The hottest Mental health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

hello depression my old friend

Both Are True • 304 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. I’m dealing with a low, nagging sadness that comes with a lot of anger and shame, and there may not be a single clear reason for it. Trying to pin down or fix the feeling feels like quicksand.
  2. Recent changes—like cutting antidepressants and stopping weed—are likely making me feel off and in withdrawal, which is complicating my mood.
  3. Even with a loving family and a good life, the darkness can still seep in, but writing and being honest about it helps me feel a bit more like myself.

Overcome OCD With Walking Sensory Meditation

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1397 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Overcoming OCD can be aided by a walking sensory meditation that focuses on physical sensations and external stimuli, helping to balance analytical thinking.
  2. OCD involves complex neurobiological aspects like increased dopamine input, decreased activity in the salience network, and decreased responsiveness to punishment.
  3. Practices like walking sensory meditation can help address the sensory-cognitive balance in the brain, similar to how exercise improves cerebellar functions.

Open Thread 363

Astral Codex Ten • 4542 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  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.

Technology and Grieving

Margins by Ranjan Roy and Can Duruk • 5203 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Technology can help us understand and communicate health issues better. Tools like generative AI can make complex medical information easier to grasp for everyone.
  2. Grieving is a personal journey that everyone experiences differently. It's important to remember that your feelings of loss and sorrow are valid, and sharing your story can help others feel less alone.
  3. Creating memories with loved ones is crucial. Spending time with family, sharing experiences, and cherishing little moments can make a lasting impact, even after they've gone.

#233: The cruel side of optimism

Maybe Baby • 1192 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Being too focused on order and control can actually make life more stressful. It's easy to think that when everything is perfect, we can finally relax, but this expectation can lead to feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Embracing messiness and being okay with imperfection can help create more space in life. Allowing ourselves to let go of some of that pressure can actually lead to feeling lighter and more open.
  3. Cruel optimism is when things we desire become obstacles to our happiness. It's important to recognize these desires and see if they're preventing us from truly enjoying life.
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‘I Gave My Life to the FBI. And It Damn Near Broke Me.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3964 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. Pat McMonigle dedicated his life to the FBI after a personal tragedy, aiming to fight terrorism. His commitment led him to a long career with many challenges.
  2. Despite his success and achievements, including multiple commendations, he faced severe mental health struggles, particularly PTSD from traumatic experiences on the job.
  3. Ultimately, he chose to resign from the FBI to protect his well-being, highlighting the serious mental health issues faced by many agents in high-stress positions.

Are You Getting Enough Rest?

Are You Okay? • 1477 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being, impacting both body and mind.
  2. Creating a conducive sleep environment involves addressing factors like light, noise, and temperature.
  3. Behavioral adjustments, such as avoiding caffeine late in the day and establishing a bedtime routine, can significantly improve sleep quality.

Lithium Orotate for Dementia & Depression

Neuro Athletics • 22 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Brain aging isn’t just about passive “gunk” building up; it’s framed as a metabolic crisis where that buildup is robbing neurons of things they need.
  2. A Harvard study reportedly found that lithium is being hijacked inside the brain, leaving neurons starved of this essential mineral.
  3. A specific over-the-counter form, lithium orotate, can supposedly bypass the trap and reach brain cells, and human clinical trials are cited suggesting lithium can slow or sometimes halt cognitive decline.

Goblins

Disaffected Newsletter • 3617 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. There seems to be a growing visibility of individuals who challenge traditional gender norms and body sizes, leading to strong reactions from observers. This reflects a deep societal divide in understanding and acceptance.
  2. Some people feel a sense of distress when they see others who clearly struggle with their mental and physical health, leading to feelings of discomfort and resentment towards those individuals.
  3. The narrative suggests a belief that societal values around beauty and behavior are shifting, often leaving traditional views feeling out of place or invalidated in certain communities.

It's Okay to Not be Okay

Are You Okay? • 1897 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Before setting New Year's resolutions, consider what is realistic and sustainable for you.
  2. Health is not just about physical aspects like weight; it encompasses awareness, acceptance, and agency over one's well-being.
  3. Prioritize the four non-negotiables for health: sleep, talk, eat, and move.

New Detransitioner Announces Intent To Sue For Childhood Medical Transition

Reality's Last Stand • 2987 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. A young detransitioner is suing for childhood medical transition facilitated by puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.
  2. Legal action highlights the importance of thorough evaluation and informed consent for children with gender dysphoria.
  3. Studies suggest a rising number of detransitioners and show some individuals regretting medical transition care.

‘Moral Injury’ Enters Health Care Lexicon

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 739 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. The term 'moral injury' is now used by healthcare workers, not just doctors, to describe the emotional toll from being unable to provide proper patient care due to resource shortages. This feeling often comes from caring individuals who face situations where they cannot help patients as they wish.
  2. Nurses and other healthcare workers are increasingly striking for better working conditions, highlighting how cost-cutting measures in hospitals are harming patient care. They want to ensure enough staff and resources to provide quality treatment.
  3. The idea of moral injury shifts the focus from blaming healthcare workers for 'burnout' to highlighting the external pressures they face. This understanding encourages healthcare workers to advocate for positive changes in their work environment.

