The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Misleading Study Conclusions Part 2 - Patient Impacts

Weight and Healthcare • 159 implied HN points • 08 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Healthcare practitioners rely on study conclusions for information, but they may be misleading and harmful if not thoroughly examined.
  2. Prescribing weight loss has a high failure rate and negative health impacts, leading to unrealistic expectations for patients and blame if goals are not met.
  3. Research misleading patients and healthcare providers can result in missed diagnoses, incorrect treatments, and patient disengagement, especially in mental health care.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 20

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. You don't need to be an expert to be creative. Just having fun with your interests is what matters most.
  2. Creative activities can reduce stress and improve your mood. Doing something like doodling or cooking can be really beneficial.
  3. It's important to enjoy the process of being creative. Try not to worry about the end result; just focus on having a good time.

Could LLM psychiatrists be better than meat ones?

Aliveness Studies • 3 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Some psychiatrists may not provide thorough care during sessions, which can leave patients feeling unheard. It's important for mental health professionals to take time to understand their patients' feelings better.
  2. Using a large language model (LLM) and established guidelines, like the Maudsley, can give patients access to more up-to-date and evidence-based information regarding their treatment. This can help patients make informed decisions about their medications.
  3. While LLMs shouldn't fully replace psychiatrists, they could be a helpful tool for patients to get more insights and support alongside traditional care. Combining technology with medical expertise might improve overall mental health treatment.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
📚 Literature Mental health
  1. Fernanda Melchor's book _Paradais_ uses long, run-on sentences to create a tense and dark atmosphere, showing characters trapped in their struggles and poor choices. It effectively highlights the theme of escalating darkness in the lives of its characters.
  2. Rachel Aviv’s _Strangers To Ourselves_ presents complex case studies in psychiatry, advocating for a more personal and empathetic approach. Aviv highlights that conventional medical paths can sometimes worsen a patient's situation rather than help.
  3. Both books emphasize the importance of understanding individual experiences in literature and mental health treatment. They remind us that there are no simple solutions and that each person's story is unique with its own set of challenges.

Gratitude?

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

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 14 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Mental health
  1. Experiencing loss can be tough, but it can also help you grow and find a new identity outside of one focus like sports. It's important to realize that self-worth shouldn't solely depend on achievements in one area.
  2. Feeling 'trophy nostalgia' can hit hard when you see others celebrating wins that you didn't experience, but it's okay to cherish new memories and joys in life. You can still feel pride and happiness in different ways.
  3. Life can be really fulfilling beyond sports or past achievements, and it's possible to find new energy and excitement in everyday experiences and connections with others.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 18

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Spending time with pets can improve your mood and reduce stress. They offer companionship that can lead to feelings of happiness.
  2. Having a daily routine that includes cuddling with your pet helps start your day on a positive note. The simple act of snuggling can be uplifting.
  3. If you don't have a pet, you can still enjoy their company by visiting a friend’s pet or looking at cute animal videos online.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 17

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Smiling can help boost your mood and happiness, even if you have to fake it sometimes. It’s a simple way to feel a bit better.
  2. Taking a moment to smile, whether you have a reason or not, can be a fun self-care activity. It's okay if you don’t feel like smiling; you can choose another self-care idea instead.
  3. There’s some debate about whether fake smiles really improve your mood, but trying to smile can still be a good step towards feeling better.

Getting Un-Stuck from Your Past Self

Soaring Twenties • 231 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The author struggled with math in school but later found success after being away from the subject for years.
  2. Traditional educational models may not work for everyone because brains develop at different rates.
  3. It's important to give yourself time and space to grow and change, accepting that you may reach achievements you never thought possible.

Mother Was Right All Along. It Is the Damn Phone!

Psych • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Using a phone as a break during tough mental tasks doesn't help the brain recharge well and might make performance worse.
  2. Taking phone breaks during tasks can lead to feeling mentally drained and performing less effectively than taking breaks using paper or computer.
  3. Phones might distract more than other devices, making it harder to focus on work and can lead to decreased performance.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 16

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Smells can bring back memories and feelings. A scent can remind you of a special moment in your life.
  2. Aromatherapy uses scents to help improve your mood and well-being. Even if you're not sure it works, it's nice to enjoy good smells.
  3. Take time to appreciate nice scents in your life. Whether it's flowers or food, stopping to smell them can make you feel happier.

