25 Mental Health Podcasts That Might Help You Understand Yourself Better | SELF

Listening to a mental health podcast isn’t going to cure clinical depression or an anxiety disorder. A licensed clinician (or comedian, or writer) with a microphone is no substitute for connecting with a great therapist or finding another treatment that works for you, with help from a professional. One thing a mental health podcast can do, though? Validate your experience and, in some cases, offer expert-backed advice for how to live with whatever you’re dealing with…and we’re all dealing with something, whether you’ve received an official diagnosis for a mental health issue or, perhaps, you’re having near-constant urges to take a mental health day.

Of course, somber interviews about the latest scientific research on anxiety aren’t everyone’s thing. Some listeners prefer looser-format, conversational podcasts to escape from their intrusive thoughts and get lost in the (informative) chatter. Several of the picks on this list, like The Mental Illness Happy Hour and Depresh Mode, leverage humor to shed light on dark topics. Don’t have the time or attention span for a lengthy dialogue? Try a meditation that’s shorter than your morning commute, or a show like NPR’s Life Kit, which teaches you how to handle countless situations in just 30 minutes or less. If you’re seeking a Black mental health podcast or another that speaks to your particular experience, you’ll hopefully find options on this list, too.

Whether you love to hear relatable stories from people who have been there, or you want actionable mental health tips to lighten your load, these are some of the best mental health podcasts you can listen to right now.