The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Learning to learn, playing slowly

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 10 Oct 21
🚌 Education Mental health
  1. When learning something new, it's easy to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed. Taking a slower approach can actually help you learn better.
  2. Playing slowly is key to mastering skills, like music or coding. It allows you to understand the basics without getting frustrated.
  3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes when learning. Embracing the messiness helps you improve and learn faster in the long run.

California sobriety journal

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Staying sober can be challenging, especially in social situations where others are drinking. It's normal to miss the feelings and experiences associated with drinking.
  2. Going out to fancy bars or events can be tough while sober, as the allure of cocktails and the atmosphere is strong. But it’s possible to enjoy these experiences without alcohol.
  3. Every person's journey with sobriety is unique, and it takes time to find what works best individually in social settings. The process can involve ups and downs as one learns to navigate these situations.

The underreported rise in male suicide

Of Boys and Men • 129 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Boys and men are four times more likely to die by suicide, a fact that isn't commonly known.
  2. Male suicide rates have been on the rise, with a significant increase in 2021 especially among boys and young men.
  3. There isn't enough awareness or media coverage on the issue of male suicide, with public health agencies like the CDC not highlighting the gender disparity in suicide rates.

Interested in health care? This is what I'm reading this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 79 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Senator Manchin is discussing a new version of the Build Back Better bill, which could cap Medicare drug costs for seniors. This change could help many older Americans save money on their medications.
  2. The Senate is also considering a telehealth 'Bill of Rights' to make mental health services easier to access. It’s important because many people struggle to get the mental health care they need due to insurance barriers.
  3. There's a trend of insurance companies providing care themselves, called 'pay-viders.' This can lead to higher profits for these companies, but it also raises questions about whether it helps patients receive better care.
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Introducing "Energy"

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 32 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The blog is now focused on energy because it's essential for overcoming challenges and improving mental health. Everyone should understand how to improve their energy levels.
  2. The author acknowledges they've been hesitant to write about energy due to fears of being misunderstood and wanting attention. Now they've decided to be more honest about what truly matters to them.
  3. It's important to change how we think about well-being, as energy levels impact how we feel. We need to talk about this openly to help ourselves and others.

Unraveling Autism’s Surge

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Autism diagnoses are increasing, and this is believed to be due to broader diagnostic criteria, greater awareness, and social factors, rather than a single biological cause.
  2. Genetics play a big role in autism, but environmental factors also matter. Different influences might activate genetic risks, making each case unique.
  3. The rise in autism could be linked to changes in how we define and categorize the disorder, with some arguing that this shift might lead to over-diagnosis and misses the real needs of individuals.

Forgotten bodies in a headspace world

Creative Destruction • 26 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Mental health
  1. We're often disconnected from our bodies because of technology. Many of our daily activities can be done without moving much, making physical movement feel optional.
  2. The mind and body are deeply connected, but our current world mostly focuses on the mind. This creates a gap where our physical self feels neglected.
  3. We need to rethink how we design our technology and systems to better connect with our bodies. The goal is to create a balanced world that cares for both mind and body.

Universal Early Childhood Daycare Has Been Proven to Damage the Children Who Have Been Through It

Year Zero • 93 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Child mental health has significantly worsened over the past few decades, with a rise in serious mental illnesses among young children.
  2. The introduction of universal early childhood daycare in the mid-1980s may have contributed to the ongoing child mental health crisis.
  3. Research suggests that full-time center-based daycare for infants under 1 year old may lead to long-lasting negative impacts on children's cognitive and non-cognitive skills.

We Learned The Hard Way

Euro Desk Paris • 39 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The pandemic response highlighted the importance of individual responsibility and the impact of governmental decisions on society.
  2. The debate over lockdowns and restrictions raised concerns about mental health and the economic consequences of such measures.
  3. There was criticism of the authoritarian approach taken by some governments, and a call for more transparency, accountability, and public involvement in decision-making.

2023 mental inventory

Midnight Musings • 39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. It's important to pay attention to how our feelings affect our thoughts. By recognizing our emotions, we can respond with more empathy and understanding towards others.
  2. There's a trend of sameness in many aspects of life like food, fashion, and even ideas. Seeking individuality and unique experiences can help break away from this monotony.
  3. Making decisions isn't just about logic; it's about understanding the emotional costs involved. Learning from our experiences helps us make better choices and find what really brings us happiness.

The Real Reason Donald Trump Is Mixing Up Joe Biden and Barack Obama Isn’t His Dementia—It’s Something Much Worse

Proof • 58 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. Donald Trump has been confusing Joe Biden with Barack Obama, and while some attribute it to dementia, Trump himself referenced a far-right conspiracy theory claiming Obama still runs the country.
  2. Trump's repeated mix-up of Obama and Biden may stem from his belief in a baseless conspiracy theory, which could be more concerning than signs of dementia.
  3. Understanding the historical context between Trump and Obama sheds light on Trump's peculiar behavior regarding the two former presidents.

