The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Am I Anxious or Just Hangry & Tired?

Ladyparts • 239 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Anxiety can be triggered by lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, poor diet, and excessive caffeine consumption.
  2. Distinguishing between true anxiety (rooted in fear of death) and false anxiety (due to bodily dysregulation) is crucial for understanding and addressing mental health.
  3. Taking actionable steps to address false anxiety, such as improving sleep habits and diet, can help in reducing feelings of anxiety.

Self-fufilling worry

Sunday Letters • 159 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Impostor syndrome makes us feel like we're not good enough, but it's common and can happen to anyone. Many people worry about being exposed as a fraud, affecting their confidence and performance.
  2. Worrying too much about our flaws can actually make us perform worse. Instead of focusing on what we can't do, we should put our energy into improving and celebrating our successes.
  3. By just doing our best and being kind to ourselves, we can overcome impostor syndrome. This mindset helps us grow personally and positively impacts the groups we belong to.

NYC Street Performance #2 and Surprising Stats Pt. 2

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. In 2021, 9% of teens tried to commit suicide, highlighting a serious mental health crisis among young people.
  2. Jake Sussman started a company to connect people with therapists after seeing the difficulties his students faced in getting mental health care.
  3. Performing music can create a deep emotional connection, both for the performer and the audience, making the experience feel effortless and joyful.

Everyone’s watching me 😳 — Spotlight effect

10x your mind • 139 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The spotlight effect makes us believe others are paying more attention to us than they actually are. People are generally focused on themselves rather than scrutinizing every detail about us.
  2. We have an egocentric bias that leads us to think others care more about our actions than they actually do. Most people are too focused on their own insecurities to notice ours.
  3. Free yourself from the spotlight effect by being aware that people don't judge us as much as we think. Embrace being unapologetically yourself and pursue your goals without worrying about others' opinions.

Elon Musk Accused of Serial Fraud By the U.S. Gaming Community in Confirmation That There Is Nothing He Won’t Lie About

Proof • 71 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. People in the gaming community are accusing Elon Musk of lying about his gaming skills and cheating to appear better than he really is. This is a big deal because it raises questions about trust and honesty.
  2. Musk's claims about being a top gamer are hard to believe since he runs several companies that take up a lot of his time. Many think he might be getting others to play for him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's mental health and how it could affect his upcoming role as co-President. People worry that if he's not well, it might lead to poor decisions that could impact many lives.
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Smartphones Don't Belong in Schools

The Analog Family • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🚌 Education Mental health
  1. Smartphones can distract students in school and hurt their focus on learning. When kids check their phones during class, it makes it hard for them to absorb information.
  2. Phones can make kids feel less connected to each other. With everyone looking at screens, it's tough to build real friendships and connect with peers.
  3. Some places are banning smartphones in schools to help students focus better. This isn't about being against technology; it's about supporting better education and well-being for kids.

self-forgiveness

Midnight Musings • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Self-forgiveness is a journey of letting go of past mistakes and regrets. It's important to understand that your past doesn't define who you are today.
  2. Facing pain and vulnerability can lead to personal growth. Instead of letting tough experiences break you, use them as opportunities to learn and become stronger.
  3. Taking small steps towards improvement matters more than dwelling on past failures. Each step forward is a chance to shape your future and focus on becoming a better version of yourself.

Breast binders for 13-year-old girls funded by RainbowYOUTH NZ

A B’Old Woman • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. RainbowYOUTH NZ provides breast binders to 13-year-old girls without needing parental permission. This raises questions about parental rights and the safety of the children.
  2. Breast binders can be harmful, as they may lead to health issues like breathing difficulties and back pain. They are similar to old-fashioned corsets that shape the body unnaturally.
  3. There are concerns about the ethics of giving potentially harmful items to minors. Some people wonder if organizations like RainbowYOUTH truly have the best interests of young people in mind.

