The hottest Trauma Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Is this real life?

Disaffected Newsletter • 3776 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Trauma Psychology Public Health
  1. Derealization is a feeling where the world seems unreal, like a scary movie. It can happen to people with mental health issues or past trauma, and it's really unsettling.
  2. The constant changes in news and public opinion can make people feel confused and anxious. It's like we are living in a situation where nothing feels stable or real.
  3. For those who have experienced derealization, knowing others feel the same can help them feel less alone. It's important to talk about these feelings and experiences.

Are we the walking wounded?

Disaffected Newsletter • 2997 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trauma Mental health Societal norms Political Climate Public Trust
  1. Many people in America are dealing with trauma from recent events, affecting everyone regardless of political beliefs. This trauma can change how we see the world and interact with others.
  2. The past few years have revealed many illusions about stability in our lives, leading to chaos, increased anger, and the breakdown of social norms.
  3. Personal losses from recent experiences have made it hard for many to trust others again, leaving them feeling scared and exhausted. This is true for a lot of people right now.

When Auschwitz Becomes a Theme Park

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Tourism History Memory Trauma
  1. Tourism at Holocaust sites like Auschwitz can feel wrong and disrespectful to many people. It's strange to combine such serious history with entertainment.
  2. The movie 'A Real Pain' explores the impact of the Holocaust on future generations and how it shapes their identities. It's a personal story about understanding family and history.
  3. There's a disconnect in Poland where some people feel distant or unwelcoming toward Jewish history and culture, which can lead to a cold atmosphere during visits. This ambivalence is troubling for many visitors.

Abusers In Plain Sight

Culture Study • 3937 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Relationships Feminism Trauma Identity
  1. Writing about trauma can bring up a lot of painful memories. It's important to realize that revisiting these experiences requires healing and self-reflection.
  2. Women often feel pressured to maintain relationships through hard work, which can lead to toxic situations. It's crucial to understand when it's time to leave a damaging relationship.
  3. There are many layers to women's experiences of desire and consent in relationships. It’s important to have open conversations about what that looks like and to support each other in understanding our needs.

Oh, father

Disaffected Newsletter • 2018 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Identity Family Trauma
  1. The speaker's childhood was marked by trauma, particularly from their mother's inconsistent love and the presence of an abusive stepfather. They often felt unsafe and questioned their worth.
  2. Music and artists like Madonna became a refuge for the speaker, helping them process their feelings and experiences. Songs like 'Oh Father' resonated deeply with their struggles and emotions.
  3. The speaker reflects on the complexity of their feelings towards their parents, understanding that both love and pain can exist in relationships, leading to confusion about forgiveness and redemption.
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Proud Flesh

The Audacity. • 3380 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Motherhood Trauma
  1. The post is about an essay titled "Proud Flesh" by Catherine Gray, an emerging writer from Mississippi.
  2. Catherine Gray's work explores themes of motherhood, loverhood, and healing from sexual trauma.
  3. The essay "Proud Flesh" was published on audacity.substack.com for paid subscribers.

Tara Brach On The 'Sacred Art of Pausing'

Changing The Channel • 1335 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Compassion Grief Trauma Healing
  1. Tara Brach emphasizes the importance of pausing and creating space for empathy and grace to change how we experience life.
  2. To bridge outer divides, we first need to bridge our inner divides by connecting with our emotions and practicing self-compassion and mindfulness.
  3. Acknowledging trauma and allowing space for collective grieving can help in fostering shared humanity and healing in a polarized world.

Where was your father?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1578 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Family Mental health Trauma Narrative
  1. The author grew up in an abusive home, primarily influenced by the relationship between their mother and stepfather.
  2. The author's father left before they were born, and while they initially saw him as a villain, they later discovered complexities about their family dynamics.
  3. Even with conflicting feelings about their father, the author acknowledges the impact of their mother's behavior on that relationship.

Dreaming of Memories

The Memory Palace • 39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Memory Dreams Trauma Consciousness
  1. Replay dreams can feel very real, making it seem like you're reliving a past event. They might happen after a traumatic experience, but they aren't always exact copies of what happened.
  2. Not all dreams that reference memories are considered replay dreams. Some, called quotidian dreams, use memories creatively rather than re-experiencing them exactly as they occurred.
  3. Researchers think dreams work differently than regular memory recall. While memory helps us access our past, replay dreams might serve a unique purpose, especially for those who have experienced trauma.

New Year housekeeping and mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1019 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Mental health Trauma Personal Growth Self-reflection Communication
  1. Communication is key when you're having issues. If you don't tell someone exactly what the problem is, they might not be able to help you.
  2. Things can go wrong with automated systems, like emails ending up in spam folders. Always check there if you’re not getting messages.
  3. Personal growth can happen when you re-evaluate your past and beliefs. Sometimes, realizing things weren't what you thought can lead to big changes in how you see the world.