The Placebo Effect in Therapy (Part 2/2)

Living Fossils • 19 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Belief and expectation can significantly influence healing, often making the placebo effect just as powerful as actual medicine. When patients believe they will get better, it can boost their healing.
  2. Therapy often works not because of specific techniques, but due to the relationship between the therapist and client. That caring connection can lead to real healing and change.
  3. The effectiveness of therapy may not rely on the method used, but rather on the simple fact that someone is there to listen and support the client, making therapy a type of meaningful social interaction.

Rejection

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 25 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Rejection can hurt, even when you expect it. It's normal to feel down after being turned away, but it's important to keep moving forward.
  2. Reflecting on your 'why' can help regain motivation. Understanding the purpose behind your ideas can provide clarity and strength to persist.
  3. Sharing your feelings about rejection can be helpful. Writing about experiences can lead to self-reflection and new ideas for improvement.

Bad ending ruined it all 😤 — Peak-end rule

10x your mind • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The peak-end rule affects how we remember experiences, focusing on extreme moments and endings rather than duration.
  2. We tend to prioritize memories over current experiences, leading to flawed perceptions of happiness and decision-making based on past events.
  3. To be happier, focus on active leisure, spending time with loved ones, being present in the moment, and maximizing activities that bring joy while minimizing those that don't.

5 Questions With Dr. Asher Larmie (aka FatDoctorUK)

Weight and Healthcare • 79 implied HN points • 24 Nov 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Dr. Asher Larmie advocates for weight-neutral healthcare and body-affirming care, focusing on treating patients based on symptoms, not their weight.
  2. Challenging the weight-centric paradigm in healthcare, Dr. Asher Larmie highlights the dangers of anti-fat bias and the harm caused by prescribing weight loss.
  3. Dr. Asher Larmie emphasizes the importance of unlearning biased medical beliefs, promoting fair and equal healthcare for all patients, and educating healthcare professionals on weight-inclusive care.

"Just Tell Me What To Do"

Living Fossils • 26 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Mental health
  1. Many people today feel overwhelmed by choices and just want someone to guide them. This need comes from the stress of having to make so many decisions in life.
  2. Science provides clear and accurate answers but often lacks comforting explanations for big life questions. This can leave people feeling lost and spiritually empty.
  3. We’re seeing a shift in how society shares values and norms, leading to individualism. This makes it hard for people to know the right choices, causing them to seek external guidance.

Holiday break 🏖

10x your mind • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. There are two selves we live with: the experiencing self and the remembering self. The experiencing self lives in the present moment, while the remembering self focuses on what to remember and what to forget, following the peak-end rule.
  2. The peak-end rule means our memories are influenced by the peak moment and how we felt at the end of an experience, rather than the duration. It's about cherishing significant moments that stand out.
  3. Holidays provide a unique opportunity to create happy memories for both our experiencing self and remembering self. Whether you're on a break or working, it's essential to live in the moment and make happy memories.

How much is a friend worth? About half as much as a job

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Doubling the number of close friends raises happiness a bit, but the effect is fairly small.
  2. Having a job increases happiness about twice as much as doubling your close friends and is roughly as helpful as being in a relationship; improvements in how healthy people feel are the single biggest source of happiness gains.
  3. People in Germany, Switzerland and the UK report about four to five close friends on average, and that number has stayed stable over the last 20 years, unlike declines seen in the U.S.

Sweeping the Body: Meet Serrapeptase Enzyme

Tessa Fights Robots • 23 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Serrapeptase is an enzyme that helps break down cellular waste and can support healing from chronic infections. It is often referred to as a 'miracle enzyme' for its cleaning properties.
  2. This enzyme can reduce inflammation and aid in wound healing by dissolving dead tissue and improving blood flow to injured areas. It's believed to enhance recovery processes in the body.
  3. Serrapeptase also has mucolytic properties, which means it can help thin mucus and improve breathing for those with respiratory issues. It’s been studied for its potential role in alleviating symptoms related to conditions like COVID-19.

Returning To Human Scale

Creative Destruction • 55 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Reconsidering the scales we use in society can lead to more sustainable practices and healthier relationships with ourselves and nature.
  2. Applying a human/nature scale to businesses, cities, and work schedules can prioritize well-being over profitability and efficiency.
  3. Shifting to a human/nature scale approach in areas like internet communities and democracy can foster closer connections, better decision-making, and a more inclusive society.

On the hard days ahead, and the trap we are (eagerly, so eagerly) setting for ourselves

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Drug use, gambling, and certain kinds of sex are not moral neutrals and can easily lead to despair.
  2. America is facing challenges like declining life expectancy, preventable deaths, and social issues like lesser rates of marriage and having children.
  3. Stronger drugs, widespread gambling, and push for non-traditional relationships are causing harm and escalating societal issues.

Depression

Living Fossils • 27 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Depression can be seen as a strategy for individuals to signal their need for help. When someone feels this way, it might mean they need more support from friends or family.
  2. The pain of depression might sometimes drive people to withdraw from social interactions, which can show others that they are in real distress.
  3. Though depression feels terrible and often comes after difficult life events, it can have a function in measuring how much support a person requires from their social network.