The 5-10% Weight Loss Lie - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 259 implied HN points • 08 Dec 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Weight loss doesn't necessarily lead to greater health. Behavior changes and health improvements may happen simultaneously.
  2. Fitness and mobility improvements are often wrongly attributed to weight loss. Programs and effort play a significant role.
  3. Confidence changes attributed to weight loss might be societal conditioning. Weight loss doesn't guarantee long-term success and can lead to giving up on other goals.

Help - My Colleague Thinks Weight Loss is a Magical Fix-All!

Weight and Healthcare • 239 implied HN points • 15 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Assuming weight loss is a cure-all is a common yet harmful mistake perpetuated by the weight loss industry.
  2. Healthcare providers can do harm by focusing solely on weight loss as a solution without evidence-based interventions that suit the individual's needs.
  3. Thin people can also face similar health issues, so weight loss is not a guaranteed fix and all individuals deserve ethical treatment regardless of size.

How I reduced my phone usage by 99%

Chronicles and Meditations • 4 HN points • 14 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Reducing phone usage significantly can lead to feeling more present and less inclined to compulsively consume
  2. Being phone-less made the author realize the world is full of clues and people are willing to help, adapting to a phone-free lifestyle is possible
  3. Phones can be insatiable entertainment devices, impacting mental bandwidth and mood, but they are valuable for practical needs like emergencies

On why the advice "if you want to leave a meeting, just start getting up" works

Defender’s corner • 19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The advice of getting up to leave a meeting without a specific excuse works by lowering your standard of what is an acceptable reason to leave.
  2. Deadlines function similarly, not creating work out of nowhere but pushing you to start and improve upon what you have.
  3. You can train your subconscious filter by consciously evaluating excuses and adjusting your automatic labeling of ideas, leading to better decision-making and creativity.

Ayahuasca, Healing Culture, and the Crisis of Meaning

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Western visitors romanticize jungle isolation while locals often want connection to modern life, which shows a real tension in globalization.
  2. People expect private inner breakthroughs at ayahuasca retreats, but most report visions about family and say the shared bonding (communitas) with others is the most transformative part.
  3. Mental health and healing are collective issues tied to community, work conditions, and the environment, so real wellbeing requires social and ecological changes as well as personal care.

Don't tell me what to do 😡 — Reactance bias

10x your mind • 119 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. People often react adversely when told what to do, leading to the reactance bias where they do the opposite just to assert their freedom of choice
  2. Feeling out of control can increase the desire to go against restrictions, like strict rules on teenagers may push them to break them
  3. Having many options can create a sense of security, even if some features may never be used, leading to biased buying decisions

Gymnastiness

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 02 Aug 21
🎾 Sports Mental health
  1. Simone Biles' choice to stop competing shows that she values her mental health. The pressure in elite gymnastics feels more like abuse than a sport, especially for young girls.
  2. Young female gymnasts face intense training that harms their physical and mental health. They often sacrifice their childhood and face dangerous challenges without proper support.
  3. The lack of parental oversight in gymnastics can expose children to risky situations. Both Biles and Naomi Osaka are highlighting the need to protect athletes' well-being in competitive sports.

On Depression and the Blues

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The common belief that depression is just a chemical imbalance is being challenged. Many researchers say we need to look at depression in a more complete way, not just based on brain chemistry.
  2. People often divide themselves into those with serious depression and those without it, but this view is changing. Everyone can experience sad feelings or depression at some point in their lives.
  3. During tough times, like the pandemic, many people felt depressed, showing that mental health struggles are universal. We can understand depression as a part of life rather than a lifelong condition.

Seasonal Changes

Tech and Tea • 230 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Recognize the need to slow down during seasonal changes
  2. Find ways to create spacious, uncapped time for yourself
  3. Avoid filling up breaks with obligations and instead focus on enjoying time for personal activities

218: Soldier Comes Home

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Scott struggled with PTSD and alcoholism after his military and police work. He felt lost and was close to death but found hope through therapy.
  2. He had a tough homecoming with his brother, who was skeptical but also supportive. They both had to navigate their changed relationship and Scott's past issues.
  3. Despite challenges, Scott found peace and clarity in his journey. He learned to take things one step at a time, focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past.