How to Manage Health Anxiety

Are You Okay? • 1258 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Trauma Mental health Well-being Therapy
  1. Health anxiety can be exacerbated by external factors like trauma from the pandemic and current world events
  2. Normalize cognitive distortions of anxiety and seek medical advice to address health anxiety instead of turning to online sources like Dr. Google
  3. Recognize the impact of misinformation on health anxiety and learn to accept uncertainty while addressing anxiety directly through various strategies like mindfulness, exercise, therapy, and medication when necessary

Israel's Savagery Is So Shocking It's Sometimes Hard To Take In

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2104 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Media Violence Trauma
  1. Israel's actions in recent conflicts have been so shocking that it can be difficult to fully comprehend the extent of the brutality.
  2. Reports of Israeli forces targeting innocent civilians and infants in hospitals have sparked outrage and disbelief around the world.
  3. The widespread destruction caused by Israeli military actions in Gaza has raised concerns about the true motives behind the assaults.

Morning reductionism, mental health edition

Disaffected Newsletter • 1438 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Trauma Wellness Self-help
  1. Being a reductionist means finding common patterns across different issues. It can help make sense of complex topics, especially in mental health.
  2. The way we label mental health issues can sometimes complicate things unnecessarily. Many diagnoses might just be different expressions of the same underlying problem.
  3. Understanding mental health as linked to root causes, like trauma, might be more helpful than viewing each disorder as separate. It's important to look at the bigger picture.

The Death of My Sister

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 471 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Family Trauma
  1. The author shares a heartbreaking story of his sister's struggles with addiction and mental health issues, leading to her tragic death.
  2. The importance of family support and forgiveness during difficult times is highlighted in the narrative.
  3. The impact of childhood trauma, like being given up for adoption, on a person's life and mental health is explored through the author's personal reflection.

'The Idol' Embodied Our Sexual Culture

Many Such Cases • 979 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism Sexuality Television Art Trauma
  1. The show 'The Idol' showed very real and uncomfortable aspects of our sexual culture. Instead of shying away from difficult topics, it gave viewers a mirror to reflect on these issues.
  2. Many people misunderstood the show's intention, thinking it endorsed negative actions rather than critiquing them. This highlights a lack of media literacy in understanding complex narratives.
  3. 'The Idol' aimed to explore trauma, sexuality, and shame but left audiences feeling unsettled. It reminds us that not all stories provide neat resolutions, and that's a reality we often want to ignore.

Shared trauma

INDIGNITY • 294 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Trauma News Podcasts
  1. The internet can be a dark and dangerous place, where sharing traumatic content can have harmful effects.
  2. Seeing and sharing disturbing content online can impact mental health and well-being.
  3. It's important to consider the consequences of sharing violent or traumatic content on social media platforms.

Is "A Real Pain" a Holocaust Film?

Gideon's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Jewish Identity Family Dynamics Trauma
  1. The film 'A Real Pain' explores family connections and personal pain rather than focusing solely on the Holocaust experience. It highlights how the characters are motivated by their relationships, especially their bond with their grandmother.
  2. It questions the idea of generational trauma by showing that the characters deal with their struggles in their own ways, suggesting that their issues are common to many people and not uniquely linked to their grandmother's past.
  3. The film intentionally avoids heavy themes of Jewish trauma related to the Holocaust, instead subtly emphasizing the importance of living and connecting in the present, which can be just as significant.

EMDR Blew My Mind. Literally.

Ladyparts • 559 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Trauma
  1. The author tried EMDR therapy to address recurring PTSD symptoms and found it incredibly helpful in overcoming intrusive memories and functioning better in daily life.
  2. A friend recommended EMDR therapy based on their positive experience with a specialist who helped them cope with traumatic loss, highlighting the transformative potential of this approach.
  3. The author now provides paid content but offers free access to those unable to afford it, showing a commitment to sharing informative, science-based stories while acknowledging the importance of financial support.

Friday Q&A: a mental health roundup

Are You Okay? • 539 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Aging Anxiety Alcohol Trauma
  1. As people age, they may encounter different life changes and challenges that can contribute to feelings of anxiety, such as health issues, social isolation, and economic worries.
  2. Anxiety is a complex condition influenced by genetics, life experiences, health status, and lifestyle choices. Seeking help from medical professionals and engaging in self-care practices can help improve overall mental health.
  3. Despite alcohol temporarily reducing anxiety symptoms for some individuals, there is a connection between alcohol and anxiety, especially in those with a family history of alcoholism and anxiety disorders.

