The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

"I'm actually quite alarmed/scared of how fast this is increasing from day to day."

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1567 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Gender identity Mental health Social Issues Lifestyle Personal Stories
  1. Some people feel overwhelmed by their thoughts about gender transition. It can take over their daily lives and make it hard to focus on other things.
  2. Others struggle with their transition not meeting their expectations. They may feel like they're not passing as they hoped, leading to sadness and frustration.
  3. There are various opinions about what being a woman means, and it can be confusing. Each person's understanding of womanhood can be different based on their experiences.

An autogynephile walks into a reality check

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1031 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Gender identity Social Dynamics Mental health Self-discovery
  1. A person may experience a sudden realization about their gender identity that challenges their current life situation. This can feel like a midlife crisis as they ponder big changes.
  2. Seeking different viewpoints about these feelings can lead to confusion. It might seem like a search for answers, but often it just adds to the uncertainty.
  3. Joining supportive communities can feel comforting, but sometimes it may lead to unrealistic expectations about one's identity and create pressure rather than relief.

Are You Struggling With Your Own Screen Time? 

After Babel • 2596 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Digital detox Self-care Technology impact
  1. It's important to figure out why you want to reduce your screen time before trying to change your habits. Knowing your goals will help you stay motivated.
  2. To spend less time on your phone, reconnect with real life by seeking fun and interesting activities outside of screens. This makes you less likely to reach for your device.
  3. Make your phone boring by deleting tempting apps and reducing notifications. This way, you'll be less distracted and more present in your daily life.

Choosing My Glasses

Holly’s Newsletter • 1428 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Mental health Self-Expression Life experiences
  1. Negativity bias means we often focus more on bad experiences than good ones. It's important to notice when we're doing this and try to look for the positives instead.
  2. Working on overcoming negativity bias can be tough, but it starts with accepting that we have it. Sharing good moments with others can help shift our focus to the positive.
  3. Finding supportive professionals in areas like therapy or training can make a big difference. It’s nice to meet people who understand our fears and can guide us through challenging experiences.

Gen Z, Social Media is Optional

After Babel • 3383 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Youth Trends Social media Mental health Communication Technology impact
  1. Gen Z has the option to live without social media. It's not a must to be connected online all the time.
  2. Choosing to step away from social media can lead to better sleep, creativity, and stronger relationships with loved ones.
  3. There are practical methods to help people quit social media, like gradually reducing use and focusing on real-life connections instead.
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Flaws in a Recent Lancet Study on Phone Use in Schools

After Babel • 853 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🚌 Education Mental health Student Performance Research Methodology
  1. The study compared schools with only slight differences in phone policies, making it hard to see if phone restrictions really help students.
  2. The research didn't truly prove which phone policies caused changes in student mental health or grades, since it mainly showed correlations.
  3. There were issues with how they measured students' academic performance and phone use, which could affect the study's conclusions.

My friend, JT

Basta’s Notes • 245 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Pets Relationships Mental health Lifestyle Personal Stories
  1. Having a pet can be really meaningful. They can become important parts of our lives and provide comfort through tough times.
  2. Moving pets to new homes can be challenging. It takes preparation and sometimes a little help from professionals to make the experience smoother.
  3. Pets age and it can be hard to accept. While it's sad to think about losing them, it's important to cherish every moment and the joy they bring.

First World Problems: Dating

Fake Noûs • 165 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Society Gender Mental health Lifestyle
  1. Finding a partner is a big problem for many people today. This problem is tough because of differing desires between men and women, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
  2. The issue of being single can lead to serious feelings of loneliness and even increase the risk of suicide among men. This need for connection is felt deeply and can have major consequences.
  3. Potential solutions to the dating problem might include technology like robot partners, or even changing how we feel through drugs or genetic engineering. These ideas could help ease the pain of being single.

Un protocole de ménage

L'Atelier Galita • 259 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Lifestyle Stress management
  1. Cleaning can feel overwhelming, but focusing on just five categories of clutter can make it easier. These are trash, dishes, laundry, items out of place, and items that have no place.
  2. It's okay to be messy sometimes, as long as everything has a designated spot. Being organized doesn’t mean everything looks perfect, but it does mean you can find what you need.
  3. A simple cleaning protocol can help you tackle messiness without stress. Breaking chores into small, manageable steps makes maintaining a clean space much easier.

#55. What Do Kids at a Center for Self-Directed Education Do on Their Smartphones?

Play Makes Us Human • 1136 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Technology Use Child development Social media Mental health
  1. Kids in self-directed education tend to use their smartphones for creative and educational activities rather than scrolling on social media. They engage in things like music editing, game design, and learning through simulators.
  2. Many teens at the Macomber Center are not very interested in social media, often finding it unnecessary. They feel they have better things to do, like spending time with friends and exploring their interests.
  3. The overall happiness and fulfillment of these kids seem to come from their fulfilling social interactions, which reduces their reliance on social media to meet their social needs.