How you work is how you eat

10x your mind • 59 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The type of food you crave after a task reflects how enjoyable or boring the task was - more boring tasks lead to craving unhealthy foods.
  2. Mental energy is vital for self-control and decision-making, and the brain consumes significant energy, influencing food choices.
  3. Engaging in interesting and challenging work situations can lead to a 'flow' state where creativity and productivity thrive without the need for self-control.

Quitting & Returning To Work (Guest Post by Tom Grundy)

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 89 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Mental health
  1. Sometimes, taking a break from work can help you recharge and find clarity. It allows you to step back and see what you really want in life.
  2. Returning to the same job after a break doesn't mean you're going backwards. It can give you a fresh perspective and a healthier relationship with work.
  3. Your mindset about work is powerful. Changing how you look at your job can lead to more happiness and satisfaction, even without changing your role.

Nellie Bly in the mad-house

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Mental health
  1. Nellie Bly's investigative journalism exposed the harsh reality of how women deemed insane were mistreated, leading to reforms in mental health treatment.
  2. Nellie Bly's daring undercover assignment at a lunatic asylum showcased the power of investigative journalism to drive societal change, especially for women reporters.
  3. The impact of Nellie Bly's work transcended mere reporting, sparking profound investigations into institutional practices and highlighting the significant role of journalism in advocating for marginalized individuals.

Are social media bad for mental health? It's the wrong question.

An Educated Guess • 174 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The impact of social media on mental health is a complex issue that cannot be simplified to a dose-response relationship.
  2. The understanding of social media's effect on mental health can benefit from incorporating different epidemiological paradigms like sanitation, infection, chronic disease, and eco-epidemiology.
  3. Social media is not just a risk factor but an environment that plays a crucial role in shaping various behaviors and experiences, especially for young people.

✨ How an AI technopanic begins

Faster, Please! • 91 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Mental health
  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.

Imposter Syndrome

Fish Food for Thought • 21 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
💼 Business Mental health
  1. Imposter syndrome is when people doubt their success and feel like they don't deserve it. This feeling can happen to anyone, regardless of their achievements.
  2. Many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome because there's no one right way to lead. Every leadership style works differently, and it's easy to doubt yourself by comparing to others.
  3. To overcome imposter syndrome, it's important to focus on your strengths and how your unique leadership style helps your team succeed, instead of trying to copy someone else's approach.

Leaving the Calories In/Calories Out Myth Far Behind

Weight and Healthcare • 259 implied HN points • 30 Oct 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The idea that weight loss is as simple as calories in/calories out can be harmful, especially to fat individuals.
  2. Calculating calorie expenditure is complex and imprecise due to individual factors like genetics, stress, and health conditions.
  3. Semi-starvation as a weight loss technique based on the calories in/calories out model has a low success rate and poses risks to physical and psychological health.

On Liedowns and the 'Meritocracy'

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. The 'lying flat' movement in East Asia is a response to the pressures of a work-centric culture. People are choosing to step back from overwork and stress, promoting a lifestyle that values rest.
  2. In the West, similar movements like 'The Great Resignation' don't capture the same spirit as 'lying flat.' Many see these Western protests as just a shift from corporate jobs without addressing the core issues of work-life balance.
  3. Top athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles show that even successful individuals can feel overwhelmed by expectations. Their decision to prioritize mental health challenges the idea of the meritocracy, where success often comes with endless obligations.

415: The Ibogaine Miracle

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Philip struggles with heroin addiction and feels it's taken away his basic life goals. He’s exhausted from trying to maintain a normal life while battling his addiction.
  2. Ibogaine treatment offers a new hope for addiction recovery, and many patients have seen significant improvement after their treatment. The recovery clinic in Cancun has high success rates.
  3. The documentary highlights the heavy realities of addiction and the transformation possible through treatments like ibogaine. Philip experiences a remarkable change after his treatment, feeling clean and hopeful about the future.

