Are you looking for a depression podcast that can offer self-help tips, encouragement, and insights? Perhaps you're looking to listen to expert interviews, want to hear first-person stories, or just want someone to talk about depression with a light-hearted tone. Whatever it is that you are looking for in a depression podcast, chances are there is one out there to fulfill your needs.
Podcasts for depression range from humorous to serious and are hosted by everyone from comedians to distinguished Harvard scholars. However, they all have one thing in common: a desire to educate, inform, and reduce stigma. Some do this with a bit more humor than others.
Podcasts about depression also cover a range of topics across episodes, from perfectionism to medication to dealing with postpartum blues. Depression podcasts are far from uni-dimensional, and many bring on guest experts to expand the breadth of material that can be covered. After all, no single podcast host can be an expert in all areas.
Without further ado, below is a list of some of the most popular, most intriguing, and most niche depression podcasts that you may want to check out if you are struggling with depression yourself, are a therapist treating clients with depression, or just want to learn how to feel happier on the daily.
Best Mental Health Podcasts
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych is a good pick if you are looking for something a little edgier than the typical self-help podcast. The host recognizes that some people are tired of typical self-help information and delivers the podcast in a way that takes this into account.
About the Host
Clinical psychologist Dr. Robert Duff is the host of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. Dr. Duff runs a practice in Southern California, where he does in-person and online psychotherapy as well as neuropsychological assessment. He is the author of the Hardcore Self Help book series, a series designed for people who don’t like typical self-help books. He also has a YouTube channel.
About the Podcast
The Hardcore Self Help podcast is a weekly podcast about mental health topics that covers topics using plain language to make them relatable to the general population. The podcast is released on Thursday mornings and covers topics like anxiety, depression, addiction, relationships, etc.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- #236: Mental Health Within Couples and Coping with the Winter Blues
- #227: Reaching Out for Help with Depression & Coping with Suicidal Thoughts
- #191: Dr. Mandel on Ketamine Nasal Spray vs. Infusions for Depression
The Hilarious World of Depression
The Hilarious World of Depression is a good depression podcast if you are looking for a comedic twist on a dark topic. This podcast is run by a radio host and humor writer who understands how to communicate a message with a comedic slant. While this podcast has been canceled due to budget cuts in 2020, the previously recorded episodes are still available on Apple Podcasts.
About the Host
Public Radio Host and humor writer John Moe is the voice behind the podcast The Hilarious World of Depression.
About the Podcast
The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of conversations with comedians who have lived with depression. The podcast aims to help people gain insight into the illness and feel less alone. It also takes a lighter approach to depression, managing to be funny while also meaningful. Guests on the show share how they managed to keep their sense of humor while dealing with depression.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- Movies That Get Depression Right
- Depression’s Eleven Big Lies EXPOSED!
- Steven Page Camouflages Songs About Depression
7 Facts You Should Know About Depression
Feeling Good Podcast by Dr. David Burns
If you are looking for a depression podcast written by a seasoned expert on the topic, then you should look no further than the Feeling Good Podcast by Dr. David Burns. Burns is a renowned expert on the topic of how to manage depression and is a pioneer of methods used by psychologists and therapists around the world.
About the Host
Dr. David Burns is an adjunct professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions for his contributions to the field of psychology. He is also the author of popular books on depression, including Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, which is universally considered one of the most popular books on depression.
About the Podcast
The Feeling Good podcast describes techniques to manage depression and anxiety as well as improve self esteem. Whether you are a member of the general public or a therapist, you’ll find helpful tips and tricks about shyness, social anxiety, suicide prevention, perfectionism, etc. The podcast also features cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods such as the Acceptance Paradox. This podcast can be downloaded as well to listen on any device.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- #009: Should I Try to Be Happy All the Time? Healthy vs. Unhealthy Emotions
- #020: The Truth About Antidepressants
- #189: How to Crush Negative Thoughts: All-or-Nothing Thinking
How Cognitive Distortions Fuel Your Stressors
The SelfWork Podcast with Dr. Margaret Rutherford
Are you looking for a depression podcast hosted by a psychologist who understands that depression isn't always completely debilitating? Then the SelfWork podcast may interest you. This podcast takes the approach that not everyone with depression shows it on the outside, and many are perfectionists who have hidden depression.
