“In general, being selective about where we get information, finding credible sources with more optimistic outlooks can improve our lives,” says Bashah, who emphasizes that there are no credibility checks or d ‘accuracy for podcasts, so the onus is on the listener to decide. if they were to connect. “So, Avoiding or limiting time spent on podcasts that promote conspiracy theories, generate paranoia, promote divisiveness or dichotomous thinking will be important to maintain mental health. and general well-being,” says Bashah. “It is equally important to avoid podcasts that promote a victim mindset. Although hosts can often accumulate a large number of followers by selectively targeting a group, a good host should help you think about the role you play in any issue and promote your autonomy.
To make sure a mental health podcast is right for you, there are a few things to consider before spending hours listening to one. To start, “it’s important to feel like you’re connecting with the host,” says Guttman. “Determine if you are in their target audience so that the topics covered are most relevant to you. ” Afterwards, Before listening to an episode, Guttman recommends reading the episode blurb to make sure you won’t be triggered by the subject matter.
Also keep in mind that Some of the best mental health podcasts aren’t hosted by experienced mental health professionals, but if you find one, that’s definitely a plus. “It’s not that mental health professionals are the only ones giving good advice when it comes to emotional well-being, but I would be concerned about podcasts that don’t tap into their expertise at all,” says Nick Allen, Ph.D.clinical psychologist, professor at the University of Oregon and co-founder of a digital mental health company Ksana Health.
Lately, Look for a podcast where the host or guests clearly explain the research and methodologies they use to help them develop strategies for managing mental health issues. “Research is the best way to understand whether an approach will actually enrich your mental health or whether it’s snake oil,” says Allen.
