The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Tuesday Shakeout: Shutting Down

Running Probably • 119 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletics Training 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.

In The Fight Against Tyranny, Don't Let Your Happiness Depend On Big Wins

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2184 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Activism Government Social Issues Mental health Philosophy
  1. It's important to find happiness outside of big victories. Relying on large wins can lead to disappointment and frustration.
  2. Your happiness can positively impact others. Allowing joy into your life can spread happiness to those around you.
  3. Cultivating happiness is a valuable skill. Learning to be happy can make you more effective in your efforts to make a difference.

Yes, fellow gays, it's partly our fault

Disaffected Newsletter • 2497 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+ Issues Social Commentary Public Perception Identity politics 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.

Your brain 🧠 on exercise: How movement fuels you

Brain Pizza • 1059 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise Brain health Cognition Metabolism Mental health
  1. Aerobic exercise is great for your brain. It helps improve mood, increases brain volume, and boosts cognitive function.
  2. Resistance training is also important. Regular strength workouts can help maintain brain health, especially as we age.
  3. Metabolism is more complex than just calories in and out. Regular exercise and what we eat play big roles in how our body burns energy.

Reverse 20 Years of Heart Aging

Neuro Athletics • 44 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Nutrition Mental health Preventive Care Aging
  1. As we age, our hearts lose flexibility and strength, making us more at risk for heart diseases. Staying active is crucial to keep your heart healthy.
  2. To protect your heart, aim to exercise at least 4-5 days a week. Doing less means you might not be doing enough for your heart's health.
  3. A structured exercise routine can actually reverse some effects of aging. Following a specific workout plan can help your heart function like it did years ago.
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Gov. Wes Moore leads the way

Of Boys and Men • 250 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Social Issues Public Policy Education Mental health
  1. Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland is focusing on supporting boys and men, highlighting their challenges like low job participation and rising suicide rates. It's important to uplift all genders, and he believes addressing men's issues can benefit everyone.
  2. Moore’s approach is not just to help one gender but to ensure opportunities for both boys and girls. He aims to create solutions that support the growth of young boys while also caring for young girls.
  3. Other governors have shown interest in similar initiatives, but Moore's commitment is seen as the most serious so far. His leadership may encourage more political action on these important issues.

The Hidden Cost Of Unreliable Insurance

An Educated Guess • 290 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Public Health Mental health Healthcare policy
  1. Profit-driven health insurance can harm people's health instead of helping them. When companies prioritize making money, they can exploit their customers.
  2. Trust is really important in health insurance. If people feel taken advantage of, they won't believe their insurance will truly support them when they need it.
  3. Having health insurance can provide peace of mind and improve mental health. Just knowing you're covered can help reduce anxiety and depression, but many profit-driven plans don't offer this sense of security.

Why do I forget jobs I have completed?

Brain Pizza • 728 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Cognitive Science Memory Psychology Self-care
  1. People often forget what they did at work, even if they were busy. This can make it hard to recall specific tasks later.
  2. Our brains sometimes have trouble accessing completed tasks from memory. It's like they get filed away and are hard to find when we need them.
  3. The Zeigarnik Effect explains that we tend to remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. This means we might focus more on what’s still left to do rather than what has already been accomplished.

On Self-Improvement

The Commonplace • 1245 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-help Mental health Personal Growth Motivation Lifestyle
  1. The self-improvement industry often takes advantage of people's desires, making them feel like they need to buy tips or products to be better. It's important to recognize that wanting to improve ourselves is normal, but the way these products sell improvement can be misleading.
  2. Many people know what they need to do to improve their lives but don't actually take action. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or the right advice, it's better to focus on accepting yourself and taking small steps towards what you want.
  3. The self-improvement culture can become a trap, making people feel guilty for not achieving unrealistic goals. It’s okay to want to escape from pressure, and sometimes, it's smarter to step back from all the noise and figure out what truly makes you happy.

Dix traits du TDAH

L'Atelier Galita • 59 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health ADHD Awareness Neurodiversity Self-help Relationships
  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.

You can't be too happy, literally

Experimental History • 21278 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Emotions Well-being Psychology Self-care
  1. People tend to stay at the same level of happiness over time, despite major events happening around them.
  2. Research shows that individuals adjust to both good and bad situations, aiming to maintain a balance in their emotions like a thermostat.
  3. The mind has control systems like a furnace and an air conditioner that help modulate mood levels to prevent extreme states of sadness or euphoria.