If people lash out at you, remember: it’s more about them than you

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 199 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civility Mental health Public Discourse Empathy
  1. When someone is rude or angry, it usually says more about them than it does about you. People can be having a tough time, and their behavior might not really be personal.
  2. Try to think kindly about others instead of judging them harshly. Instead of saying 'they are a jerk,' remind yourself that they might just be having a bad day.
  3. Learning to react with empathy is important. By focusing on understanding rather than taking things to heart, we can keep our peace and better handle tough situations.

Stop Dumbscrolling. It's Bad for Your Mental Health.

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Social media Behavioral Health Self-care Lifestyle
  1. Dumbscrolling is when you mindlessly scroll through content that makes you feel smarter by looking at others' mistakes. It's not good for your mental health.
  2. This habit can lead to negativity both personally and socially. It encourages us to judge others instead of focusing on ourselves.
  3. Instead of dumbscrolling, we should aim to engage with positive and meaningful content that helps us grow and connect with others.

Sleep, Diet, Exercise and GLP-1 Drugs

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2688 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Exercise Pharmaceuticals Mental health
  1. GLP-1 drugs can be very effective for weight loss, and many people are seeing good results from them. They have contributed to a noticeable drop in obesity rates among those who use them, especially college graduates.
  2. Willpower plays an important role in personal fitness and dieting. While using willpower can be tough, it also has positive effects on self-discipline and can lead to healthier habits over time.
  3. It's vital to find joy in exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Enjoyable activities make it easier to stick to fitness routines and achieve overall well-being.

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.

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 Adolescents
  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.

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.

“Unbundle” people

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 359 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civility Conflict resolution Political Discourse Mental health
  1. People are complex and should not be defined by just one characteristic or label. It’s important to see them as whole individuals.
  2. Understanding different perspectives can help foster kindness and civility during divisive times, especially in political discussions.
  3. Engaging with those who have different views can lead to better relationships and insights, rather than conflict.

TikTok Is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale

After Babel • 3575 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Child safety Social media Mental health Public Opinion
  1. TikTok is known to harm kids by being highly addictive, making them spend hours on the app, which can lead to mental health issues.
  2. The platform exposes users to harmful content like drugs, violence, and sexual exploitation, often without proper moderation.
  3. Many young people actually wish TikTok didn't exist due to its negative effects, but feel stuck using it to keep up with trends.

Unjustified Critique of a CDC Report on Social Media Risks

The Shores of Academia • 39 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Public Health Social media
  1. The CDC report links frequent social media use to increased risks of bullying, feelings of sadness, and suicidal thoughts among teens. It found that a significant number of high school students use social media frequently, which may affect their mental health.
  2. Chris Ferguson criticizes the CDC report, claiming it shows bias and incompetence without providing solid evidence for his accusations. He describes the CDC's findings as exaggerated and accuses the authors of unethical behavior, which raises questions about his arguments.
  3. The conversation around social media impacts on mental health is polarizing, with some dismissing concerns as moral panic. This reflects a broader debate about the effects of digital technology on youth and the responsibility of researchers to communicate findings accurately.

Le ménage n'est pas moral

L'Atelier Galita • 219 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Gender Roles Mental health Self-Improvement Education
  1. Cleaning is a skill, not a moral failure. If you're not great at it, that just means you haven't learned yet.
  2. Many popular cleaning methods come from people who are already skilled, making it hard for beginners to learn. It's important to find someone who can explain things clearly.
  3. It's okay to delegate cleaning tasks to others. Just like you would hire someone for a ride or food delivery, you can get help with cleaning without feeling bad about it.

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.

It's Obviously the Phones

Many Such Cases • 36729 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Technology impact Mental health Community Dynamics Cultural Trends
  1. Phones are a major reason why many people feel lonely and have less sex. They take away real-life time we could spend with friends and family.
  2. People today are spending more time on their phones than ever before, sometimes up to ten hours a day. This means less time connecting with others in person.
  3. Even though there are fewer places to socialize, it's also about how much we choose to focus on our phones instead of real-life interactions. We can choose to use our phones less and try to connect with people more.

Men are lonely, but mothers are losing their minds

Men Yell at Me • 247 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health Gender Issues Reproductive Rights Economic Inequality
  1. The mental health of mothers in America is getting worse, with more parents reporting feelings of anxiety and depression. Many factors contribute to this, like rising costs of living and cuts to support programs.
  2. While there is a lot of focus on the struggles faced by men, especially younger ones, it's important to remember that women, especially mothers and teen girls, are also facing serious mental health challenges.
  3. There's a noticeable push to benefit men politically and socially, but this could overshadow the struggles of women, who are experiencing their own hardships in the workplace and at home.

Ménage et autocompassion

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Personal Development Compassion
  1. Self-compassion is important when it comes to managing your home. Instead of feeling ashamed about the mess, try to view it as a sign of being alive and engaged in life.
  2. How you talk to yourself about cleaning matters. Focus on the benefits of having a tidy space rather than judging yourself morally for not keeping up.
  3. Everyone has different skills when it comes to cleaning. Recognizing that it's a learned ability can help you feel less pressured and more at peace with your own cleaning journey.

