Unlocking Wellness: The 15 Best Mental Health Podcasts Recommended by Therapists

In our fast-paced world, finding time to prioritize self-help can be a challenge, yet it’s more essential than ever. Therapists are increasingly recommending mental health podcasts as a convenient, efficient, and effective way to support your well-being. Dr. Terri Bacow, a CBT psychologist in New York, encourages her clients to embrace these resources as supplements to their mental health journey, acknowledging the value of integrating them into our daily routines.
Why Mental Health Podcasts Matter
Mental health podcasts not only enhance your daily routines but also educate and provide valuable insights, all while fitting seamlessly into your busy life. Dr. Daryl Appleton, a specialist in mental health for high-performers, emphasizes the importance of conscious media consumption, suggesting that we add feel-good and challenging podcast episodes to our repertoire for personal growth and development.
While therapists are quick to clarify that podcasts aren’t a substitute for professional therapy, they do offer practical coping skills that can be easily integrated into your everyday life, leading to instant improvements. Furthermore, they foster a sense of community, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their mental health journey.
The Top 15 Mental Health Podcasts Recommended by Therapists
Here are 15 of the best mental health podcasts, highly recommended by therapists:
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"We Can Do Hard Things" – Hosted by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle, this podcast delves into life’s challenges and ways to overcome them, offering a raw, unfiltered perspective on critical issues.
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"Where Should We Begin With Esther Perel" – A favorite among experts, this podcast helps couples navigate complex issues, providing actionable tools and insights for healthier relationships.
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"Feel Better, Live More" – Dr. Rangan Chatterjee explores the connection between mental and physical health, offering expert advice and practical tips to improve your overall well-being.
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"The Happiness Lab With Dr. Laurie Santos" – Dr. Laurie Santos uses the latest scientific research to help listeners understand how to think, feel, and be happier and more fulfilled.
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"The Mental Illness Happy Hour" – This podcast addresses mental health candidly and with humor, making it a great choice for when you need a pick-me-up.
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"The Hilarious World of Depression" – Although no longer releasing new episodes, this podcast features funny and honest conversations about coping with depression, reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles.
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"The Anxiety Podcast" – Covering various aspects of anxiety and other mental health conditions, including Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), this podcast provides valuable insights and success stories without indulging in toxic positivity.
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"Feelings and other F Words" – Dr. Appleton’s own podcast breaks down the science behind our emotions, offering practical steps to help you better understand and manage them.
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"I Like You" – Host Greta explores the experience of being ghosted, offering valuable insights into the mental health aspects of rejection, a common and challenging experience for many.
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"The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast" – This podcast helps you separate facts from feelings, providing actionable advice for dealing with mental health challenges.
Mental health podcasts are an excellent way to supplement your well-being journey, offering valuable insights, support, and a sense of community. Take your pick from these 15 therapist-recommended podcasts, and start your journey towards better mental health today.
Areas of Interest Worth Exploring
Do podcasts help with mental health?
Podcasts offer a captivating and informative medium for both learning and entertainment. Beyond that, they serve as valuable tools in enhancing mental well-being. By tuning in to podcasts, individuals can effectively alleviate stress and anxiety, find emotional support, and gain fresh insights into their lives. Podcasts aren’t just audio content; they’re a gateway to a healthier state of mind.
What to listen to when depressed?
Discover 10 Podcasts to Combat Depression
- The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
- The Hilarious World of Depression
- Feeling Good Podcast by Dr. …
- The SelfWork Podcast with Dr. …
- Defeat Postpartum Depression with Arielle Wozniak
- The Brain Warrior’s Way
- The Depression Files Podcast
- Tell Me What You’re Proud Of With Dr.
What do you talk about in a mental health podcast?
Exploring Mental Health Podcast Topics
A mental health podcast encompasses a wide array of discussions related to psychology and well-being. These podcasts delve into topics such as trauma, depression, self-love, body image, anxiety, addiction, and more. Some hosts even engage in enlightening interviews with influential figures in the mental health field. The scope of mental health podcasts is diverse, offering insights and support on various aspects of emotional and psychological wellness.
How do you start a mental health podcast?
Launching Your Mental Health Podcast: A Beginner’s Guide
Commencing a mental health podcast as a newcomer entails a series of essential steps. These include:
- Defining Your Podcast Goal: Determine the purpose and message of your podcast.
- Planning and Preparation: Outline your episodes and gather necessary resources.
- Acquiring Equipment: Invest in the essential recording equipment.
- Creating Visuals: Design your podcast cover art and promotional materials.
- Setting Up Hosting and Socials: Choose a hosting platform and establish a social media presence.
- Recording and Editing: Record your episodes and edit them for quality.
- Posting and Promotion: Publish your episodes and actively engage with your audience.
This roadmap will guide you in launching a successful mental health podcast for beginners.
Do podcasts help your brain?
Benefit #2: Podcasts and Brain Health
Listening to podcasts offers brain benefits, as it triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces anxiety, stress, and enhances focus and productivity. If meditation isn’t your cup of tea, exploring the vast array of podcast genres can be an alternative route to nourishing your brain health.
Do podcasts reduce anxiety?
Anxiety Relief Through Podcasts
Discovering podcasts dedicated to anxiety can offer substantial relief to many individuals. If you seek a path to introduce more tranquility into your life, consider giving them a listen.