The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Intentional Wisdom β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jun 23
  1. Focus on longevity by addressing the 4 main factors that impact health: cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.
  2. Consider practical steps for a healthy lifestyle based on the latest science and information.
  3. Explore diverse content sources like podcasts and books to enrich knowledge and understanding.
Finding Joy β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jul 23
  1. Social media can be addictive, be mindful of how much time you spend on it.
  2. Social media is like adult middle school, with status games and complex emotions.
  3. Online connections are not the same as real friendships, invest in meaningful relationships outside of social media.
The Heart Attack Diet β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jul 23
  1. The author reminisces about a rowing event called Bumps Week, known for its chaotic and dangerous nature, where rowing boats race each other closely along a narrow river.
  2. Despite heavy drinking and indulging in unhealthy foods during Bumps Week, the author notices a surprising downward trend in body weight, leading to concerns about possible underlying health issues.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of taking care of health, considering the impact of alcohol consumption and the need to address potential weight loss with medical advice.
Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 17 Aug 23
  1. Cuddling events focus on consent, making it safe for everyone to explore touch. Participants learn how to express their boundaries and intentions.
  2. Practicing saying 'no' is a key part of these workshops. It helps people feel empowered and comfortable with their choices.
  3. The experience can be intense and tiring, showing how deep relaxation and connection can reveal personal exhaustion and discomfort.
Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needleβ„’ β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 23
  1. Your mental state is really important when making decisions. If you're stressed or tired, it's harder to think clearly and make good choices.
  2. Finding 'Domino Decisions' can help you focus on what actions will make the biggest impact. It's about identifying the small steps that lead to bigger changes.
  3. To solve problems effectively, it's essential to find the root causes. Just treating symptoms won't fix issues in the long run.
Growth Digest β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 28 Apr 23
  1. Decluttering your mind involves clearing mental clutter like worries, negative self-talk, distractions, and overload.
  2. To declutter your mind, practice accepting thoughts, addressing root causes, simplifying life, and being mindful regularly.
  3. Reading 'Declutter Your Mind' can help manage stress, overcome negativity, handle emotions, stay focused, and set realistic goals.
The Radar β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
  1. Over-connection to smartphones can lead to negative effects like raised anxiety levels, disrupted sleep, and decreased focus.
  2. Unplugging and restructuring app usage can help regain control of time and reduce stress from constant connectivity.
  3. Digital detoxing and proactive time management can lead to a more positive life experience and better mental well-being.
Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 23
  1. Breathing properly can help decompress your spine. Inhaling expands your rib cage and can ease some of the pressure on your back.
  2. Bouncing can use gravity to your advantage. When you bounce, you tap into the natural energy that can help stretch and decompress the spine.
  3. Finding the right posture is key for a strong core. Flexing your core and relaxing your shoulders while breathing can help maintain a straight, strong spine.
Inside Game β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 25 May 23
  1. Constraints and limitations as humans are not inherently bad, they provide the necessary space for creation.
  2. When feeling overwhelmed, options include letting some tasks go, saying no to new opportunities, creating space by outsourcing tasks, or actively resolving big challenges.
  3. Self-awareness is key in dealing with overwhelm, whether it's creating space, shutting down temporarily, or taking actions to chip away at the problem.
Stream of Subconsciousness β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 17 May 23
  1. In Western society, there is a tendency to equate power and wealth with health, which can lead to a skewed view of mental health.
  2. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual encourages making distinctions based on personal impairment and cultural expectations, but this may lead to confusion and a lack of understanding of underlying causes.
  3. Counseling and coaching are often kept separate in Western social norms, contributing to the reward of psychopathology and the suppression of individual expression based on societal expectations.
Tripsitter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 23
  1. Psychedelics have a long and complex history in Canada, ranging from being viewed as panaceas in the 1950s to being labeled dangerous drugs until recently, but now are being integrated into healthcare for various treatments.
  2. Early Canadian psychedelic research focused on themes of intrigue, sympathy, and addiction, which contributed to a deeper understanding of psychosis, schizophrenia, and treatment for conditions like alcoholism.
  3. Factors like the Thalidomide scandal, countercultural movement, public sensationalism, and loss of scientific naivete contributed to the decline in public support for psychedelics in Canada, leading to prohibitive measures and shifting perceptions of medicine and healthcare providers.
The Heart Attack Diet β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Aug 23
  1. The writer reflects on their weight history over several periods of their life and discusses the concept of set-point/lipostat-type theories of obesity.
  2. Weight measurements can vary based on the scales used and personal weight fluctuation experiences, such as after periods of physical activity or dietary changes.
  3. The importance of historical weight data and the impact of muscle mass on weight, as illustrated through the writer's experience in rowing and the changing perceptions of weight within the sport.
