The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Are we the walking wounded?

Disaffected Newsletter • 2997 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. Many people in America are dealing with trauma from recent events, affecting everyone regardless of political beliefs. This trauma can change how we see the world and interact with others.
  2. The past few years have revealed many illusions about stability in our lives, leading to chaos, increased anger, and the breakdown of social norms.
  3. Personal losses from recent experiences have made it hard for many to trust others again, leaving them feeling scared and exhausted. This is true for a lot of people right now.

Jonathan Haidt: The Devil’s Plan to Ruin the Next Generation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6014 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Constant convenience and distraction from smartphones and social media quietly erode young people’s attention and wellbeing, functioning like a slow, unnoticed harm.
  2. Researchers have documented a sharp decline in Gen Z mental health since the early 2010s, and growing evidence links that drop to smartphone and social media use.
  3. Early worries about overprotection gave way to a focus on technology, with the age kids first get smartphones emerging as a key factor tied to later mental wellbeing.

Desire Digest 003

Many Such Cases • 1538 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. There is a big difference between how men and women view desire in relationships. Women may see a proposal of marriage as a compliment, while men might feel it's a slight to their sexual appeal.
  2. Some dating apps are finding success by limiting choices, like allowing only one match at a time. This could show that less choice might lead to better connections.
  3. There's a push for more honest conversations about mental health and relationships. Many people feel more disconnected despite talking a lot about mental health awareness.

It's OK not to be fat

Noahpinion • 30000 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Losing weight can be more about paying attention to what you eat rather than just having strong willpower. Being mindful of how much you eat and when you stop can make it easier to lose weight.
  2. Technological solutions, like certain weight-loss drugs, may be better at addressing obesity than social solutions. These medications can help suppress appetite and lead to effective and sustainable weight loss.
  3. Weight loss doesn't have to be a moral or self-worth issue. It's just a matter of managing hunger and attention, and using tools to simplify the process can free up time for more important things.

Important Reads: New Reporting Details Ghost Networks and Fighting Denials

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Many health insurance companies have 'ghost networks,' meaning they list providers that either don't exist or aren't seeing patients. This causes major problems for people needing help.
  2. Health insurers may not fix these ghost networks because it keeps their costs down. Fewer patients finding care means fewer claims they have to pay.
  3. If you're denied care by your health insurer, don't just accept it. It's important to push back and appeal their decisions to get the help you need.
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Dating Roundup #11: Going Too Meta

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1702 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Where you live drastically changes your dating chances — some cities (like NYC) offer far more and different opportunities than others.
  2. Personal choices matter: being okay earning less than your partner, keeping fit but not obsessive, and having confidence can noticeably improve dating success.
  3. The dating ecosystem shapes outcomes — apps and viral takes can harm mental health and effectiveness, while real-world tools like matchmakers or honest in-person effort often work better.

Determined to Die

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1451 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Canada’s assisted‑suicide program lets people request MAID even if they aren’t terminally ill, as long as they say their suffering is intolerable and can’t be relieved in a way they find acceptable.
  2. People with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental‑health issues, and difficult social situations have been approved for MAID, and those decisions often cause deep pain and conflict within families.
  3. Because eligibility rests on subjective judgments about intolerable suffering, the program blurs the line between medical conditions and everyday social hardship, and many Canadians end up choosing assisted death each year.

Tuesday Shakeout: Yoga, anyone?

Running Probably • 79 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Practicing yoga can be like building a running habit; it takes time and a good setup. Setting the right environment makes it easier to stick to your routine.
  2. It's important to approach yoga with a non-judgmental mindset. The goal is to simply do yoga, not to be perfect at it.
  3. Making small adjustments, like keeping yoga props nearby or having a warmup routine, can really help in achieving your practice goals.

Two Drinks with. . . Dr. I Told You So

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 695 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Paul McHugh has long warned that hormones and surgeries for gender dysphoria are experimental and often don’t improve mental health.
  2. As head of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins in 1979 he stopped sex-change surgeries after follow-up studies showed poor mental-health outcomes.
  3. At 94 he feels vindicated as recent legal cases and a malpractice win by a detransitioner are starting to challenge current gender-affirming care.

Les bons côtés du TDAH

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. People with ADHD can be very curious, which is a positive trait. Instead of seeing distractions as a problem, it can be viewed as a way to explore and learn new things.
  2. Impulsivity, often seen as a challenge, can actually lead to great creativity. Embracing this can help individuals think outside the box.
  3. Having ADHD can make following structure tough, but it also means these individuals can be natural leaders who love freedom. Finding the right support and structure can help them thrive.