Psychology Links, 5/20/2025

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Child development
  1. Younger people tend to show traits like selfishness and callousness, while older people are generally more trusting and kind. These personality traits can change with age.
  2. Focusing too much on mental health can lead to overdiagnosis and distract from helping those who really need it. It's important to differentiate between regular emotions and actual mental health issues.
  3. There are concerns that early phone use could harm kids’ brains. Instead of relying on phones, having more caregivers might be a better option for young children.

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

Subtle Digressions • 1019 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Personal Reflection Self-discovery Artistic Process 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.

I should not be left to my own devices

Jeff Giesea • 798 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Society Mental health Parenting Media Digital Culture
  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.

Open Thread 363

Astral Codex Ten • 4542 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Mental health Writing Social media Discussion
  1. You can share anything you'd like in the open thread. This is a space for questions and discussions about various topics.
  2. There's a survey available for feedback that closes soon, so make sure to participate if you want your voice heard.
  3. The blog recommendations have been updated for the New Year, focusing on new writers and changing recommendations yearly.

The best psychedelic (survey results)

Knowingless • 1890 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Therapeutics Addiction
  1. Different people value different effects of drugs. Some want deep life changes, while others prefer milder experiences.
  2. Ayahuasca is often seen as the most intense option, but MDMA is highly rated for pleasure and social experiences.
  3. It's important to consider the risks and benefits when choosing a drug, as different ones can impact your life in various ways.

Mental Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Customer Service Mental health Wellbeing Community
  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.

Cosmic impostor syndrome

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2627 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Mindfulness Spirituality Self-Improvement Meditation
  1. Meditation can make you happier and more relaxed, but the journey has ups and downs. You might go through weird phases where your self-esteem feels all mixed up.
  2. Cosmic impostor syndrome is when you realize you're not in full control of your life and self-esteem doesn't make sense anymore. It can feel awkward when you stop taking all the credit for your accomplishments.
  3. Praise can start to feel less personal and more like a comment on something outside of you, like the weather. Relationships that matter to you become the main source of self-affirmation.

98 - Emotion Stories

Nick Burdick: Writing from California • 99 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Buddhism Emotion Free will Mental health
  1. Emotions can be primal, like fear and craving, which we can't fully control right away. It's important to create safeguards to keep these emotions from guiding our decisions.
  2. Some emotions are based on stories we create, like anger or jealousy. Recognizing these as stories helps us react better and keep our thoughts clear.
  3. It's crucial to be mindful of what we feed our minds, like avoiding negative news and social media. Quality content gives us better reactions and lessens harmful habits.

Top links 609 Deindustrialization as historic trend. Why CHIPS investments go to places with the right workforce. Falling birth rates and the Trieste model of mental health.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Labor Issues Demographics Public Health Mental health
  1. Deindustrialization is a major trend in history, affecting many regions and economies. This means industries are moving or shutting down, which changes job markets and communities.
  2. The success of CHIPS investments relies on having the right kind of workforce in specific areas. This highlights the importance of education and skill development for economic growth.
  3. Falling birth rates are a growing concern, and the Trieste model is an interesting approach to mental health. It shows that innovative practices can impact social issues positively.

The 12 new idea books to launch 2024

Granted • 11240 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mental health Connection Leadership Thinking Burnout
  1. Mental Health and Well-Being: Discover how a little therapy can lead to lasting change and how to move from languishing to flourishing.
  2. Connection and Community: Learn about the power of being like-hearted without needing to be like-minded and practical steps for unity in a divided world.
  3. Leadership and Power: Explore resources on fixing organizational problems, finding purpose after major life transitions, and improving critical thinking for wiser decisions.

Level Up: Week 3

Running Probably • 59 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Mental health Nutrition Personal Growth Lifestyle
  1. It's important to have easy runs in your training. Not every run should be tough; some should feel light and fun.
  2. Building a running routine means making your run a priority. Set aside time and prepare so that running becomes a natural part of your day.
  3. Managing your effort can help improve your running. Use the talk test to find a comfortable pace where you can chat easily while running.

"We are sensitive machines"

Five’s Substack • 3197 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Education Philosophy Art Mental health
  1. Most people only have about 5 good hours a day to focus and be productive, and this can vary a lot. It's important to recognize that sometimes it might feel like you have even less time to think clearly.
  2. To make the most of those good hours, you need to protect your time and avoid distractions. It takes discipline to choose better activities and stick to them.
  3. Having a set time dedicated to reading and writing can help create a space for creativity and deeper thought. It's about creating a routine that allows you to fully engage with your ideas.

When will psychiatry invent the barcode?

