Listening to a podcast can get you through a long commute or a tough workout, or provide you with entertainment while you do chores around the house or eat a meal on your own. Maybe you’re used to listening to podcasts that discuss current events or a specific area of interest, like fitness or health. If you live with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, there are actually mental health podcasts that can uplift your spirits and help you along your journey toward recovery. Learn about the top 5 here.
The Hilarious World of Depression
Mental illness isn’t something to be taken lightly, but sometimes a little humor can help you to cope. The Hilarious World of Depression podcast is hosted by public radio personality John Moe, who interviews leading comedians about their experiences with depression. The podcast aims to reduce some of the stigma surrounding mental illness, by showing people that even top comedians can struggle with depression yet still find humor in life. By having open, honest discussions about depression, the creators of the podcast hope that people will realize they are not alone in their struggles.
Terrible, Thanks For Asking
Nora McInerny, an author who has written books on grief, hosts Terrible, Thanks for Asking, a podcast that shines light on difficult topics. Instead of expecting people to respond that they are “fine” when asked how they’re doing, McInerny interviews people about challenging life experiences and encourages them to share their true feelings, rather than minimizing their sadness or grief. By remaining frank and allowing guests to explore raw emotions, McInerny gives all of us permission to feel our feelings, even the negative ones. This can be beneficial for people who struggle with mental illness, who may feel the need to suppress their feelings in order to protect others or avoid judgment.
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast
While listening to a podcast should never take the place of professional mental health treatment for those who need it, The Hardcore Self Help Podcast is an excellent resource for those who live with mental illness. The weekly podcast is hosted by Dr. Robert Duff, a private practice psychologist, who answers questions pertaining to living with anxiety and depression, coping with relationship problems, and dealing with addiction. He takes questions from the audience and interviews guest speakers, with the goal of explaining mental health problems in plain language. Dr. Duff has also authored a series of self-help books, and he has a Youtube channel where he shares additional information about mental health.
Anxiety Slayer
The Anxiety Slayer podcast is known as a trusted resource for people who live with conditions like anxiety and PTSD. There are hundreds of episodes available for free, and episodes include interviews with experts, as well as discussions of tools that people can use to cope with anxiety. For instance, recent episodes have explored the benefits of practicing gratitude, offered tips for reducing morning anxiety, and provided guided relaxation sessions. Other episodes walk listeners through tapping exercises to help with sleep and anxiety, and some give tips on improving sleep and practicing self-care to improve anxiety.
The Mental Illness Happy Hour
With positive reviews from Psychology Today and The New York Times, The Mental Illness Happy Hour is a popular and trusted podcast for individuals living with conditions like depression. Comedian Paul Gilmartin hosts the weekly podcast, which calls attention to issues like childhood trauma, postpartum depression, and anxiety. The podcast hopes to address the high rate of mental illness that occurs in the arts and entertainment field and remind people that they have support in coping with mental illness. Some episodes are available for free, and they include interviews with comedians, artists, and doctors.
The Benefits of Podcasts
The podcasts listed above are some of the top options for those who need something to boost their moods. Keep in mind that they should never take the place of needed mental health treatment, but they can be used as a tool to supplement therapy sessions. While listening to a podcast, you may learn new information about mental health, discover a new way of thinking, or develop a new skill like meditation that you can incorporate into your life to manage your symptoms. These podcasts also remind you that there are others walking the same journey you are, so you feel less isolated. All of these factors can have a positive impact on your well-being.
Mental Health Treatment
If you experience symptoms of a mental or emotional health issue, and they begin to interfere with daily life, it is important to reach out for professional treatment. A podcast can provide a source of support, but services like therapy and/or medication are often necessary to alleviate mental health symptoms. If you’re living with depression symptoms that just don’t seem to subside, even with treatment, you may benefit from a procedure called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
TMS is a non-invasive procedure, in which a device is placed over the head to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it comes with only minor side effects, such as temporary headaches. For those in Southern California, Pulse TMS provides these services in the Los Angeles area. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.