Loneliness: The Epidemic (1/2)

box. • 259 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Loneliness is not just being alone; it can happen even when you are around others. Many people feel a lack of connection, which is a serious issue for both personal health and community well-being.
  2. Young people are feeling especially lonely, and this trend started before the pandemic. Loneliness affects how we interact with others and can create a cycle that makes it even harder to connect.
  3. We can combat loneliness by actively creating environments that foster belonging. Simple acts, like inviting someone to a gathering or being kind to others, can help people feel more connected and break the cycle of loneliness.

[DĂ©brief] 10 choses Ă  savoir sur le TDAH

L'Atelier Galita • 179 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. ADHD is not just about attention problems. People with ADHD can have intense focus (hyperfocus) on things they enjoy, but struggle to concentrate on tasks they find boring.
  2. ADHD affects both men and women equally, but many women go undiagnosed because the symptoms can present differently compared to men, leading to a lack of awareness.
  3. ADHD isn't just a childhood issue; many adults also experience it, but they often suffer in silence because they weren't diagnosed as kids and the school environment makes symptoms more apparent.

Arthur Brooks: Family Estrangement Is a Tragedy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1279 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Cutting ties with a family member affects the brain much like the death of a loved one, causing real grief and loss.
  2. Family estrangement is common and can happen to anyone, including rich and famous families.
  3. High-profile breakups draw attention but reflect private problems — people often cite interference in relationships or an inauthentic upbringing when they refuse to reconcile.

Medical Roundup #6

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1657 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The apparent rise in autism is actually just more people being diagnosed under much broader criteria, not a real increase in prevalence, and the "autism spectrum" is now so wide it would be clearer to separate the very different ends.
  2. Doing even a small amount of regular exercise gives real health and cognitive benefits, and lowering psychological barriers (like free gym access) raises activity, though gains taper off once you become very fit.
  3. Regulatory and system problems — costly, slow clinical trials, restrictive FDA decisions, and workforce bottlenecks — are slowing drug development and harming care, so easing unnecessary barriers and better incentives would speed innovation and improve outcome access.

how to trust yourself

bookbear express • 1133 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Trust yourself to know what’s right for you, and learn to live with and forgive both your own mistakes and other people’s.
  2. Talking, confession, and analysis won’t always fix the inner mess — embodied practices, movement, and small everyday routines are what ground you.
  3. Stop chasing approval and fearing others’ reactions; when you stop needing to be saved or fixed you become more honest, calm, and free.

8 petits managers dans nos tĂŞtes

L'Atelier Galita • 139 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Executive functions help us manage everyday tasks like organizing schedules and controlling impulses. They're like little managers in our heads that guide our adult life.
  2. For people with ADHD, these executive functions can develop slower, leading to challenges in planning and starting tasks. This can make adult responsibilities feel really tough.
  3. There are eight main executive functions, including working memory and emotional regulation. Each one plays a key role in how we handle life’s challenges and goals.

Arthur Brooks: Stress Makes Life Meaningful

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 250 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Modern screen use is a major driver of rising stress, so cutting back on screens can help reduce daily strain.
  2. Many of life’s happiest milestones—like pregnancy, parenting, and big achievements—are also highly stressful, so joy and stress often come together.
  3. Stress isn’t automatically bad; it can add meaning to life, so rather than seeking a stress-free existence, learn to manage and accept the hard and sweet parts together.

Arthur Brooks: Therapy Won’t Make You Happier. And That’s Okay.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 908 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Therapy is now common and openly talked about, especially among younger, college-educated adults.
  2. Many people mistakenly expect therapy to make them happier, but therapy isn’t a miracle worker for producing happiness.
  3. It’s okay if therapy doesn’t make you happier; building happiness often requires other intentional practices and therapy has a different, important role in treating mental-health issues.

Lithium and Its Potential Protection from Alzheimer's Disease

Ground Truths • 14084 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Lithium has been used for a long time in mental health treatment, and recent studies suggest it might also help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Research indicates that lithium could have benefits for cognitive function.
  2. New findings show that lithium orotate, a specific form of lithium, may be more effective than the traditional lithium carbonate used before. It seems to help clear harmful substances in the brain linked to Alzheimer's.
  3. Mice studies show that a diet deficient in lithium can lead to increased inflammation and cognitive decline. Conversely, mice given lithium orotate showed improvements in memory and brain function.

Comment TRADUIRE le TDAH ?