Story Thirty-Six

Stories From The Rail • 399 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Trauma Healing Personal Story Support
  1. Engaging in distracting activities like watching tv can provide comfort in times of distress or trauma.
  2. Sometimes people cope with trauma by avoiding silence and constantly keeping themselves occupied with external stimuli.
  3. Finding a sense of kinship and understanding with others who have experienced trauma can provide a unique form of comfort and connection.

The ICU is Traumatic For Everyone

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 275 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Healthcare Trauma
  1. A stay in the ICU can be traumatic for patients due to various factors like machines, confusion, and hallucinations.
  2. ICU workers are also at risk of developing PTSD due to exposure to human suffering, with rates increasing, especially after the pandemic.
  3. The prevalence of PTSD among ICU patients and workers is significant, emphasizing the need for research and treatment options to address this trauma.

Story Thirty-Seven

Stories From The Rail • 219 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Parenting Trauma Personal Growth
  1. Eulogies can be a way to cope with OCD and suicidal ideation, helping in the battle with intrusive thoughts and fears.
  2. Mental health challenges like OCD and suicidal ideation are medical conditions that require understanding, support, and proper treatment.
  3. Parenting and focusing on loved ones can ground and provide strength in battling against compulsions and intrusive thoughts.

Still lying to yourself?

Disaffected Newsletter • 619 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-help Trauma Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to limit contact with abusive parents, even if it's hard to do so. You don't owe them understanding or forgiveness.
  2. Remember that your parents' mistakes are not your responsibility. Their behavior is not a reflection of your worth.
  3. Acknowledging the truth about your childhood hurts, but it’s a necessary step towards healing and finding a better life.

Hektor's Body and the Burden

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Trauma
  1. Book 22 of the Iliad focuses on three main parts: suspense building up to the final confrontation between Achilles and Hector, the face-off itself and the mistreatment of Hector's body, and the initial reactions to Hector's death, especially Andromache's lament.
  2. The narrative in Book 22 sheds light on themes of heroism, the interaction between gods and humans, and the dynamics of friends and family relationships.
  3. Hector's behavior in Book 22 illustrates the complex internal struggles faced by individuals in times of crisis, highlighting the psychological and emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty and anticipation.

What's Eating You?

Are You Okay? • 119 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Trauma Therapy Self-care
  1. The link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and disordered eating is common, highlighting the importance of understanding one's past for a healthier relationship with food.
  2. Health involves awareness, acceptance, and agency over our lives, going beyond just weight or BMI. It's about acknowledging and dealing with complex emotions and experiences.
  3. For individuals struggling with disordered eating, seeking support from mental health and nutrition professionals, practicing mindfulness, and incorporating enjoyable physical activity can be key steps towards healing.

Please Stop Telling Patients to "Just Walk" For Their Health

Weight and Healthcare • 439 implied HN points • 02 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Inclusivity Trauma Well-being
  1. Healthcare providers should avoid limiting discussions around movement to just walking
  2. Patients have diverse needs and abilities, and a one-size-fits-all approach like 'just walk' can be harmful and exclusionary
  3. Healthcare providers should engage patients in a respectful conversation about movement, consider their individual situations, and provide information without judgment or bias

Storytelling is Freedom

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 239 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Storytelling Trauma Redemption Life lessons Morality
  1. Storytelling can transform traumas into triumphs by framing them in a positive light.
  2. Viktor Frankl's experiences show the power of choosing one's attitude and finding meaning even in the face of suffering.
  3. Freedom and storytelling both offer the opportunity to decide how we respond to life's events and shape our own narratives.

Story Twelve

Stories From The Rail • 159 implied HN points • 22 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Reproductive Health Parenting Trauma Medical system Mental health
  1. The personal experience shared highlights the lack of empathy and violations in the reproductive care system, especially for marginalized communities.
  2. The story sheds light on the challenges and horrors faced during childbirth, illustrating the importance of human rights in medical settings.
  3. The narrative calls for better healthcare practices, emphasizing the need for legal and accessible abortion rights as a crucial aspect of women's autonomy and well-being.

218: A Thanksgiving Story

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Documentary Veterans Mental health Trauma Storytelling
  1. Todd's story highlights the struggles many veterans face after returning home. They often deal with trauma, addiction, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
  2. During a visit, Todd expresses his feelings of pain and hopelessness, showing how deep his struggles run. Despite attempts to improve his life, he often feels overwhelmed and alone.
  3. The support system for veterans, like the friends at Ft. Endurance, plays a crucial role in their recovery. However, the challenges they face can make it hard for them to hold onto their progress.