About the Host
Dr. Margaret Rutherford is a psychologist in private practice and author of the book, “Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism that Masks Your Depression.” Dr. Rutherford believes that depression can be hidden behind perfectionism but still have a devastating impact leading to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.
About the Podcast
Dr. Rutherford centers her podcast on the questions that she receives by email (which she responds to as often as she can). On the podcast, you can learn about a variety of topics related to perfectionism, depression, burnout, emotions, therapy, people pleasing, and more.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- #216: Is Your Life Picture Perfect or Truly Happy?
- #214: Three Ways to Govern Your Emotions (Rather Than Them Governing You)
- #212: Pros and Cons of People Pleasing
Defeat Postpartum Depression with Arielle Wozniak
Are you struggling with postpartum depression? If so, you may be interested in the Defeat Postpartum Depression podcast. This podcast is dedicated solely to the topic of postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety, and it is a good choice for new mothers who are struggling to get their footing with their mood after having a baby.
About the Host
The Defeat Postpartum Depression podcast is hosted by Arielle Wozniak, a Maternal Mental Wellness Coach with personal experience of postpartum depression. She helps women through coaching services, and her podcast aims to help others going through the same experiences that she triumphed over.
About the Podcast
Defeat Postpartum Depression is a podcast devoted to helping women who are struggling with postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- #64: How Do I Stop the Negative Spiral?
- #62: How Common Is Depression During Pregnancy?
- #61: Unexpected Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
What Is Postpartum Depression?
The Brain Warrior's Way
Are you looking for a depression podcast about the neuroscience behind why your brain behaves the way that it does? If so, you'll be interested in the Brain Warrior's Way podcast. This podcast is hosted by experts and takes a deep dive into what makes your brain tick.
About the Host
The Brain Warrior’s Way podcast is hosted by Dr. Daniel G. Amen, MD and Tana Amen, BSN, RN. Dr. Amen is a board-certified psychiatrist, author of the best-selling book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Lack of Focus, Anger, and Impulsiveness,” among others. Tana Amen is a nurse, vice president of Amen Clinics, and author of the book “The Omni Diet.”
About the Podcast
The Brain Warrior’s Way podcast examines the connection between the brain and wellness, covering depression but also topics such as anxiety, social anxiety, ADHD, weight loss, and happiness. On the podcast, Dr. Amen and Tara Amen discuss neuroscience in a way that delivers helpful tips for living your best life.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- How Feelings of Guilt and Shame Manifest in Your Brain
- Taming the Dragons of Past Trauma
- Treating Depression Without Medication, with Dr. Steven Hayes
Depression Statistics Everyone Should Know
The Depression Files Podcast
Are you interested in a podcast that touches on men's experience of depression? If so, the Depression Files podcast may be of interest to you as this is its main focus.
About the Host
The Depression Files podcast is hosted by Al Levin, an assistant principal in a public elementary school in the process of completing his coaching certification through the Coaches Training Institute. Levin recovered from major depressive disorder and is passionate about supporting others, particularly men with depression. He also conducts speaking engagements for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
About the Podcast
The Depression Files Podcast focused on interviews with men who have lived with depression. The goal of the podcast is to educate, support, and reduce stigma. Levin also has guest interviews to examine specific mental health topics.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- Al Interviews Chris Agrudo | Delivery Driver, Suicide Attempt Survivor, Author & Cofounder of Living is So Big
- Al Interviews Dr. Sam Ko on the Topic of Ketamine
- Al Interviews Dale Curd | Psychotherapist, Host of CBC's "Hello Goodbye" & Founder of The Men's List
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Tell Me What You're Proud Of With Dr. Maggie Perry
Are you looking for a depression podcast that showcases real-life therapy sessions focused on treating depression and other conditions? If so, you'll be enthralled with the Tell Me What You're Proud Of podcast.
