In a country like India, where accessibility to mental health is a challenge, listening to podcasts can be a great way to start your journey towards better mental health and overall well-being. Podcasts are especially helpful, as you can tune into them at your convenience. However, with an ever-increasing number of podcasts, selecting a good one is difficult. Based on our research, this article discusses some of the most popular and helpful mental health podcasts.

  • The Happiness Lab By Dr. Laurie Santos

Dr. Laurie Santos is a cognitive scientist and professor of psychology at Yale University She has spent many years studying happiness and how the mind and happiness are related. Her podcast, titled ‘The Happiness Lab, ‘explores the science of happiness, well-being, and positive psychology. She also uses the latest research to educate listeners about how our behaviours and emotions are interlinked. Each episode aims to bust common myths around happiness and encourage listeners to reflect on what happiness means to them. If you are interested in exploring the emotion of happiness, you can consider tuning into this podcast on Spotify.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/3i5TCKhc6GY42pOWkpWveG

  • Unlocking Us By Berne Brown

Brené Brown is a renowned research professor, author, and speaker known for her research on vulnerability, shame, and courage. In this podcast, she engages in conversations with various guests on topics related to vulnerability, courage, empathy, and connection. According to Dr. Brown, her podcast aims to present the most raw, unpolished and honest version of the human experience. Through these honest conversations, she encourages the listeners to live a more authentic and wholehearted life. The podcast is rated 4.8 and is available on Spotify

Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4P86ZzHf7EOlRG7do9LkKZ

  • Dear Therapists By Laurie Gottlieb and Guy Winch

Laurie Gottlieb, a practising psychologist and author of the self-help book ‘Maybe You Should Talk To Someone,’ co-hosts this podcast with Guy Winch, a psychologist and author of ‘Emotional First Aid.’’. If you are curious to know what happens in therapy sessions, this might just be the right podcast for you. Each episode of the podcast features real-life therapy sessions with real clients. Listeners get insight into their issues and also get to hear how the hosts respond to them. Next, you get an insight into the client’s follow-up session as well. If you are considering therapy but are also scared about it, this podcast might be a good starting point It is available on Spotify.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bDIT3GVMOB7hTJJfdH0kO

  • The Anxiety Slayer

Hosted by Shann Vander Leek and Ananga Sivyer, this podcast focuses on providing support to those suffering from anxiety. The podcast features expert interviews, exercises such as guided meditation and relaxation, and other practical tools that can help overcome anxiety.  With more than 8 million downloads, this is one of the most recommended podcasts for those dealing with anxiety. The podcast is available on Spotify

Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2T28NZW4axrv82dEOI2E82

  • Inside Out With Saumya

Even with technological advancements and progress, mental health is still considered a taboo subject in India. Hosted by Saumya Garg, a trained counselling psychologist, ‘Inside Out’ aims to break this taboo around mental health. The podcast also offers a holistic view of mental health by exploring how the mind, body and soul are interconnected. It also features discussions and interviews on a variety of topics, such as nutrition, dreams, music, yoga, relationships, etc  If you are interested in exploring mental health in an Indian context, you can consider tuning into this podcast on Spotify.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BaWb4z2PtW6qxaIkz2XEq

Conclusion:

The above-mentioned podcasts offer listeners various perspectives on mental health; however, choosing the right mental health podcast is a personal journey, so consider your own interests, themes and format while choosing a podcast for you. While listening to podcasts can help to some extent, it is advisable to consult a professional if you see yourself struggling with mental health issues.

References:

  1. 10 Best Mental Health Podcasts. (2023, April 5). Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g39754351/best-mental-health-podcasts/
  2. 27 Best Mental Health Podcasts. (n.d.). Choosing Therapy. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/mental-health-podcasts/
  3. The Best Mental Health Podcasts to Listen to Any Time. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.betterup.com/blog/mental-health-podcast
  4. These Mental Health Podcasts Can Teach You New Ways To Feel Happier And More Fulfilled. (2022, January 31). Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g38842933/mental-health-podcasts/

Dhruva Koranne

Dhruva Koranne has completed his Masters in Applied Psychology from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, BALM. He has been practicing as a counsellor since 2020 and works to create a safe space for clients where they can open up. In addition to this, Dhruva loves researching and studying about upcoming theories in the field of Psychology. Connect with him on Linkedin