With the sheer volume of podcasts available, finding one that’s right for you can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for wellbeing tips, mental health education, and even some much-needed laughs.
With mental health struggles affecting young people at unprecedented levels (even before the COVID-19 pandemic), it’s vital to find ways to help. That’s where podcasts can come in handy. Countless shows can help listeners feel less alone by providing a place to hear personal experiences or highlighting the challenges others face. Visit Our Website to learn more.
From work to fertility, body image to intergenerational trauma, this podcast covers a range of mental health issues that are specific to women of color. It also aims to make ‘therapy’ a more accessible word for Black women and helps listeners find ways to manage their own mental health through small steps.
The hosts of this weekly podcast invite guests to share their stories about overcoming obstacles, like depression and anxiety, or dealing with trauma. While each episode has a different guest, the episodes are similar in that they all focus on the impact of trauma and how it can manifest in our lives in various ways.
While the hosts often discuss mental health issues in a way that’s relatable to people from all walks of life, they also aim to bring attention to the fact that racial and gender identities play into how we deal with trauma and mental illness. For this reason, this is a good podcast for anyone looking to learn about the impact of culture on mental health, especially in a societal context.
Closer to Fine
With a wide range of topics and themes, mental health podcasts can cover just about anything. While many have a serious tone, others are designed for a more lighthearted experience. In either case, it’s important to remember that podcasts can only go so far in helping us navigate emotional struggles and find relief. It’s still a good idea to connect with a mental health professional for more comprehensive support and treatment.
The high energy duo of Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams, better known as 2 Dope Queens, have turned their longtime friendship and witty banter into a wildly popular podcast. The show’s episodes discuss mental illness candidly to help remove the stigma, with guests ranging from celebrities to mental health organization leaders.
Psych Central’s podcast focuses on the latest psychological research and practical applications for daily life, including tips on how to manage stress. The host is a clinical psychologist and a researcher, which makes this a great choice for listeners seeking straightforward, apt advice.
Another highly rated podcast for the mind, Body Image Breakdown is hosted by neuroscientist Mayim Bialik. Her podcast aims to dispel the myths and misunderstandings about mental health, and interviews a diverse group of guests on a variety of topics related to body image, anxiety, depression, addiction, and more.
The empathetic hosts of this podcast use their personal experiences to guide listeners on the journey to mental wellness. They talk about everything from navigating family struggles to coping with grief and loss. Each episode has a theme, like “feelings”, and features a guest speaker.
Huberman Lab
The variety of podcasts out there can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to mental health. Some focus on shedding light on specific disorders like anxiety or depression, while others are more general and offer tools that can help anyone who struggles with a mental illness. Regardless of which type of podcast you prefer, the important thing is to find one that speaks to your needs. There are shows for those who want to hear straight science, apt advice or even lots of laughs. For example, the high energy comedy duo 2 Dope Queens use their longtime friendship and witty banter to discuss topics that many would shy away from at the dinner table, like setting boundaries or church hurt.
Another popular option is Ten Percent Happier, hosted by Dan Harris, who found more happiness and peace when he discovered meditation. He hosts top meditation teachers and scientists to share their tips on reducing stress, anxiety and depression. The show is a fun, easy listen that can feel like hanging out with friends.
Glennon Doyle, author of the best-seller Untamed, is joined by her sister and soccer star Abby for this podcast that seeks to normalize conversations about mental health and make it clear that it’s normal to struggle. They talk about everything from career problems and addictions to anxiety and PTSD. They also interview celebrities and mental health organization leaders to get their insight on how we can better help ourselves.
While a good mental health podcast isn’t going to cure clinical depression or anxiety, it can help give you the tools you need to live with whatever disorder you have. Be sure to keep in mind that podcasts are not a substitute for therapy or health care, and some episodes may be triggering.
Mindfulness
As mental health issues have spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are seeking advice and comfort from podcasts. Podcasts cover a wide range of topics related to mental wellness, such as anxiety, depression, self-care, mindfulness, therapy, and relationships. Some are aimed at specific populations, such as teens or adults. Others take a more holistic approach to happiness, such as author Gretchen Rubin’s laid-back family-style podcast Happier.
Some podcasts explore the roots of mental health issues, such as Hidden Brain with host Shankar Vedantam. By integrating storytelling and science, Vedantam helps listeners discover the unconscious reasons behind their decisions, behavior, and choice of relationships. Other podcasts delve into mental wellness from a spiritual perspective, such as Magenta FM with hosts Louisa and Rachel. These episodes share unique ideas and methods for overcoming challenges and improving relationships.
Other podcasts seek to normalize conversations about mental health, such as 2 Dope Queens with high-energy comedy duo Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams. The women open up about their own experiences with mental illness, as well as the broader issues they face in their lives and communities.
Then there are the podcasts that offer a little levity, like John Moe’s Laughter is the Best Medicine. The comedian and his guests tell stories about their own clinical depression experiences with the same humor that has helped them get through it. The 96-episode pod is sure to cheer anyone up—though it did end mid-2021, producer APM crushed fans with its abrupt cancellation.
The Autistic Mind
There’s nothing wrong with a little self-care, and mental health podcasts can be a fun way to help address your concerns without the stigma or cost of therapy. From funny shows like the Hilarious World of Depression to poignant programs that tackle issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, there’s something for everyone. But just remember that no matter how informative or engaging a podcast may be, it can’t replace the advice of a therapist or the diagnosis of a mental illness.
But with so many great options out there, how do you know which podcast to choose? To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite mental health podcasts.
The Therapy for Black Girls podcast features a group of close friends—Black queer women, no less—as they candidly discuss their personal struggles with the conflict between who they are and what society expects them to be. Founded by clinical psychologist Joy Harden Bradford, this podcast demystifies the concept of therapy itself while offering tips and resources for mental health for women of color.
This podcast features a host who is autistic, and interviews people on the autism spectrum as well as non-autistic family members and friends. The episodes aim to break down the stigma surrounding autism, promote the need for support, and provide insights into the condition.