The Impossible Task of Understanding Aaron Carter (Part 3)

Off-Topic • 349 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Aaron Carter faced significant financial challenges, including filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which cleared over $2 million of debt.
  2. Aaron Carter struggled with a variety of mental health issues, substance abuse, and addiction, which intertwined to worsen his overall well-being.
  3. Aaron Carter's career saw ups and downs, including a comeback attempt with the album 'LØVË,' but personal struggles and reality television appearances added to his challenges.

These Dreams

Disaffected Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 06 Jul 22
📚 Literature Mental health
  1. Dreams can be a reflection of unfinished business in our lives. They might show us fears or unresolved issues we need to face.
  2. Tornadoes and plane crashes can symbolize deep-seated anxieties. These events often haunt dreams and can relate to feelings of fear and helplessness.
  3. Acknowledging past trauma is important for healing. Recognizing and understanding what our dreams tell us can lead to a better understanding of ourselves.

Life is good

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 54 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career. It's important to pursue what makes you happy, like I did after rugby.
  2. Life has ups and downs, but it's vital to celebrate the good moments. I've had challenges, but right now, I'm really enjoying life.
  3. Health is so important, and getting regular check-ups can save lives. A friend's quick skin check led to a life-saving discovery.

Join the Integration Economy

What's Important? • 35 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Money should flow freely and support positive relationships. When people hoard money instead of using it to create connections, it can lead to disconnection and problems in society.
  2. Having a community focused on personal growth can help individuals become more integrated. This can lead to real change and support as people share resources and knowledge.
  3. To heal the issues in our current economic system, we need new ways of thinking about money and integration. Embracing personal development can improve our lives and the lives of others.

Gary Taubes Tragically Flawed Article

Weight and Healthcare • 219 implied HN points • 22 Dec 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Fatness is not solely about a 'calories in, calories out' equation, debunking this myth is important for supporting the rights and dignity of fat individuals.
  2. The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the years, but factors like weight stigma, weight cycling, and intentional weight loss attempts are often overlooked in discussions about obesity and health.
  3. Relying on a weight-normative approach and pushing for eradicating fat individuals can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and may not necessarily lead to improved health outcomes for people of all body sizes.

315: Soldier Breaks Down

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Felix, a soldier with 15 years of service, shared his story during an interview unexpectedly, capturing everyone's attention.
  2. He is about to be medically retired, which indicates he might have health issues related to his service.
  3. The documentary aims to highlight experiences like his, emphasizing the personal stories of soldiers.

Do you need advice on a difficult person?

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Some people in your life may have difficult personalities, like Cluster B disorders. These people can act hurtful or confusing, even if they seem friendly at times.
  2. It's important to recognize these behaviors and understand that they require a different way to handle them than usual.
  3. There are strategies available to protect yourself from these difficult individuals, and seeking advice can be helpful.

A cheatsheet for bad days

10x your mind • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Overcoming procrastination requires the courage to take action, even if it's not perfect.
  2. To boost creativity, take breaks, rearrange your work order, and use problem-solving frameworks like 'How Might We'.
  3. For a fresh start, create a compelling vision, set strong reasons for motivation, and establish supportive daily rituals.

Daniel and Julieta

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22
📚 Literature Mental health
  1. Daniel and Julieta met at a party, and their relationship slowly evolved from casual fun to a deeper, more complex connection. Daniel found himself intrigued by Julieta's struggles, even as he grappled with his own issues.
  2. As their relationship progressed, Daniel became more involved in caring for Julieta during her tough times, shifting from a carefree young man to someone who took on a more supportive role. Their dynamic changed, as they both revealed more of their struggles and vulnerabilities.
  3. Eventually, Daniel faced his own challenges and lost his job, which affected his mental state. Julieta became a source of stability for him, and they set ground rules to support each other, illustrating how their relationship had grown from a light bond to a deeper partnership.