Covid-19 in pockets, sugar cane isn't better, ticks march on, rescission cuts (vs. everything else), bright spots, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1442 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health
  1. Covid-19 cases are rising in some parts of the U.S., especially in Texas and Florida. It's important to wear masks in crowded places to protect yourself and others.
  2. Ticks are a growing concern this summer, with a rise in emergency room visits. To stay safe, wear protective clothing and use tick repellent when outdoors.
  3. Recent studies show that aluminum in vaccines does not cause chronic illnesses, so there’s no need to worry about it. Vaccines remain an important tool for public health.

cheap dopamine

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 58 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Short bursts of social media give quick dopamine hits that hook you into endless scrolling. What starts as five minutes often turns into hours and leaves you tired and unfocused.
  2. Algorithms show curated, flashy lives that spark jealousy and make you want things you can’t afford. That comparison fuels dissatisfaction more than inspiration.
  3. Scrolling feels like relaxation but is really avoidance, stealing your time and killing real motivation. You end the day wondering where the hours went.

I Tried Wall Street’s Famous Brain Drugs

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1242 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Many professionals are turning to productivity-enhancing drugs to help them focus and get their work done. These drugs include supplements, nootropics, and even prescription medications.
  2. The pressure to perform and stay alert in a demanding work environment can lead people to seek chemical assistance, especially when they feel bored or distracted.
  3. Personal experiences with prescription stimulants can vary widely; while some may find them helpful for work, others may struggle with side effects or the stigma around their use.

Me an' Algernon

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1745 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Mental health
  1. Cognitive decline can be hard to deal with. It can affect your daily life, work, and relationships.
  2. Getting a clear diagnosis is important, even if it doesn't provide all the answers. It can help you understand your situation better.
  3. Sharing your struggles can help others who may be going through similar issues. It's okay to seek help and adapt to new challenges.

NEVER. AGAIN.

COVID Reason • 3588 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. The author expresses frustration with COVID protocols during a family tragedy.
  2. They were angered by the restrictions and lack of compassion from various institutions.
  3. The author vows to never comply with such restrictions again.

Maladapted: Aaron Bushnell, Mental Health, and the Role of Heretics in Fostering Social Change

Humanities in Revolt • 938 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Many mainstream views associate extreme actions like self-immolation with mental illness, but a humanistic perspective suggests that such actions can be driven by a desire for social change and justice.
  2. Labeling someone as 'mentally ill' based on their dissenting actions or beliefs may be a way to dismiss their ideas without engaging in a meaningful discussion.
  3. Heretics and rebels throughout history have played a crucial role in driving positive social changes, challenging norms, and promoting critical thinking over blind adherence to tradition.

Five Advanced Meditation Techniques (also, drugs)

Superb Owl • 4396 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Experimenting with different meditation techniques can help if you're feeling stuck. Trying new methods like kasina or mirror gazing can bring fresh perspectives and experiences.
  2. Pain can be a powerful focus during meditation. Instead of avoiding discomfort, you can lean into it to gain better awareness and understanding of your sensations.
  3. Using substances like cannabis or psychedelics may enhance meditation experiences, but it's important to be cautious and not become overly dependent on them.

Childhood and Education #10: Behaviors

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1612 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🚌 Education Mental health
  1. Many teenagers today feel more anxious than bored, possibly due to smartphones and social media. This shift may affect their mental health in deeper ways.
  2. Kids need time to be bored and explore freely without pressure. Allowing them to do nothing can help spark creativity and self-direction.
  3. Instead of just telling children what not to do, offering them positive alternatives like sports can lead to better outcomes and healthier behaviors.

Press 3 for Moral Panic

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1562 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. There is a claim that the Trump administration is shutting down a suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth, but this is inaccurate. The hotline is simply being changed to serve all callers, not just LGBTQ youth.
  2. Mainstream media are expressing outrage over this decision, suggesting it could harm vulnerable youth. However, the reality is that no actual services are being removed.
  3. The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ activist organization, is concerned about these changes, but it's important to understand the difference between a service being closed and a service being modified.

How to Reset

Agents and Books • 1316 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. After completing a big project, take a break and reset your brain with something fun and non-deadline driven.
  2. It's okay to have a longer rest period after finishing a project, indulge in activities like binge-watching, reading, or painting.
  3. Don't feel pressured to start something new right away, reset in your own time when you feel ready.

Rituals of Perfection

Changing The Channel • 2312 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Recognizing and addressing disordered eating habits is an important step towards healthier relationships with food.
  2. Understanding the patterns of addiction in one's life can lead to insights into behaviors and choices.
  3. Being mindful of how certain practices, like intermittent fasting, may impact personal well-being and making informed decisions about them.