About the Host
Dr. Maggie Perry is a licensed psychologist with a PhD in clinical psychology. She is also the founder of an online group therapy platform called Huddle.care.
About the Podcast
In the The Tell Me What You’re Proud Of Podcast, Dr. Maggie Perry shares real life therapy sessions that she conducts with actual clients on the topics of depression, stress, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- #45: Procrastination and Perfectionism; Two Sides of the Same Coin: Real Therapy Session w/ Patient “Catherine,” Part 2
- #36: Silence a Negative Self-Narrative - Wrap-up Therapy Session with Patient “Nicole”
- #23: Feelings Aren’t Forever - Real Therapy Session Part 4 of 4 with “Jim”
The Toxic Effects of Negative Self-Talk
Before You Kill Yourself Podcast
Do you want to learn about depression from guest interviews? Then the Before You Kill Yourself podcast might be right for you.
About the Host
Leo Flowers is a stand-up comedian with a master’s degree in counseling/psychology and a TEDx speaker. Flowers is also a life coach for people who are successful in their careers and finances but struggling in their relationships in terms of acceptance and connection and looking to find more meaning in life. In his coaching, he works with clients on topics like goal setting, moving past limiting beliefs, managing anxiety and stress, organization, passion for life, and finding hope.
About the Podcast
In the Before You Kill Yourself podcast, Leo Flowers interviews mental health experts, book authors, and comedians to teach others how to thrive as well as to reduce stigma around depression and mental health. The podcast combines insight with humor, and has been praised by listeners for Flowers' ability to tackle sensitive topics with care.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- Winter Blues and How to Show Up for Your Online Therapy
- Tracy McCubbin: Decluttering for Mental Health
- Three E’s of Influence in a Relationship and a Lesson on Preventing Suicide from Chase Bennett
How Clutter and Mental Health Are Connected
Happier Podcast with Gretchen Rubin
Finally, are you interested in finding out not only about depression but about how to be happier? If that's the case, then the Happier Podcast is worth a listen.
About the Host
Gretchen Rubin is a writer and author of the books “The Happiness Project,” “The Four Tendencies,” “Outer Order, Inner Calm” and others.
About the Podcast
On the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Gretchen and her sister Elizabeth Craft draw on science, popular culture, and their own experiences to explore how to increase your happiness, health, productivity, and creativity.
Sample Episodes about Depression:
- #314: Re-Engage with Your Resolutions, a Hack for Helping People to Give Gifts, and Outdoors Demerit, and Why Humor Is Such a Powerful Tool at Work and in Life
- #242: Buy Some Happiness, Plus Hacks for Taking Medication Regularly
- #240: Very Special Episode: Use the Emergency Kit for Anxiety, Worry, and Stress
The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter
A Word From Verywell
No matter what type of depression podcast you are interested in listening to, there is likely something available that you'll enjoy. This is just a small selection of the depression podcasts that you can find on your favorite listening station. When choosing a depression podcast, consistency, expert advice, entertainment, and relatability are the key factors to consider. Once you find one that you enjoy, make time on a weekly basis to check in and learn something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do podcasts help with mental health?
Podcasts can be an excellent way to learn more about different mental health topics. In addition to gaining insights from experts, guests who have experienced different mental health conditions can share their experiences and tips that can help you better care for your mental well-being.
What should you listen to if you're depressed?
In addition to listening to a depression podcast for tips and information about interventions, the music you listen to might also play a part in improving your mood. Music can have a powerful effect on mood, and some research suggests that it can help improve symptoms of depression. Upbeat music that lifts mood or genres that help promote relaxation may be most beneficial.
Does the brain ever recover from depression?
Depression can take a serious toll on the brain, contributing to brain shrinkage, inflammation, and structural changes. While significant, such changes are not necessarily permanent. However, research suggests that treatments such as therapy and antidepressants can help repair the damage.
