When we all were locked in our homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the things we learned to give value to is the wellbeing of our mental health. While it is always advised that one must seek psychiatrists or psychologists at the times of need, it isn’t exactly possible in a developing country like India where there are only 0.3 psychiatrists per lakh of population in India, according to the 2014 World Mental Health Atlas report.
According to the same report, the median number of psychiatrists in India is only 0.2/100,000 population compared to a global median of 3 per 100,000 population.
But when the nation’s resources aren’t sufficed, we can always turn to our smart gadgets that have turned into an indispensable asset. With the number of smartphones in India rising (696.07 million smartphone users in India in 2020, according to Statistica), we have also seen a hike in the number of podcasts. Among these podcasts, channels are some people who have dedicated their lives to making sure their fellow humans’ mental health is catered to.
Here, we list down five podcasts that ensure your mental health is taken care off.
Who else will explain to you the science of psychology better than a trained psychologist and a mental health expert? Hosted by Dr Jade Wu, this podcast mixes entertainment and evidence-based studies to deliver a show that is both informative and fun to listen to. Dr Wu helps you in understanding the various emotions like joy, anger, anxiety to build better relationships between you, family and friends.
Where to find: Spotify
The Minimalists by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus is a show that teaches us how to lead a meaningful, happy life with less. By getting rid of non-required matter around us is the way to lead a life filled with happiness and true purpose. According to Joshua and Ryan, Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favour of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfilment, and freedom.
Where to find: Spotify
Mental is a podcast created by Bobby Temps to abolish the stigma and discrimination around mental health that are prevalent in our society. Bobby Temps is an award-winning podcaster and campaigner who is campaigning for the inclusion of mental health into the syllabus of all UK schools. Every week, along with a guest, the show delves into different aspects of mental health and how to deal with it by providing first-hand experiences.
Where to find: Spotify
The award-winning podcast Hilarious World of Depression is hosted by John Moe, a radio personality who has also authored three books. The show is treasured especially for its comical take on depression. What sets it apart from the rest is how it teaches you to take down depression and laugh along the way. The Hilarious World of Depression takes you on a series of interactions between John Moe and other top comedians such as Maria Bamford, Paul F. Tompkins, Andy Richter, and Jen Kirkman on how they dealt with depression while making you chuckle and titter along the way.
Where to find: Spotify
It is common for people with mental illness to feel alone and believe it’s a personal battle to overcome it. Comedian Paul Gilmartin hosts this hourly episode weekly to completely do away with that mindset. The show, which is geared for anyone battling mental illness, trauma, addiction and negative thinking, holds interactions with comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor where they share their personal experience of overcoming fears and traumatic experiences.
Where to find: Spotify
