We know that when it comes to mental health and anxiety, it is of course valuable – and often vital – to talk to friends, family and professionals. But as we reach the halfway point of mental health awareness week, we’re taking a look at some of the best podcasts out there, because sometimes we aren’t ready to talk, so hearing other people have those conversations can be so powerful.
Millions of us in the UK are pressing play on podcasts in the search for a little pick me up, a little escape, a burst of knowledge. There has never been so much choice and there are some great health and wellbeing podcasts that are helping to broaden the conversation on mental health and helping us feel less alone.
Here’s some of our favourites you might like to unwind to:
There’s a reason why this long-standing podcast is such a firm favourite on the ‘best of’ lists. Cotton draws on her own experiences, speaks with guests and shares advice from experts on how to work through feeling blue to finding joy each and every day. It fantastically covers serious issues in a positive uplifting way.
Feel Better, Live More, Dr. Chatterjee
One of the most influential GPs out there with nearly 20 years’ experience, Chatterjee aims to inspire, empower and transform the way we feel. Listeners hear stories from leading health experts and exciting personalities who offer easy health life-hacks, expert advice and debunk common health myths giving you the tools to revolutionise how you eat, sleep, move and relax.
Created to break down mental health stigma and discrimination, the podcast is a safe space to hear honest and insightful mental health interviews in the hope listeners will feel more empowered to continue the conversation with others. There’s a weekly delve into a different factor in mental health and how to better manage it.
The Distraction Pieces, Scroobius Pip
Open conversations between actor and recording artist Scroobius Pip and a wide range of guests, from Simon Pegg to Amanda Palmer, Russell Brand to Gail Porter…and even the occasional person you may not have heard of, but has an amazing story to tell. Tune in during May for the ‘where’s your head at’ season which focuses on mental health in the pandemic.
Comedian and improviser, Cariad, sits down with a guest who has recently lost someone and they speak openly about grief and the process of it all. These are powerful conversations that can both make you cry and laugh. It covers all aspects of grief, death, loss, and everything that comes with them.
Intimate conversations about mental health during unprecedented times. Author and journalist, Bryony Gordon speaks to a wide range of individuals about mental illness and how it has impacted their lives. From household names…Scarlett Moffatt, Stacey Solomon, Jessica Ennis-Hill…..to nurses on the frontline. She starts each podcast with the question: ‘How are you, really?’, bringing a refreshingly honest feel to each interview.
Just One Thing, Michael Mosley
One of many great resources available from the BBC via Headroom, a toolkit for mental health which blends practical tips, mood mixes, personal stories and daily inspiration. If time is tight, tune in to Michael’s podcast for surprisingly simple top tips that are scientifically proven to change your life. His most recent explores how simply enjoying noticing the wonders of nature could benefit your brain and body.
The UK’s favourite fitness coach speaks to inspirational friends and some of his favourite people to ask them what’s the secret to keeping themselves feeling mentally and physically strong in the face of life’s little challenges. Labelled as ‘sunshine in a podcast’, Joe’s recent chats have been with Sir Mo Farah and Tim Peake about their secrets to happiness.
This is less a general mental health conversation and more about a focus on mental illness. MIND is of course one of the most prominent mental health charities in the UK and is a great resource for information, support and help. The MIND podcasts provide first-hand accounts of what it feels like to live with specific mental health problems, giving insights into disorders that are extremely common and often misunderstood, such as OCD and bipolar.
"...there are some great health and wellbeing podcasts that are helping to broaden the conversation on mental health and helping us feel less alone."
Scroll and explore….access expert support
So have a scroll through the many available podcast apps and channels to listen to these powerful conversations. But when you need more and it becomes impossible for you, or someone you know, to stay positive, then turn to specialists for the expert support and resources required.
Find out more about the BHSF range of services and support here.