How to (and How NOT to) Mandate Phone-Free Schools

After Babel • 1103 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🚌 Education School Policy Child development Mental health Legislation Technology impact
  1. More schools are going phone-free, which means students won't use phones during the whole school day. This helps them focus on learning and connecting with friends.
  2. Total phone bans can improve students' grades and attention in class. Teachers also feel less distracted and more engaged with their students.
  3. Policies are being created to guide schools on how to effectively limit phone use. This is often driven by parents who see the negative effects of phones on children.

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.

Mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Personal Growth Social Commentary Cultural critique
  1. The word 'autism' has lost its meaning and can refer to many unrelated conditions or traits, making it confusing for people to understand what it really means.
  2. People can change their beliefs over time, especially about deep, personal topics, often through therapy and self-reflection.
  3. Normal, decent people might unknowingly support harmful behaviors because they assume everyone has good intentions, which makes them vulnerable to manipulation.

Poopity Scoopity: A Review of Kanye West’s Twitter Account

Default Wisdom • 177 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Mental health Social media Celebrity
  1. Kanye West is facing both artistic and mental health struggles. His recent works show a decline in creativity and direction, highlighting his challenges.
  2. His attempt to shift towards a Christian theme with his album 'Jesus is King' didn’t receive the recognition he hoped for. This may have affected his artistic journey and mental state.
  3. Kanye's social media presence has turned chaotic and negative, reflecting deeper issues. Many believe he needs help and support to navigate these tough times.

How Did You Prepare This Week? A Practical Update.

OK Doomer • 104 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Survival Community Mental health
  1. Prepping is a continuous journey; you never fully finish being prepared. You learn and improve week by week to stay ready for crises.
  2. Generic prepping advice often lacks practical details. It's more effective to share actual experiences and what works in real situations.
  3. People are increasingly taking privacy seriously, even deleting their email accounts to protect their information amid rising concerns.

Kanye Needs a Conservatorship

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Public Discourse Media Critique
  1. Some people may struggle with mental health to the point they can't handle their own lives. This can lead to harmful actions or behaviors.
  2. Kanye West has made several controversial and hate-filled statements online, including antisemitic comments. This pattern of behavior raises concern about his mental well-being.
  3. There have been repeated incidents where Kanye has expressed extreme views, suggesting a need for oversight or support to ensure his safety and the safety of others.

Is this real life?

Disaffected Newsletter • 3776 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Trauma Psychology Public Health
  1. Derealization is a feeling where the world seems unreal, like a scary movie. It can happen to people with mental health issues or past trauma, and it's really unsettling.
  2. The constant changes in news and public opinion can make people feel confused and anxious. It's like we are living in a situation where nothing feels stable or real.
  3. For those who have experienced derealization, knowing others feel the same can help them feel less alone. It's important to talk about these feelings and experiences.

On the knife's edge of hope and despair

Jeff Giesea • 598 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Family Dynamics Coping Strategies
  1. Sometimes, you have to accept that you can't fix someone's problems. Letting go can be an act of love, not failure.
  2. There is a thin line between helping and enabling. It's important to know when to step back and allow someone to make their own choices.
  3. People struggling with mental illness or addiction face tough decisions that affect everyone around them. Your support matters, but ultimately, they must choose their path.

Criminal Minds

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts True Crime Social Issues Mental health Political Commentary Cultural critique
  1. Child abuse is a major factor in violent behavior, as suggested by the case of a young murderer. It's important to understand the home environment of troubled youth.
  2. Society is facing a decline with issues like street violence and controversial influences in media. These problems make it harder for people to feel safe.
  3. There's a mix of unusual news topics and merchandise being advertised. It reflects the unique and sometimes bizarre culture we are living in.

7 mythes sur le ménage

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Lifestyle Choices
  1. Cleaning as you go is a hard skill that not everyone can master right away. It's better to find a cleaning method that feels right for you, rather than stressing yourself out trying to keep up with others.
  2. It's not about keeping things clean for someone else's approval. Cleaning should be about helping yourself feel better and more comfortable in your space.
  3. Organizing your home doesn't have to be about making it look pretty. What's important is that it's functional and works for your lifestyle.

Technology and Grieving

Margins by Ranjan Roy and Can Duruk • 5203 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Grief Health care Child Health Neurology Mental health
  1. Technology can help us understand and communicate health issues better. Tools like generative AI can make complex medical information easier to grasp for everyone.
  2. Grieving is a personal journey that everyone experiences differently. It's important to remember that your feelings of loss and sorrow are valid, and sharing your story can help others feel less alone.
  3. Creating memories with loved ones is crucial. Spending time with family, sharing experiences, and cherishing little moments can make a lasting impact, even after they've gone.

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother math comes to me

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9701 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Life Advice Mental health Statistics Personal Growth Complex Systems
  1. Life has ups and downs, and problems often come in clusters. It's normal to feel overwhelmed when things go wrong.
  2. When you're at a low point, remember that life is like a rollercoaster with many twists and turns. Things often improve after tough times.
  3. Statistically, when you feel at your worst, it might actually be the moment before things start to get better. Hang in there!

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

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1187 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.