I like how things are 🍽 — Status Quo Bias

10x your mind • 79 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The status quo bias makes us prefer keeping things as they are and avoid change, even when it might benefit us to try something new.
  2. People tend to be more averse to losing something they own rather than gaining something new, known as the Endowment Effect.
  3. By developing a mindset of a forever learner, being open to new skills and experiences, we can break the status quo and continue progressing in life.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 15

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Today's self-care challenge lets you pick any activity from the past days or create your own for five minutes. It's all about what makes you feel good.
  2. At the halfway mark, it's important to think about how these activities have affected your mood and energy. Recognizing positive changes can keep you motivated.
  3. You can mix and match activities, like combining mindfulness with fresh air. The goal is to find what works best for you.

Compress your life, feel better

An Educated Guess • 58 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Being busy can make life feel overwhelming and less enjoyable. Many people feel they can't fit in fun or self-care because they're too occupied.
  2. Using a tech concept called compression can help manage daily tasks better. If tasks are repetitive or similar, your brain can handle them more easily, kind of like how a ZIP file works.
  3. Stress isn't just about how much work you have. It's also about how tasks are organized and whether they're predictable, which can make a big difference in how we experience our day.

An assassin for our time (PART TWO)

Unreported Truths • 52 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. Luigi Mangione had several health issues but chose to target a health insurance executive, suggesting his anger was more about feelings than specific grievances.
  2. His medical problems connect to a complex area of modern medicine, where physical and mental health often blur together, making treatment difficult.
  3. There are concerns about the potential role of cannabis and psychedelics in Mangione's decline, raising questions about their safety and impact when used frequently.

Story Twelve

Stories From The Rail • 159 implied HN points • 22 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The personal experience shared highlights the lack of empathy and violations in the reproductive care system, especially for marginalized communities.
  2. The story sheds light on the challenges and horrors faced during childbirth, illustrating the importance of human rights in medical settings.
  3. The narrative calls for better healthcare practices, emphasizing the need for legal and accessible abortion rights as a crucial aspect of women's autonomy and well-being.

Injuries & Accidents

Austin's Analects • 119 implied HN points • 01 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Taking rest days is crucial for physical health and recovery, even if it feels like falling behind in fitness goals.
  2. Avoiding injury is a key secret to long-term fitness success, and consistent exercise is more beneficial than occasional intense workouts.
  3. Prioritize spending time with friends and loved ones, as life is short and opportunities to connect dwindle as time goes on.

Allopathic Violence

The Carousel • 51 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. The American health and pharmaceutical system is viewed as harmful and profit-driven, often prioritizing financial gain over patient well-being. This can lead to unnecessary medical treatments and a cycle of dependency on medications.
  2. Many medical issues, especially chronic pain, can be rooted in psychological factors rather than purely physical ones. This shows a need for a more holistic approach to health instead of just treating symptoms with drugs and surgeries.
  3. When dealing with health insurance like UnitedHealthcare, it's important to understand that their role is complex. They can be a part of the problem, but often the real issue lies with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies who create unnecessary treatments.

Two Months Before ‘I Do,’ Cancer Said Hello

Beyond the Screen • 6 implied HN points • 22 Oct 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can bring overwhelming emotions and fear. It’s normal to worry about the future and how it impacts plans like a wedding.
  2. Finding humor in tough situations can help lighten the mood. Even during serious health challenges, laughter can create bonds and ease tension.
  3. After treatment, life can feel uncertain and different. It's important to stay focused on the present and not let worries about the future take over.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 11

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Reading is a great way to relax and can take you to new worlds or teach you new things. Whether it's a book or an article, reading can feel like a mini-vacation for your mind.
  2. Spending just five minutes reading something you enjoy can boost your mood and stimulate your brain. It's a simple self-care practice anyone can do.
  3. Everyone has different reading preferences, so it's fun to explore different genres. Whether you like fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, there's a whole world of stories waiting for you.

Trading The Shit Show: February 2025 Market Update

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 40 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💰 Finance Mental health
  1. The writer has been sober for 72 days, which has brought them clarity and peace. They feel that stepping back from gambling and trading has helped them focus better on their life.
  2. They are optimistic about their market predictions, having outperformed the S&P by 9% since the beginning of the year. A clear mind seems to be helping their financial outlook.
  3. New features for paid subscribers have been introduced, allowing for more direct discussions. This change aims to create a better connection with their readers.

Why Can't Americans Take A Vacation?

The Weekly Dish • 177 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. American workers put in long hours, with some even working up to 90 hours per week, impacting their ability to take vacations
  2. The pursuit of material possessions and societal pressure to work hard contribute to Americans' lack of leisure time compared to Europeans
  3. Globalization and technology have intensified the work culture, making Americans always accessible and potentially leading to burnout

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Eight

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Singing in the shower can be a fun and stress-relieving activity. It allows you to let loose and enjoy your favorite songs without worrying about who's listening.
  2. Singing has several health benefits, like lowering stress and improving your mood. It might even help with lung health!
  3. The challenge encourages everyone to pick a favorite song and sing out loud. It's a great way to boost your spirits and make self-care enjoyable.

