The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

A Surprising Fix for Weight Gain, Digestive Woes & Skeletal Pain

Are You Okay? • 3095 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Therapy Medication Self-compassion
  1. Self-compassion is a crucial element for overall health, often more important than medication for certain symptoms.
  2. Non-pharmacologic interventions are commonly prescribed alongside medications to address complex health problems like weight gain, insomnia, and chronic pain.
  3. Self-compassion, forgiveness, and love for oneself can be the most effective remedies for inner struggles and health issues, often more powerful than medication.

ScienceVs: Trans Kids Health Care: Are We Getting It Wrong? (II)

Carolina Curmudgeon • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Trans rights Medical Ethics Child Health Mental health Public Policy
  1. 1. The podcast only featured experts who support gender-affirming care, not those who might question its effectiveness. This creates a one-sided view of a complicated issue.
  2. 2. The discussion did not challenge any ideas about gender identity or question the idea that being trans is just as normal as being cisgender. This could limit understanding of the topic.
  3. 3. A study noted that using a preferred name can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts in gender dysphoric kids. However, instead of pushing for medical treatments, maybe simple name changes and support could be a better first step.

Why I Despair

Disaffected Newsletter • 3397 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political divide Public Health Mental health Cultural Commentary
  1. Many people have strong beliefs about issues like immigration and health that seem crazy or bigoted to others. This creates a deep divide with real consequences for individuals and communities.
  2. There's a feeling of despair because even reasonable objections to these beliefs are not recognized. People feel isolated and powerless when their concerns are dismissed.
  3. The writer reflects on their own past beliefs and recognizes that those on the other side are not inherently evil or stupid. Understanding this helps to cope with the despair about the current state of society.

In Partial Grudging Defense Of Some Aspects Of Therapy Culture

Astral Codex Ten • 9979 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Therapy Mental health Self-discovery Emotions Personal Growth
  1. Therapy culture emphasizes finding your true self and making changes if needed.
  2. Alexithymia can apply to emotions and preferences, making some individuals disconnected from themselves.
  3. Therapy culture may help individuals access their preferences, but it can also lead to false beliefs about a 'truer self'.
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Three years in: a clinician’s perspective

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 3282 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Gender Dysphoria
  1. Working with young people going through gender transition can be challenging due to their strong beliefs and reactions.
  2. Therapists also need to navigate the emotions and expectations of parents who seek help for their children's gender dysphoria.
  3. Clinicians working with transgender youth face unique pressures in a professional and political climate that may not always support their ethical principles.

The Smoke Detector Principle: The Evolutionary Advantage of Overreaction

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1344 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Depression Psychology Evolution
  1. Anxiety is more common in wealthy countries, particularly among educated people with white-collar jobs. It seems to be a problem that affects many people today.
  2. Clinical depression rates have reached a new high, especially among young adults and college students. Understanding depression can be important since it greatly affects people's lives.
  3. Both anxiety and depression have seen significant increases over the past decade. It's crucial to discuss and learn more about these issues to find better ways to cope.

Family Week

Ladyparts • 1058 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Recovery Betrayal Self-reflection
  1. The author realized her partner was an addict and had been lying about various things, impacting her trust and perception of their relationship.
  2. It is important to share stories of betrayal and shame as a way to heal, reclaim power, and counteract unwarranted shame.
  3. The experience with the addict partner highlighted the complexities of trust, betrayal, and the challenges of recognizing deceit even in close relationships.

A FAT TALK Love Note

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith • 6505 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Body positivity Self-care Mental health
  1. The author's book Burnt Toast became a New York Times bestseller, leading to emotional reactions and celebrations.
  2. The community's support played a crucial role in the book's success, impacting various individuals and professionals in positive ways.
  3. The author expresses gratitude and pride for the collective effort that contributed to the book's achievement.

How This Writer Killed His Former Self (Drugs, Jail and Student Loan)​ and Totally Transformed His Life

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 799 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Mental health Writing Self-help
  1. Accepting your current situation is the first step to real change. Acknowledging where you are right now helps you figure out what to do next.
  2. Reading and learning can change your life. Putting in the effort to improve yourself opens up new opportunities.
  3. Hard work is necessary for success, but luck plays a role too. By working hard, you create chances for unexpected good things to happen.

Public Suicide is Not a Selfless Act

Disaffected Newsletter • 2657 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Psychology Public Discourse Philosophy
  1. Public suicide is not a selfless act and often stems from deep personal issues. It can be a cry for help that hurts others rather than a noble gesture.
  2. People who take their own lives in dramatic ways can leave lasting scars on their loved ones. This behavior is often more about their pain than about any cause they claim.
  3. Understanding the psychological struggles behind suicidal actions is important. It helps us see that those who suffer are not the only ones affected; their actions impact many others too.

