Mental health has become a major concern over the last decade. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression alone affects 280 million people worldwide. (1)
Mental health issues affect everyone differently. Some people struggle with anxiety, while others deal with depression. If you’re working with these problems, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible, but you should also know that there are several ways to help you cope. One of them is listening to mental health podcasts.
What are mental health podcasts?
Mental health podcasts are a perfect way to listen to your favorite mental health topics on the go. These podcasts cover all aspects of mental health, from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and bipolar disorder. They also discuss issues that affect people with mental illness, such as suicide prevention and recovery.
Why do mental health podcasts matter?
The best mental health podcasts help listeners understand their conditions better and feel more comfortable talking about them. They also provide information on self-help techniques and coping strategies for dealing with mental health issues.
The best part of all of this is that you don’t require any special equipment or skills to enjoy podcasts. All you need to get started is an internet connection and a pair of earphones. If you want to know more about how these podcasts can help you, here’s a rundown of the most important benefits of listening to them:
1. Improves mood and anxiety levels
Some of the best mental health podcasts help listeners feel more optimistic about their present situations and future outlook. They also encourage listeners to take action towards improving their lives. If you’re dealing with depression or anxiety, listening to podcasts that focus on positive topics will improve your mood.
In these podcasts, experts discuss various topics such as overcoming obstacles, finding purpose in life, and coping with stress. You’ll be able to learn new things and gain valuable insights into what works for other people.
2. Helps you relax
You might not consider that listening to a podcast could actually make you calm down, but this is true. Studies discovered that certain types of music could trigger feelings of calmness and relaxation by affecting the psychobiological stress system of the body. That’s why many podcasts include relaxing tracks as well as informative ones.
Listening to podcasts during stressful times helps you relax. A study conducted by researchers at Southeastern Louisiana University found that podcasts effectively reduce stress and promote relaxation. (2) (3)
3. Boosts motivation
Mentally-strong people tend to be motivated to achieve goals. Listening to these people in podcasts during tough times can inspire you to keep going.
It doesn’t matter if you want to lose weight, start exercising, or complete school assignments. The right kind of motivation can work wonders for you, whether it’s a rousing speech or an inspirational story.
4. Improves sleep quality
If you’re struggling with insomnia, you should consider listening to podcasts while you try to fall asleep. They can help you unwind and prepare yourself for a good night’s rest.
A behavioral neuroscientist from the University of Chicago stated that relaxation podcasts help promote deeper sleep. While asleep, slow waves in your brain occur at a specific frequency, so listening to something close to that particular frequency may help drive that specific phase of sleep. (4)
5. Allows you to relate to other people
Podcasts are also a valuable resource because they allow you to hear from different people. When you listen to podcasts, you’ll notice how many others go through similar experiences and deal with negative situations. You’ll see that they’ve been through it, too, and this awareness can help you cope better when you’re feeling low.
6. Helps you cope with setbacks
When you experience setbacks, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. But listening to podcasts during hard times can help you stay focused and avoid falling back into unhealthy behaviors. These shows teach you how to bounce back from failures and disappointments. By learning from past mistakes, you’ll know what to do next time.
7. Promotes positivity
Positivity is undeniably one of the most powerful tools in your mental wellness toolkit. Positive thinking leads to success, so if you want to live a happier life, you could start listening to podcasts that inspire you.
A good example of how a mental health podcast can promote positivity is by providing insights on how to take things that come your way. The podcast may tell you how to be more optimistic about things instead of immediately going for the worst-case scenario, or it could remind you that most struggles can be overcome with the right approach.
Final thoughts
If you’re dealing with mental health issues, mental health podcasts will give you some ideas on where to turn next. The best part? There are thousands of great podcasts available, so starting is just a matter of picking one that fits your mood, schedule, and needs.
References:
- “Depression,” Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
- “The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response,” Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3734071/
- “Examining the Results of Podcast Relaxation Techniques in Higher Education,” Source: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ936023.pdf
- “What Happens to Your Brain When You Listen to A Podcast Before Bed,” Source: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/is-listening-to-podcasts-before-bed-bad-affects-brain-sleep-experts-research
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