Wood From Eden • 1344 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Psychiatry Diagnosis Research Data Analysis
  1. Psychiatry has a problem with labels. Many old labels have been removed without clear replacements, making research and understanding harder.
  2. Using numbers instead of words could help describe a person's mental health better. A barcode-like system could show traits and abilities at a glance.
  3. Psychology is subjective and changes over time. Collecting more data through tests can help improve understanding and research in mental health.

Me

Philosophy bear • 278 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Buddhism Mental health Identity
  1. It's important to express ourselves beyond just labels like race or gender. Relying too much on these labels can limit our understanding of a person and their experiences.
  2. People often crave certainty and security about their self-image, but this can lead to feelings of despair. Instead of clinging to an idealized self, focusing on doing good in the present moment can be more fulfilling.
  3. Many of us share a desire to be truly known by others. This feeling can lead to frustration when we feel invisible or misunderstood, but seeking genuine connections can help us combat that isolation.

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

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

Altered states: The new science of appetite and brain plasticity

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Medicine Mental health Addiction Research
  1. New weight-loss drugs like semaglutide can help people lose weight and improve their overall health. They might change how we think about appetite and cravings.
  2. These medications could have benefits beyond just weight loss, including helping with anxiety and even substance use disorders. They show promise in many areas of health.
  3. There is potential for these drugs to change society by reducing healthcare costs, improving self-esteem, and even aiding in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson’s.

Derealization for a whole hour

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎙 Podcasts Mental health Society Culture Media Education
  1. Many people are feeling derealization, which makes them question if the world around them is real. This can happen even to those who are usually stable.
  2. A therapist is discussing what she's seeing in clients regarding derealization and offers advice for those worried about their mental state.
  3. There's a concerning situation in Vermont where the state's Supreme Court allowed schools to give vaccines to children without parents' consent, showing a troubling trend.

Book recommendations (4)

Tao Lin • 899 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Spirituality Mental health Philosophy Non-fiction
  1. Books on near-death experiences suggest that afterlife experiences are peaceful and free of judgment, often offering insights into spirituality and the soul.
  2. The negative effects of long-term use of psychiatric drugs are discussed in depth, showing how they might worsen mental health rather than help it.
  3. A low vitamin A diet is presented as a potential solution for various health problems, challenging common beliefs about vitamin A's necessity and safety.

Friday Thread: OPEN CHAOS THREAD

Culture Study • 1923 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Online behavior Mental health Community Engagement Cultural Trends
  1. There is a lot of tension and stress in the air right now. It seems people are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about various issues.
  2. When people get upset or anxious, they often take it out on others online. This shows how intense the emotions are right now.
  3. Having a space to share and discuss these feelings could help let off some steam. It's good to talk about what's bothering us.

Thinking about a cure for pain, again

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 597 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pain management Medical Science Chronic Pain Diabetes Mental health
  1. Pain is a fundamental part of being human and signals when something is wrong, yet we still don't fully understand how it works or how to treat it effectively.
  2. Diabetes can cause specific types of nerve pain that result from damage to the nerves, often making it hard for those affected to find relief.
  3. Researchers might need to focus on targeting pain at the nerve level to find better solutions, potentially using advanced methods like gene therapy.

Let's make 2024 the year of saying no to productivity culture

Changing The Channel • 8730 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Rest Productivity Culture Mental health Self-care
  1. Taking time to rest and relax is essential for our well-being, even if it goes against the pervasive productivity culture.
  2. Rest should not be tied to productivity but should be seen as a natural cycle to be honored.
  3. During challenging times, like January, it's okay to embrace the idea of taking a break and not succumb to the pressure of always being productive.

Why Australia is Setting a Minimum Age of 16 for Creating a Social Media Account

After Babel • 1272 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Internet Safety Mental health Social media
  1. Australia plans to set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts. This is to help protect young people from online harm and encourage them to enjoy real-life activities instead of getting lost in social media.
  2. Research shows a big increase in mental health issues among young Australians, which coincides with the rise of smartphones and social media. The government believes that limiting social media use can help improve young people's mental wellbeing.
  3. The new law will hold social media companies responsible for checking users' ages. If they fail to enforce this rule, they could face hefty fines, which will help make sure children's online experiences are safer.

Applying The Bradford Hill Criteria To Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health

After Babel • 787 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Social media Adolescents Public Health
  1. Heavy social media use is linked to poor mental health in teens, like depression and anxiety. This effect is often stronger in vulnerable groups, especially girls.
  2. The Bradford Hill criteria help us explore if social media actually causes mental health issues instead of just being correlated. It's a framework to understand more about how risks might affect health.
  3. Not all social media use is harmful; some might even be okay. The key is moderation and understanding the potential risks, especially for those who might be more affected.

My Smartphone Was Ruining My Life. So I Quit.

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