Why Taylor Swift is Good for Your Health

Are You Okay? • 2496 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-compassion Emotional Healing Healthy Habits Personal Growth
  1. Taylor Swift's impact is not just about her music or fame, but her ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level, reminding them of their humanity.
  2. Facing and exploring past emotions and experiences, even those from teenage years, can be crucial for personal growth and well-being.
  3. Practicing self-compassion, accepting imperfections, and seeking help are essential steps towards a healthier and more authentic life.

Semaglutide Kind of Life

Freddie deBoer • 5662 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Weight management Exercise Mental health
  1. The author started taking a medication called Rybelsus due to metabolic problems caused by long-term use of psychiatric medications and physical limitations.
  2. The author's struggles with weight management, loss of control due to inability to lift weights, and the significant cost of medication highlight the challenges they face in trying to maintain their health.
  3. Regular monitoring and support from professionals are essential for the author's well-being, despite concerns about societal judgment around medication use.

Cruel to be kind

Disaffected Newsletter • 1438 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Self-help Personal Growth Narcissism Mental health
  1. Sometimes people need to face pain or harsh truths to make real changes in their lives. Hitting rock bottom can help someone start fresh.
  2. It's okay to feel conflicted about wanting others to experience hardship. That struggle can lead to deeper understanding and personal growth.
  3. Facing difficult realities, like unhealthy relationships or addiction, can lead to positive transformation. Growing through pain often brings clarity and strength.

Granted: The case for slow replies, and insights on facing fear and finding hope

Granted • 6149 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Personal Growth Podcasts Leadership
  1. Weekends and holidays are for rejoicing, not just for recovering from burnout.
  2. Anonymous gestures of hope, psychology of anxiety overcoming, and impact of daily interactions are key to finding hope and facing fears.
  3. Slow email replies do not indicate lack of care; it's often a result of overwhelming work demands in an 'always on' culture.

I Was Told to Approve All Teen Gender Transitions. I Refused.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6649 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Therapy Gender Dysphoria Mental health
  1. Independent publications and individual testimonies have been instrumental in shedding light on the complexities of 'gender-affirming' care.
  2. The increase in lawsuits from young individuals highlights the significant consequences of life-altering treatments.
  3. Therapist Tamara Pietzke's experience reveals concerns about the current trend of 'affirmative care' for youth with gender dysphoria, urging a reevaluation of therapeutic approaches.

The Body as Referee

Seven Senses • 399 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Self-care Emotional Wellbeing Stress management
  1. Our emotions and stress levels can really affect our bodies. What we feel inside can show up as physical pain or illness.
  2. It's important to listen to our bodies and recognize our limits. Sometimes, our bodies know we need a break even if our minds don't realize it.
  3. Balancing hard work with self-care can be tough. It's okay to take a pause and rest instead of always pushing ourselves to keep going.

A Modest Disposal

The Fry Corner • 2457 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug policy Public Health Substance Abuse Mental health
  1. Banning a specific drug could significantly improve the world. The idea is that removing this drug will bring about positive change for humanity.
  2. Many people have different experiences with drugs. Some have never tried anything, while others have tried many different kinds.
  3. There is a strong belief that finding solutions to drug-related issues can lead to happiness and fulfillment for society. A comprehensive plan may help tackle these challenges.

Family was never the problem

Disaffected Newsletter • 3836 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Family Identity Social Issues Mental health Parenting
  1. Not all families are the same, and many people come from backgrounds that are abusive and damaging. It's important to recognize that these experiences can shape how we view family.
  2. A loving and stable family is necessary for healthy child development. When children experience abuse, it not only affects them but also society as a whole.
  3. It's possible to change our views and support good family values, even if we had difficult pasts. Focusing on building positive family structures can lead to a better future.

Ask For and Accept Help

Polymathic Being • 85 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Relationships Self-help Personal Growth Emotional Intelligence
  1. It's okay to ask others for help; doing everything alone can lead to failure. We’re social beings, and working together usually gets better results.
  2. People often struggle to accept help, especially when it’s different from how they would do things. Letting go of control can open the door to new ideas.
  3. Recognizing the differences between masculine and feminine qualities helps create stronger partnerships. It's important to appreciate both instead of treating everyone the same.