L'Atelier Galita • 139 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. ADHD can show up in different ways, like trouble focusing or being hyperactive. It's important to understand these traits to recognize and discuss ADHD better.
  2. People with ADHD may struggle with things like organization and time management. Their brains work differently, leading to challenges in focusing on tasks unless there’s something interesting or urgent about them.
  3. Emotional regulation can be tough for someone with ADHD. They might react strongly to feelings of rejection or anger, even if it seems delayed, which can be confusing for others.

Facebook is Other People

Never Met a Science • 55 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Millions of people are lonely, embittered, and suffering, and social media gives them a loud platform to show that pain. That visibility fuels harassment, outrage, and political polarization.
  2. Making communication universal means people with few resources or social skills can be targeted by scammers and radical content, and algorithms amplify the angriest voices. Out-group animosity and attention-seeking content get rewarded, so broken and angry people end up shaping the information environment.
  3. The internet exposes social failures that used to be hidden, forcing society to confront neglected populations and their grievances. That exposure makes caring and inclusion a political necessity and helps explain why online spaces often feel so unpleasant.

Que sais-tu du TDAH ?

L'Atelier Galita • 159 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. TDAH stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affecting focus and attention. It’s not just about being hyperactive; people with TDAH can struggle to concentrate on many tasks.
  2. More men are diagnosed with TDAH than women, but it can affect anyone. It's important to consider whether age plays a role in how TDAH symptoms manifest.
  3. TDAH can be hereditary, meaning if a parent has it, their children might be more likely to have it too. It's crucial to avoid self-diagnosing, as it can lead to many incorrect assumptions about conditions.

Our Brain—Immune Axis Gets A Jolt

Ground Truths • 12422 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Seeing someone with an infection can kickstart our immune system. This was shown in a study where participants responded to animated characters showing signs of illness.
  2. A new device that stimulates the vagus nerve has been developed to help treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Early trial results are promising and show it can reduce pain and swelling.
  3. People carrying the APOE4 gene, linked to Alzheimer's, have immune system changes that raise their risk of disease. This insight gives new understanding into how genetics can affect brain health.

Contra Skolnick On Schizophrenia Microbes

Astral Codex Ten • 16518 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Schizophrenia is often thought to be genetic, but studies show the link is more complex than just genetics alone. This means family history is a factor, but it's not the whole story.
  2. Twin studies indicate that if one twin has schizophrenia, there’s a 30-40% chance the other twin will too, which can support the idea of many genes influencing the condition.
  3. While some scientists argue that gut bacteria might cause schizophrenia, the evidence linking specific gut microbes to the disorder remains unclear and doesn't explain how it develops over time.

Documenting Hope - This Org's Research Helps us Understand and Improve Children's Health

Popular Rationalism • 297 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. There is a silent auction happening to raise funds for children's health, closing on October 4, 2024. It's a good chance to bid on some unique items and support a worthy cause.
  2. The auction features valuable items like health screenings and coaching packages, with some starting bids as low as $50. You might find something great while helping kids!
  3. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Documenting Hope organization, which focuses on improving children's health. It's a way to contribute to important research and initiatives for children.

Tuesday Shakeout: Shutting Down

Running Probably • 119 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Mental health
  1. The author has accepted that their racing season is over and they recognize the need to face this reality. It's tough to let go of something they love, but they understand it’s necessary.
  2. They acknowledge that preparing for a big race like the JFK 50 can't be done without proper training, highlighting that they need to think logically about their situation.
  3. While they are trying to accept this shutdown, they also mention struggling with their feelings and hope that time will help them process everything better.

Things That Are Hard

Freddie deBoer • 10210 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Support groups can feel repetitive and unhelpful, but individuals often realize they provided benefits after leaving. The casual conversations before and after meetings can be valuable for connection.
  2. People tend to view mental illness in extremes, either as all good or all bad, which can complicate how they relate to those who are struggling. This can make it hard for individuals to receive the understanding and support they need.
  3. True accommodation for mental health issues means being willing to support those who display difficult behaviors, no matter how unlikable they may seem. It's important to recognize that mental illness can lead to actions that are not socially acceptable.

Arthur Brooks: So You Got Dumped. What Next?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 301 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Heartbreak is normal and rooted in our biology, so intense pain after a breakup doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. The pain usually fades with time and you can love again.
  2. Use simple, science-backed coping tools like writing briefly about your pain and later noting what you learned, and try listening to sad music to help process complex emotions.
  3. Avoid surveilling your ex on social media because obsessively checking them prolongs suffering; unfollowing, blocking, or removing reminders helps you heal.

