Podcasts have become increasingly popular and diverse in the last few years, so it makes sense that there is now a variety on offer about mental health. If you’re already listening to podcasts regularly, try searching both broad and specific terms to find the one that’s right for you. You’ll be able to find almost anything, from informative to instructive, overviews and deep dives, and more. You can also find podcasts with different tones, for different target audiences, and from all around the world. Here’s a look at three podcasts that only have one thing in common: the subject matter of mental health.
The Hilarious World of Depression
Don’t let the title of this podcast fool you—“The Hilarious World of Depression” takes the subject of mental health seriously. The title refers more to the show’s guests, who are primarily comedians discussing their own journey with mental health issues. Hosted by humorist and radio host John Moe, most episodes run between 35 minutes and a full hour long.
The podcast is produced by “Make it Okay”, an organization working to end stigma around mental health and encourage more healthy conversation. The show also encourages listeners to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline if they find themselves or someone they know in a crisis situation.
Therapy for Black Girls
The target audience of “Therapy for Black Girls” is typically discouraged from discussing or addressing mental health. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, licensed psychologist, encourages black women and girls to break that stigma and offers her expertise in this show. Each week, Dr. Joy discusses a focused topic; some cover relationships or medication, and others are more specific, such as the episode “When Mother’s Day is Painful”.
Unlike “The Hilarious World of Depression”, this show deals with mental health from a clinical perspective. Dr. Joy answers listeners’ personal mental health questions and offers tips and tools to improve your mental health even if you don’t have access to therapy. The episodes range between ten and forty minutes, and some feature a guest interview. “Therapy for Black Girls” is produced as part of The Yellow Couch Collective, “a community designed to help Black women take action in the areas that will help them to truly thrive!”.
Membership to the collective is 29.99/month and includes live webinars with Dr. Joy as well as in-person community meetings and other monthly content. The podcast is free to listen or download.
Mental Health Foundation Podcast
“Mental Health Foundation Podcast” is a deep dive into a wide variety of issues. Information in this show is based on the research of the UK’s Mental Health Foundation. Episodes cover a variety of topics, from broad discussions like body image to maintaining your mental health during Christmas holidays. Mental Health Foundation also partnered with the British Journal of Psychiatry for a short podcast series.
The show typically includes several interviews—a mixture of personal experiences and mental health experts, who also provide tips and tools for listeners to practice at home. Episodes run an average of 30-40 minutes.
Let us know if you listen to these or other mental health podcasts in the comments. Let us know what your favorites are, and whether or not they’ve helped you on your journey with mental health.
