Depression is very common, but it also covers a wide range of behaviors and emotions, making everyone’s experience with it different. With that in mind, many people have started talking more about mental health and how to address it. Whether you’re looking for others who feel the same way as you do or advice on how to deal with depression, here are a few helpful podcasts covering this topic.
For our audience’s convenience, we’ve included links to websites where these podcasts can be listened to. Choosing Therapy earns no money from the makers or producers of these podcasts. Read more about our high editorial standards here.
1. The Hilarious World of Depression
Depression can be debilitating, but also a little funny, at least according to host John Moe. It’s not about minimizing depression—the frank, honest conversations Moe has with top comedians battling their own mental health issues are anything but. The goal of the podcast is to reduce the stigma surrounding depression, help others realize they’re not alone, and maybe have a few laughs along the way.
If you’re still not sure about this one, take it from one of their listeners: “Thank you for helping me laugh and cry through some of the hardest years of my life. These stories and perspectives stick with you in the best of ways, thank you for being so vulnerable and dedicated to other people’s well-being.”
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
2. Terrible, Thanks For Asking
If you read our blog on mental health podcasts, you maybe familiar with Nora McInerny’s story; she lost her husband, father, and unborn child in one year. Now, she’s using her experience to tackle grief head on, and the assumptions we have about “moving on.”
“Nora’s honesty, willingness to learn and listen to her guest is refreshing,” one listener writes. “I constantly recommend this podcast to all friends searching for a new podcast.”
Listen wherever you find your podcasts.
3. Hardcore Self Help Podcast
California psychologist Dr. Robert Duff is tired of people being confused by psychological terminology. He created his podcast to help others make sense of mental health, with a healthy dose of tough love on top of it. “I talk to you just like I do in my books: like a friend,” he writes. “Life is hard enough to handle; you don’t need complicated jargon screwing it all up for you.”
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
4. Feeling Good
Want to hear from an actual psychologist and mental health professional? Then psychiatrist Dr. David Burns has a podcast for you. It’s based on his book of the same name, focusing on the evidence-based, scientific method that he practices to help his patients get out of their depression. His groundbreaking method has helped thousands of people, and now you can use the same tools he uses with his patients.
One listener definitely recommends it to anyone struggling with depression. “Dr. Burns and his team are very down to earth and do a great job in sharing tools that can really help combat this illness. Each podcast is focused and well thought out.”
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
5. The Self Work Podcast
Dr. Margaret Rutherford has been studying for years what she calls perfectionism depression. “I’m passionate about the message that although depression can be heavily masked by perfectionism, its damage can still be devastating to that someone who’s trying so hard to smile their way through growing loneliness and despair,” she shares on her site.
This podcast is for those who struggle to feel enough, whether in work, in life, or in relationships. It offers compassionate advice and can be used alongside therapy for those looking to make a change in their life.
Listen to the SelfWork Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
6. The Brain Warrior’s Way
For some, understanding the neuroscience behind depression and other mental illnesses could lead to a better understanding of why their brain is the way that it is. If that’s you, then you’ll appreciate this podcast. Hosted by psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen and wellness coach Tana Amen, the couple dives deep into why our brains do what they do, and how you can change it.
This science-backed podcast is good for those looking for a better understanding of the human brain so they can work towards a happy, healthy life.
Listen on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.
7. Mental
UK-based model and author Bobby Temps created this podcast with personal coach Danielle Hogan to help destigmatize mental illness. Each episode, the hosts interview a different mental health expert and dive into the topic with sincerity and honesty. Ultimately, the two hope to create space for conversation and allow others to know they’re not alone.
Listeners appreciate its perspective. “I see it as a podcast about hope, making it through the challenges and helping one another out – even if it’s just by sharing, listening, and feeling heard,” one listener writes.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
8. Griefcast
“Honest, raw funny, heartbreaking.” We, as a culture, have a tough time talking about grief and death, and we don’t often have words to describe the complexities of what we’re feeling. The hosts of Griefcast interview someone new every week who’s experienced some form of grief, such as losing parents, loved ones, or friends. Both funny and heartbreaking, this podcast is good for those looking to feel a little less alone in the wake of losing someone.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
9. The Mental Illness Happy Hour
There’s a surprising amount of overlap between comedy and mental health, judging by this list so far, and this podcast is no exception. Perhaps it’s not that surprising—comedians often use real-life scenarios, some of which were awful at the time, to make people laugh. While that may feel callous for someone going through it at the moment, if you’re up to poke a bit of light-hearted fun at your depression, the Mental Illness Happy Hour is full of comedians, artists, and the occasional doctor to take a frank, funny look at mental health.
Listen to The Mental Illness Happy Hour on Apple Podcasts.
10. The Psychology Podcast
Cognitive scientist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is exploring the depths of human potential with this thought-provoking podcast. Each episode interviews a special guest to talk about creativity, behavior, and the mind.
One listener, who shared that they’re working to be a therapist, appreciates Kaufman’s podcast. “Thanks for a great and uplifting podcast… I find the interviews personally and professionally encouraging and challenging.”
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
11. The Happiness Lab With Dr. Laurie Santos
The Happiness Lab, hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos, is an informative podcast for anyone struggling with depression. Santos offers science-based tactics for enhancing well-being and happiness and encouraging gems to help manage grief and deal with negative emotions. She elaborates on topics such as, “How do I stop negative self-talk?” “The eight pillars of grief,” “Emotions are data, so listen to them,” and much more.
12. Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier is hosted by Dan Harris, a journalist who had a panic attack on live national television, which led him to try meditation to regulate his panic attacks. On the podcast, Dan chats with top scientists, meditation teachers, and celebrities, diving into a range of mental health topics like depression, anxiety, relationships, and productivity.
13. Happier with Gretchen Rubin
#1 bestselling author of Happiness Project and Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin gives practical and realistic advice about building good habits on her optimistic podcast. The podcast is co hosted with her younger sister Elizabeth Craft, TV writer and producer living in LA. The duo does a great job of normalizing hard life situations and working through them together.
14. The Depression Files
According to Al Levin, “men experience depression differently.’’ On The Depression Files podcast, Levin interviews men who struggle with depression, informing those who want to learn more about mental illnesses and giving hope to those who are suffering. The podcast also features in-depth conversations with guest experts on a range of topics on mental illness and mental health.
15. The Happy Times
The Happy Times podcast is a Canadian-based podcast hosted by Joey Kidney, focusing on depression, anxiety, and finding the road to happier times. His podcast topics range from, “Listen to this when you have nothing left to give,” “Listen to this if your life feels out of control,” “Listen to this if you are in a slump,” and much more. Kidney’s podcast will meet you where you are during a depressive state; sometimes, all you need is a little more compassion and empathy to get you back up and on your way to figuring out life one day at a time.
When to See a Therapist for Depression
Depression can be debilitating without treatment, but fortunately, it’s very treatable. If your depression is impacting your life in serious ways, consider browsing a directory today.