Returning From A Leave Of Absence

Very Fine Day • 85 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. The author reflected on their leave of absence and the importance of processing emotions fully.
  2. Discussion on power, money, desperation, and the evolving landscape of social platforms.
  3. Observation on the slowing news cycle due to online fragmentation and a potential return to traditional media.

Letter #13: How Newsfasting Sharpens my Hearing

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Taking a break from news helps clear your mind and allows you to focus on other important things. It can be a good way to reset your mental state.
  2. The constant noise from the news can make it hard to hear what really matters. By tuning it out, you open yourself up to new perspectives.
  3. Fasting from news reminds you that there are different ways to understand the world beyond what is presented in the headlines. It helps deepen your awareness and listening skills.

How exercise with mates saves lives

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 18 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Exercising with friends creates strong connections, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Being part of a community while being active makes people feel better both physically and mentally.
  2. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that improve your mood and lower stress. This happens because activities like running or walking together boost happiness and relaxation.
  3. Creating more opportunities for group exercise can help prevent issues like anxiety and depression. It's important to encourage others to join in on these activities, as they can make a real difference in mental health.

How our narratives shape us

Midnight Musings • 79 implied HN points • 08 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. The stories we tell ourselves can heavily affect our feelings and actions. Negative thoughts can lead to anxiety and feeling unworthy.
  2. Many of our fears come from our past experiences and how we interpret them. We often ignore positive experiences and focus only on failures.
  3. We can change our narratives by recognizing our strengths and successes. Believing we have the ability to be brave and capable helps us face fears more easily.

How to Walk Through Walls

What's Important? • 22 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Building emotional walls can lead to isolation and unhappiness. It's easy to forget the joys outside when we focus too much on our own safety.
  2. Following your passion over financial security can lead to a more fulfilling life. Sometimes, it's important to prioritize personal happiness over money.
  3. Facing fears can help break down barriers in life. It’s often our fears that keep us stuck, and understanding them can lead to a brighter future.

Am I Attached to an Outcome?

David Spinks' Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Feeling anxious often comes from being too attached to certain outcomes. When we focus on what might go wrong, it can make us feel really stressed.
  2. Not being attached to how things turn out can help us feel more relaxed and open to new experiences. It allows us to enjoy the moment without worrying too much about the results.
  3. A useful process to handle this is to notice your feelings, find out what outcome you're attached to, and then try to let go of that attachment. This can help you feel more at ease.

Shit Happens

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Life is a mix of good and bad moments. Sometimes we find things we thought were lost, and other times we deal with unexpected problems.
  2. Alcohol and substance abuse can make life feel a lot harder. When you're sober, you can better handle whatever challenges come your way.
  3. It's okay to feel upset when bad things happen, but they usually aren't the end of the world. Most problems are just annoyances that we can get through.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 208 with Dr. Adam Urato, MD.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 18 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Antidepressants and other medications are commonly prescribed during pregnancy, but the safety data and long‑term evidence are often thin or missing.
  2. Many pregnant women aren’t given full, honest risk–benefit information, so informed consent about medication exposures is frequently incomplete.
  3. Protecting maternal mental health and protecting the developing baby are both important and compatible goals, and honest, evidence‑based conversations can help balance risks while avoiding routine, unquestioned prescribing.

Be Afraid and Take Your Medicine

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 02 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Personal responsibility and purpose are crucial for civilization and overcoming existential crises.
  2. Outsourcing personal responsibility to governments and corporations leads to a society of fecklessness and addiction.
  3. Anxiety and addiction are interlinked - avoidance of responsibility leads to pleasure-seeking behaviors and a cycle of consumption, hindering personal and societal growth.

What I refuse to accept about work

Sex and the State • 16 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. One big fear about work is worrying about how colleagues will react or judge. It can be tough to navigate relationships in a work setting.
  2. There's a focus on understanding what is being refused or pushed aside at work that might block personal happiness. Recognizing these barriers is important for personal growth.
  3. Engaging with feedback and comments from others can be challenging but is necessary for improvement and connection in the workplace. It's a sign of growth to respond and interact with others.

The Placebo Effect in Therapy (Part 1/2)

Living Fossils • 18 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. There are over seventy types of therapy, each with its own method, but research shows they often work about the same. It's called the Dodo bird verdict.
  2. The placebo effect plays a big role in therapy success. Just believing that therapy will help can lead to real changes.
  3. Instead of focusing on which therapy type is best, it might be smarter to understand what makes therapy work, like a supportive environment and the client's expectations.

The Wisdom of Insecurity

peoplefirstengineering • 17 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Mental health
  1. Life is full of uncertainties, and it's important to accept that things will not always be stable. Embracing this uncertainty can lead to less anxiety.
  2. Our focus on the past and future often distracts us from enjoying the present moment. Learning to be aware of now can help reduce feelings of insecurity.
  3. Connecting with others and fostering community can help combat feelings of isolation and anxiety. Building strong relationships provides valuable support during tough times.

The Final Lecture

Skeptic • 87 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The First Law of Life is to expend energy to survive and flourish against entropy.
  2. Be true to yourself by recognizing who you are and not trying to be someone else.
  3. Being antifragile means growing from disorder, uncertainty, and stress to thrive.