications, and supportive partners can help overcome sexual concerns.

Life update: Middling

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. The move out of a high‑pressure city was meant to provide rest and more family time, and it also led to reconnecting with a life partner.
  2. Unpredictable events—like a layoff, shrinking VC funding, and political changes—plus practical constraints such as pets and a partner’s preferences made returning to the previous job market and city much harder than expected.
  3. Socially, the hometown has been isolating: making friends has been difficult, there’s been a lot of rejection, and that lack of connection is taking an emotional toll.

Miscellany and mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 799 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  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!

DC home rule, madhouses, and choices

bad cattitude • 230 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. Many people in DC believe the city is safe, despite rising crime. It's surprising how different opinions can be about safety when faced with real issues.
  2. Crime stats can be misleading, and people feel there is a lack of accountability in law enforcement. It's crucial to address these problems to ensure community safety.
  3. People believe that open communication about differing opinions is important. When everyone feels they can speak up, it helps create a stronger community and challenges misleading narratives.

#194: On grief and posting through it

Maybe Baby • 1097 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Grief doesn't have a 'right' way to be expressed. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions and thoughts during this tough time.
  2. Sharing about loved ones on social media can feel awkward, but it also offers a chance for connection and support from friends.
  3. Wanting attention or recognition for your feelings is natural. Seeking out comfort from others can be a healthy part of your grieving process.

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

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  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.

How to (and not to) detox in the New Year

Your Local Epidemiologist • 850 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. A balanced diet with good nutrition helps your body detox naturally. Eating healthy foods supports your organs and keeps everything working well.
  2. Staying hydrated is important. Drinking enough water helps your kidneys and digestive system do their job of removing waste.
  3. Many trendy detox methods, like extreme diets or detox drinks, are not proven to work and can sometimes be harmful. It's better to focus on healthy habits like regular exercise and reducing alcohol.

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 Mental health
  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.

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
  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.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Are You Okay? • 878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  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.

On not trying so hard

the process • 589 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Effort does not always lead to better results in writing or activities.
  2. Sometimes, it is beneficial to relax, be less strict with oneself, and embrace a more effortless approach.
  3. Learning to balance effort with ease can lead to breakthroughs and better outcomes.

How do we heal?

Bits of Wonder • 589 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Human suffering can be changed by addressing cultural circumstances and psychology.
  2. Therapy aims to understand and overcome toxic mental patterns for a happier and more resilient life.
  3. Memory reconsolidation is a potential breakthrough in therapy, offering enduring change in behavior.

My Smartphone Was Ruining My Life. So I Quit.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 936 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Social media can create a false sense of connection, making people feel isolated even with many followers. It's easy to focus on appearances rather than real relationships.
  2. Taking a break from smartphones and social media can be liberating. Disconnecting can help you find clarity and happiness away from constant online pressures.
  3. Personal well-being should come first. Prioritizing mental health over online validation is important for a fulfilling life.

What failed in weight loss for me

Metabolic Repair • 19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  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 Mental health
  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 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 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.

I am addicted to my phone

Trying In Public • 279 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Feeling constantly compelled to check your phone can make everything seem urgent and overwhelming.
  2. Social media can feed insecurities and comparison, leading to a focus on external validation.
  3. Setting boundaries with technology can help you reconnect with the present moment and your own thoughts.

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
  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 Mental health
  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
  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.

How to Quit Coffee

Deep Fix • 569 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Quitting coffee can improve sleep, energy levels, and reduce anxiety and jitteriness.
  2. Slow and steady tapering off coffee is recommended for long-term success.
  3. There are alternatives like pu’erh tea, matcha, oolong tea, cacao, and MudWtr for sustained energy.

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

Tripsitter • 239 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  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
  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 Mental health
  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
  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.