Living Fossils β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jun 25
  1. The world can be really absurd and confusing, and this makes it hard to find sanity. Sometimes, people act weird not because they are silly, but because they're trying to make sense of a strange situation.
  2. Therapists are supposed to help people understand their feelings and lives, but sometimes they make things more complicated by sticking to fixed ideas or styles of therapy. It's important for them to be open and honest instead of pretending to have all the answers.
  3. In an increasingly complex world, what many people really want is someone who can relate to their struggles and help them feel less crazy. Therapists should aim to connect on a personal level, rather than just find solutions based on rigid methods.
Notes in the Margins β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jul 23
  1. Reflect on your week and don't let time slip away without achieving your goals or taking risks.
  2. Asking yourself questions and setting boundaries can lead to personal growth and progress.
  3. Engaging in writing exercises, such as group workshops, can be a powerful tool for introspection and learning.
Polymathic Being β€’ 101 implied HN points β€’ 03 Sep 23
  1. Antifragility is the concept that systems improve under stressors, not by avoiding them.
  2. Trauma is necessary for growth and strengthening of the human body and brain.
  3. Pathologizing everyday experiences as trauma can lead to a sense of victimhood and impede personal growth.
10x your mind β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 22 Sep 22
  1. VO2 max is a key indicator of longevity, measuring the maximum volume of oxygen your muscles can use per kg of body weight in one minute.
  2. Improving your VO2 max through exercise can enhance brain health by increasing blood flow, contributing to overall fitness and longevity.
  3. Maintaining or increasing your VO2 max, depending on your current level, can significantly impact your risk of all-cause mortality and overall health.
Load-bearing Tomato β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 02 Aug 25
  1. Burnout can have deep effects on your health and mental state, especially after intense work periods. It's vital to recognize when you're pushing yourself too hard and listen to your body.
  2. Recovery from burnout is a personal journey and can involve redefining your relationship with stress and effort. Finding new, healthy ways to engage with challenges can help you heal.
  3. Building a supportive work environment is key for long-term job satisfaction and mental well-being. Having good leadership and teamwork can make a huge difference in how you feel at work.
Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 07 Aug 23
  1. Leaders need to think about what’s coming next, like planning where to camp or get water while hiking. This helps keep the group moving and prepared for anything that might happen.
  2. Personal planning is important too. If you know what you want to do next, you can avoid unhealthy choices, like eating too much sugar when you're bored.
  3. Planning can be fun and creative, like a dance routine. The more details you have, the more smoothly things can go in day-to-day life.
Midnight Musings β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 22
  1. The push for constant productivity can make us forget to ask why we're doing what we do. Understanding our true motivations is key to finding fulfillment.
  2. We often desire things because we see others wanting them, not because we truly want them ourselves. It's important to identify if our goals are genuinely ours or influenced by others.
  3. Instead of letting fear drive our actions, we should focus on loving the process and the work we do. This change in mindset can help create lasting motivation and happiness.
Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 Aug 23
  1. Writing more often can help overcome the fear of failure. It's not about making it perfect, but simply sharing thoughts regularly.
  2. Sincere smiles come from genuine joy, so it's better to be authentic than to force a smile. If you truly feel happy, a smile will come naturally.
  3. Appearing unimpressed can make a strong impression on successful people. Authenticity stands out more than flattery or fake enthusiasm.
Are You Okay? β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 27 Sep 22
  1. Depression and anxiety medications are important tools for treating mood disorders and can significantly improve quality of life and, in some cases, be life-saving.
  2. Anxiety and depression symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and physical health, and seeking support, including medication when needed, is crucial.
  3. Treatment for anxiety and depression varies for each individual and may include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication as part of a holistic approach to mental health.
We're Gonna Get Those Bastards β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 25
  1. Complaining doesn't change anything. It can actually make you feel worse and makes problems seem bigger than they really are.
  2. Your thoughts lead to your words, and your words lead to your actions. Staying positive can help keep you motivated and focused on solutions.
  3. When you complain about someone or something, you give it more power. Instead of whining, it’s better to take action or keep quiet.
Philosophy bear β€’ 64 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 24
  1. A good study on the potential benefits of cold showers for mood disorders like depression and anxiety is urgently needed.
  2. Previous studies have shown promising results, but a comprehensive study is still lacking, presenting an opportunity for significant positive impact.
  3. Running a study on the effects of cold showers could be a low-cost initiative that may potentially help millions suffering from mood disorders.
Tessa Fights Robots β€’ 20 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 25
  1. Health is seen as a balance of energy, while disease is thought of as an imbalance. Everything, including us and other living beings, is energy that can affect our well-being.
  2. Trauma and toxins are considered destructive energies that can disrupt our health. It's important to address these issues directly to heal properly.
  3. Generational trauma can carry unresolved pain through families. Healing isn't just about the individual but also about understanding and addressing collective pain from our ancestors.