Yes, fellow gays, it's partly our fault

Disaffected Newsletter • 2497 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Some gay individuals are denying their role in the current social issues. They blame others for the public perception of homosexuality instead of looking at their own actions.
  2. There are concerns about the sexual behaviors being displayed in public spaces that are influencing people's views on the gay community. Some friends are pulling away because they feel criticized for sharing their concerns.
  3. The behaviors that have become associated with the gay community, such as breaking social boundaries, have been ongoing for a long time. This has created an environment where other groups feel able to push boundaries too.

self-knowledge

bookbear express • 451 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Unfulfilling relationships usually come from a lack of self-knowledge plus an unwillingness to act on what you learn.
  2. Being honest with yourself is uncomfortable and tempting to avoid, but enduring that discomfort brings accountability, clarity, and a more unified sense of who you are.
  3. People who lean on logic, frameworks, and optimization often avoid looking inward because feelings are messy and changeable, so they freeze or distract instead of facing their needs.

The Reiners’ Tragedy Without End

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1891 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. A beloved public-figure couple were murdered by their son, a shock that underscores the human cost of such family tragedies.
  2. A brilliant young man with schizophrenia once seemed to recover and even attracted media and Hollywood interest; after stopping his medication he spiraled into psychosis and killed his pregnant fiancée.
  3. Serious mental illness and addiction can lead to sudden, violent outcomes despite appearances of recovery, showing how fragile progress is and how inadequate interventions can be.

The Gut-Brain Axis Takes Center Stage

Ground Truths • 13472 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The gut and brain communicate in many ways, affecting our mood and health. Hormones produced in the gut and gut bacteria play a huge role in this relationship.
  2. Recent studies show how gut inflammation can lead to brain inflammation, which may explain some neurological issues. This connection makes it important to take care of our gut health.
  3. New medications targeting gut hormones are being developed, offering potential treatment for conditions like obesity and Alzheimer's disease. These discoveries could change how we think about health and medicine.

Dix traits du TDAH

L'Atelier Galita • 59 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The book 'Dirty Laundry' explores the dynamic between a person with ADHD and their partner who does not have it. It shows how their different brain types affect their relationship.
  2. The author points out that the neurotypical partner often misunderstands ADHD traits and compares them to their own experiences. This highlights the challenges in understanding each other's perspectives.
  3. It's interesting to note that some behaviors the neurotypical partner attributes to being typical, could actually show characteristics of autism, demonstrating the complexity of neurodiversity.

I could write my Magnum Opus but I simply go to bed

Subtle Digressions • 1019 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
đź“š Literature Mental health
  1. It's normal to struggle with finding your creative path. Many people feel lost at times, especially when comparing themselves to others who seem successful.
  2. Writing takes time and effort. It's a skill that can be improved with practice, and it's okay to start small and build confidence over time.
  3. Sharing your writing can be scary, but it’s important to embrace vulnerability. Your voice matters, and it can connect with readers in a meaningful way.

How Instagram Broke Its Promise to Protect Teens

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Mental health
  1. Instagram publicly promised to remove graphic self-harm content from searches, hashtags, and recommendations.
  2. Despite that promise, its algorithm kept surfacing self-harm and eating‑disorder content, leaving teens exposed to vast amounts of harmful posts like many tagged #weightloss.
  3. Newly unsealed internal documents show executives knew the platform was still failing and were worried about being exposed, suggesting the company focused on damage control rather than fully fixing the problem.

I should not be left to my own devices

Jeff Giesea • 798 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. The rise of smartphones and social media has led to increased anxiety and depression in Gen Z, starting around 2010. Parents are encouraged to be stricter with screen time while allowing more freedom in real life.
  2. Many adults, including parents, struggle with their own screen addiction, making it hard to guide younger generations. It's important to recognize personal habits before teaching children about healthy device usage.
  3. Empathy for Gen Z's struggles is crucial, as they face unique challenges in a digital world. Understanding their experiences can help foster better communication and support.

Let it Go

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 10 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Most anxiety comes from dealing with other people. Ask yourself: did I cause it, can I cure it, can I control it — if the answer is no, let it go.
  2. Codependence and grudges waste emotional energy and rarely change the other person. Focus on what you can control—your own behavior—and stop carrying other people's problems.
  3. Practice acceptance and keep resentments short so they don't sap your life. Gratitude and focusing on the small things you can change free up your mind and peace.

Mental Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Good customer service should be recognized and praised, just like bad service is often complained about. It's important to share positive experiences.
  2. A personal connection with service staff can make a big difference, like when a pharmacist helps save money on medications and explains the options available.
  3. Observing changes in other countries can evoke a sense of concern and hope for their future. There's often a personal connection felt even from afar.