Activist Exhaustion and Monty Don

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 2567 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Activism Self-care Gardening Mental health Community
  1. Sometimes taking a break from activism to engage in a calming activity like gardening can help rejuvenate and refocus your mind.
  2. Engaging in gardening or similar activities can be a form of work that brings peace and joy, without the stress of politics or activism.
  3. Finding moments of beauty and relief in nature through gardening can provide a sense of sustenance and rejuvenation amidst the challenges of activism.

a peek at the Bookbear Express hive mind

bookbear express • 253 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Demographics Social Trends Lifestyle Mental health Education Community
  1. The average age of readers is around 34, with most being 28 years old. It's interesting to see such a young audience participating.
  2. Half of the readers are the oldest siblings, and the distribution of genders is quite balanced, with nearly equal numbers of females and males.
  3. Many readers feel happier than they did five years ago, rating their current happiness at about 6.7 out of 10. This shows positive growth among the community.

Fight or flight or...uh oh?

The Leap • 559 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Decision-making Stress Relief Lifestyle
  1. Decision-making can be influenced by the presence of physical threats. When we feel threatened, our choices may narrow down to basic options like fighting or fleeing.
  2. The environment can greatly impact our mental state and decision-making abilities. A calm and beautiful setting may help us feel more relaxed and clear-headed.
  3. Hiking and spending time in nature can serve as an effective way to recover from stress and chaos in everyday life. It's a refreshing break that can help clear our minds.

It finally broke me

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 3105 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Parenting Support
  1. The parent shared the challenges of raising a child with special needs, including struggles with school, relationships, and support from others.
  2. Despite exhausting efforts to seek help through various professionals and services, the parent faced setbacks and found limited solutions.
  3. The parent's world was further shaken when their child decided to transition, causing deep emotional turmoil and financial strain.

We rise together

Of Boys and Men • 250 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Equality Philanthropy Mental health Education Social Issues
  1. We need to help both boys and girls to achieve true gender equality. Supporting boys and men doesn't mean we stop supporting women and girls; it's about helping everyone together.
  2. Boys and men face serious challenges that often get overlooked, like educational struggles and mental health issues. Addressing these problems is important for them and for society as a whole.
  3. Philanthropists and advocates should consider investing in boys and men's unique issues, especially in mental health, education, and fatherhood. This will help create a better balance and improve the lives of all genders.

How to stay sane

Striking 13 • 3693 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Hobbies Stress management Well-being
  1. Having a hobby not related to politics can help you stay sane and prevent burnout by giving you a break from political anger and allowing you to focus on something you enjoy.
  2. Hobbies provide personal permission for relaxation and access to higher realms of pleasure by tricking the brain into feeling achievement and offering a sense of purpose.
  3. Engaging in a hobby allows you to enjoy the process of learning and perfecting skills with no external pressures, leading to a meaningful pursuit of pleasure and maintaining mental well-being.

If at first you don't succeed

Disaffected Newsletter • 1858 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Self-care Medication Depression
  1. It's okay to seek help when struggling with mental health. Sometimes, taking medication like an SSRI can really make a difference.
  2. Experiencing tough times like despair and insomnia is really hard, but it's important to keep trying to find solutions.
  3. Getting back to feeling better might take time, but small improvements can lead to being able to do everyday tasks again.

What I refuse to accept about work

Sex and the State • 16 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Work Mental health Personal Growth Self-reflection Relationships
  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.

Q & Answers

Freddie deBoer • 5352 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Ethics Identity Politics Art Mental health
  1. Engaging with opposing viewpoints can help refine ideas and perspectives.
  2. Art must uphold quality standards to effectively convey political messages.
  3. Personal apologies for past mistakes should not be incessantly repeated; it's essential to learn, make amends, and move forward.

America’s Families Are Not Okay

Persuasion • 2692 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Relationships Family Psychology Therapy Mental health
  1. Family estrangement is becoming more common in the United States, with societal shifts and individual empowerment contributing to the trend.
  2. The impact of estrangement on both parents and adult children can lead to deep sadness, embarrassment, and longing for familial connection.
  3. While family estrangement may seem like a socially endorsed choice, it carries a heavy emotional toll, spreading through generations and leaving individuals feeling lonely and anchorless.

How I Stopped Hating Guns

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Self defense Government Role Mental health
  1. The author had a history of hating guns but began to rethink this perspective after personal experiences and conversations with a friend.
  2. Having a gun in the house made the author feel uneasy at first, but they took a step towards embracing self-reliance.
  3. The author realized that understanding guns was important for feeling more secure and less dependent on government protection.