Social Control, Cigarette Packs, Momentary Pleasure

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1534 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. Men tend to seek out intense pleasures more than women. This includes things like sports, music, and substance use, which can lead to higher addiction rates in men.
  2. In New York City, subway murders have nearly quadrupled since 2020, despite fewer people riding. This shows that safety risks might be rising even though overall crime might seem lower.
  3. Wisdom can be developed through various factors like mental health, creativity, and learning from life experiences. Having good mentors and being open to new experiences can also help.

Political Psychology Links, 11/26/2025

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. People tend to focus more on differences when they learn more about someone. This can make it easier to dislike them, especially on social media that encourages sharing personal details.
  2. Recent studies show that young people with various mental health issues may have similar brain changes. This supports the idea of a common factor in different mental illnesses.
  3. Some researchers believe that education systems should change to improve training quality. They suggest getting rid of outdated methods and emphasizing real-world feedback in training for fields like nursing and journalism.

Gen Z, Social Media is Optional

After Babel • 3383 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Gen Z has the option to live without social media. It's not a must to be connected online all the time.
  2. Choosing to step away from social media can lead to better sleep, creativity, and stronger relationships with loved ones.
  3. There are practical methods to help people quit social media, like gradually reducing use and focusing on real-life connections instead.

TikTok Is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale

After Babel • 3575 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health
  1. TikTok is known to harm kids by being highly addictive, making them spend hours on the app, which can lead to mental health issues.
  2. The platform exposes users to harmful content like drugs, violence, and sexual exploitation, often without proper moderation.
  3. Many young people actually wish TikTok didn't exist due to its negative effects, but feel stuck using it to keep up with trends.

My Cancer and My AI

Nonzero Newsletter • 1242 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Getting sick can be a unique experience, especially when you involve AI in your health decisions. Sometimes it helps, but it can also lead to confusion.
  2. After discovering a lump, consulting an AI led to professional medical advice, which was essential for diagnosing cancer. It's a reminder that while AI can be useful, human experts are still crucial.
  3. Going through treatment and recovery can make you appreciate life more. It's important to be thankful for good health and the support you receive during tough times.

Some Thoughts On “Mankeeping”

Singal-Minded • 988 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Men often struggle to express their emotions healthily, especially to other men. This issue is rooted in how boys are taught to socialize from a young age.
  2. The term 'mankeeping' is seen as dehumanizing and may turn people off. It gives the impression that men are burdensome, which could lead to resistance against this idea.
  3. Future research on 'mankeeping' needs to be done carefully to avoid misunderstandings. It’s important to consider both men's and women's perspectives in relationships to get a complete picture.

A month of my notes, April 2024

Tao Lin • 539 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Daily notes show a focus on health and wellness. The person tracks their sleep, exercise, and diet to maintain good habits.
  2. There’s an effort to reduce sugar intake, specifically with gum care. The goal is to improve dental health by avoiding sugar at the end of meals.
  3. Self-healing practices are highlighted as important. The individual dedicates significant time to self-care routines that promote mental and physical well-being.

#232: A reading list for summer cope

Maybe Baby • 993 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
📚 Literature Mental health
  1. Many people feel anxious about time, especially as summer comes to an end. Recognizing this feeling can help manage it better.
  2. There's a tendency to judge summers based on expectations, which can lead to feelings of regret or envy. It's important to appreciate moments for what they are.
  3. Setting small, attainable goals can often lead to a more satisfying life. Don't get too caught up in big dreams, as they can distract from enjoying the simple things.

JJ Couey, Dr. JJ Couey, one of the smartest people out there! check out his work, his speeches, his interviews; you need not believe everything anyone tells you or shares, but have an open mind; I do

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1474 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Keep an open mind when exploring new information from various sources.
  2. Evaluate the work and ideas of individuals like Dr. JJ Couey by delving into their work, speeches, and interviews.
  3. Strive to listen and learn from individuals unless they are engaging in harmful behaviors.

From Community To Tribe

The Ruffian • 350 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. Strong ties are important for emotional support, but weak ties with acquaintances are also essential for our mental health and sense of community. They help us feel connected to the wider world and provide new opportunities.
  2. The pandemic, rising living costs, and the allure of staying home have led to a decline in our weak ties. Instead of meeting people in person, we're connecting more online, but this can make our social lives feel less rich.
  3. Online communities, or tribes, differ from real-life communities. While they broaden our networks, they lack the genuine interactions and support found in face-to-face connections.

Coleman Hughes: I Just Did Therapy in Public

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1354 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health
  1. There are four desires that can lead people off track: power, wealth, pleasure, and honor. Focusing too much on any of these can harm your life.
  2. Self-reflection is important, and sometimes we need to ask ourselves what we truly value. This can lead to better understanding and happiness.
  3. Therapy can be helpful for specific issues, but doing it in a group or public setting can bring different insights and challenges. It’s about connecting deeply with our thoughts and feelings.