New report: How altered states shape our minds

Monomythical • 53 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The jhanas are meditation practices that can create strong, blissful experiences similar to psychedelics. Many people who try them report significant changes in their lives and well-being.
  2. There is still limited research on the jhanas, which makes studying their effects challenging. Most researchers have not yet focused on these practices, making it harder to find participants for studies.
  3. A new report highlights the experiences of people who attended jhana retreats, providing valuable insights. It aims to spark more questions and research into how these meditation states influence our minds.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Seven

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Staying hydrated is super important for your health. Drinking enough water can help your mood, memory, and concentration.
  2. Most people need to drink about 6 to 8 cups of water a day. You can also check your urine color to see if you're hydrated.
  3. If you struggle to drink enough water, tracking your intake with an app might help. Little changes in how much you drink can make a big difference in how you feel.

Mental Health and Chatbots: Making it Work

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Chatbots can be effective in mental health care but present risks. Stricter oversight and warning labels are needed to ensure safety.
  2. AI tools like Machine Learning are already helping in healthcare. AI can be a critical partner in addressing the growing mental health crisis.
  3. Better collaboration between healthcare and legal sectors could improve the creation and training of mental health chatbots for more accurate and reliable services.

5 simple (but effective) strategies for beating burnout

Tiny Empires • 49 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Set clear work-life boundaries to avoid burnout. Make time for self-care and disconnect from work when your day is done.
  2. Automate and streamline your tasks to save time and reduce stress. Use tools to help keep track of your work and deadlines.
  3. Build a support network of friends and fellow entrepreneurs. Having people to talk to can help you feel less isolated and more motivated.

My method to boost creativity

VS Blog • 7 HN points • 02 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Boost creativity by exposing yourself to diverse and novel stimuli while moving around, triggering new ideas and solutions.
  2. Enhance creativity by letting go of control during the process and allowing associative memory and thinking to make connections.
  3. Maximize the effectiveness of this creativity-boosting method by visiting new locations with abundant, diverse, and novel stimuli, and fleshing out multiple problems beforehand.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day One

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The self-care challenge encourages taking a few minutes each day for self-care activities. It's about finding what works best for you.
  2. Day one focuses on breathing, which is an important but often overlooked aspect of well-being. Taking time to breathe properly can improve your health.
  3. You can try different breathing techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing. These exercises help you relax and center yourself.

47% of Women Fixed Their Depression by Adding ONE Hormone

Neuro Athletics • 12 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Many women struggling with depression, cognitive issues, and low libido may benefit from testosterone therapy, as evidenced by a study where 47% reported mood improvements after using testosterone cream.
  2. Conventional treatments like SSRIs often overlook hormone deficiencies that contribute to these symptoms, leading to ineffective solutions for many women.
  3. It's important for women to get their hormone levels tested and to advocate for proper care, including seeking providers who understand hormone therapy, rather than relying solely on diet and exercise.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #80

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 114 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The Vesuvius Challenge unlocked ancient knowledge by digitizing old scrolls using AI and 3D technology.
  2. The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships offer $100K for individuals to work on ambitious projects for a year.
  3. AI chatbots in mental health increased patient referrals, showing potential in closing accessibility gaps in treatment.

The Self-Reliance Disorder

72 Degrees North • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Autism is a complex condition with variations and benefits, not defined by a single cause or symptom.
  2. Neurodivergent individuals exist in a diverse space outside the neurotypical 'center', with both groups contributing value to society.
  3. Self-reliance is a common trait among the neurodivergent population, stemming from a history of exclusion and valuable insights that can benefit society.

50. Inspiration needs no boundaries!

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and it has no limits. It's important to embrace new ideas and experiences to grow.
  2. Preventive medicine is key to living a long and healthy life. Taking care of our health today helps us avoid problems in the future.
  3. Traveling broadens our horizons. Experiencing new cultures and places teaches us valuable lessons and ignites our curiosity.

Experimental Meds to Spice Things Up in the Bedroom

Torture Chamber Small Talk • 199 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Men might soon have their own birth control pill, which is a big deal and could change the contraceptive game.
  2. Women are feeling bitter about the male birth control pill being non-hormonal and side-effect-free, while they have dealt with hormonal contraception for years.
  3. The introduction of a male birth control pill raises questions about societal views on control over contraceptive matters and may shift responsibilities in relationships.