Anxiety Management Audio For You To Cope With Overwhelming Worry
Imagine waking up in the morning, your mind racing with worries about the day ahead. You’re not alone—anxiety is something that many of us experience, whether it’s the nagging dread of an upcoming presentation, the stress of juggling responsibilities, or the overwhelming fear of the unknown.
In fact, anxiety disorders affect nearly one in three adults in the US at some point in their lives. In India, the National Mental Health Survey (NHMS) conducted in 2015-16 estimated that approximately 3.5% of the country’s population suffers from anxiety-related disorders, translating to over 40 million people.
But what if we told you that there’s a simple, accessible tool that can help you navigate these turbulent waters? Enter the world of podcasts.
These audio companions have grown in popularity over the last decade, and for good reason. They offer a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and stories from experts and everyday people alike, all designed to help us manage anxiety and cultivate resilience.
Podcasts can feel like a friend sitting beside you, sharing their experiences and wisdom. They can demystify anxiety, making it feel less isolating and more manageable. So, let’s explore some of these engaging audio formats that can serve as powerful allies toward understanding and coping with anxiety.
Benefits of Listening to Anxiety Management Podcasts
Take me to the podcast sectionExpert Insights
Many anxiety-focused podcasts feature mental health professionals who share evidence-based strategies for managing anxiety. For instance, the podcast Your Anxiety Toolkit, hosted by Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT, provides listeners with practical tools grounded in clinical practice (Quinlan, 2020). Such expert insights can demystify anxiety and empower listeners to take control of their mental health.
Relatable Stories
Podcasts often include personal narratives from individuals who have experienced anxiety. These stories can help listeners feel less isolated and more understood. The Mental Illness Happy Hour, hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin, features candid discussions about mental health struggles, fostering a sense of community among listeners (Gilmartin, 2012).
Diverse Perspectives
The podcast medium allows for a variety of voices and experiences. For example, Yeah No, I’m Not Okay focuses on mental health in BIPOC communities, addressing unique challenges and providing culturally relevant resources (Guerrero et al., 2021). This diversity ensures that listeners can find content that resonates with their own experiences.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Many anxiety podcasts incorporate mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques, which can be beneficial for managing anxiety symptoms. For instance, Meditation Minis offers guided meditations designed to help listeners cultivate calmness and reduce stress (Hamilton, 2017).1
Podcasts can provide valuable tools and insights for managing anxiety and coping with overwhelming worry. They offer listeners the flexibility to engage with anxiety management techniques on their own time and at their own pace.
This followng list provides a selection of highly-ranked and popular podcasts focused on anxiety management. Here are some key points about this selection.
Anxiety Rx
Host : Russell Kenedy
Focus : Anxious doctor turned healer. Decades of suffering, 50+ healers failed. Found unconventional cure (not LSD!) Show you the way out!
Anxiety Slayer
– Hosts: Shann Vander Leek & Ananga Sivyer
– Focus: Practical tips, meditations, and breathing techniques for anxiety relief
– Consistently ranks in Apple Podcasts’ top Mental Health category
The Anxiety Coaches Podcast
– Host: Gina Ryan
– Focus: Education and coaching for anxiety, panic, and PTSD
– Over 14 million downloads, highly rated on Apple Podcasts
The OCD and Anxiety Podcast
- Focus : This podcast is all about OCD and anxiety and how we can have a better relationship with it
Anxiety Guy Podcast
– Host: Dennis Simsek
– Focus: Overcoming anxiety, depression, and panic attacks
– Top-rated in the Self-Help category on Apple Podcasts
Not Another Anxiety Show
– Host: Kelli Walker
– Focus: Practical tips for anxiety management from a registered nurse
– Consistently ranks high in the Health & Fitness category
The Calmer You Podcast
– Host: Chloe Brotheridge
– Focus: Hypnotherapy and coaching for anxiety and confidence
– Popular in the UK and growing international audience
The Panic Pod
– Host: Joshua Fletcher
– Focus: Understanding and managing panic attacks and anxiety
– Highly rated and frequently featured in Apple Podcasts’ Mental Health category
Meditation Minis Podcast
– Host: Chel Hamilton
– Focus: Short guided meditations for anxiety and stress
– Consistently in Apple Podcasts’ top meditation podcasts
Anxious in Austin
– Hosts: Dr. Marianne Stout & Dr. Thomas Smithyman
– Focus: CBT techniques for anxiety from licensed psychologists
– Well-regarded in the professional community and growing listenership
Happiness Labs
– Host: Dr. Laurie Santos
– Focus: Science-based strategies for well-being, including anxiety management
– Consistently ranks in Apple Podcasts’ top Education category
Owning it : The Anxiety podcast
- Host : Caroline Foran
- Focus : Explores everything from what anxiety is and why it happens to us, how our brains work and why it’s actually very normal
Yeah No, I’m Not Okay
– Hosts: Diane Guerrero and others
– Description: This podcast addresses mental health challenges, particularly in BIPOC communities, and aims to reduce stigma around mental health issues.
– Apple Podcast Rating: Not specified, but noted for its important discussions.
Research Supporting the Use of Podcasts for Anxiety Management
Research indicates that engaging with mental health content through podcasts can lead to positive outcomes. A study in Psychological Medicine found that individuals who consumed mental health-related media reported increased knowledge and reduced stigma surrounding mental health issues (Tully et al., 2021). 2
This suggests that podcasts can not only provide coping strategies but also contribute to a broader understanding of mental health.
Moreover, the interactive nature of podcasts allows listeners to reflect on their experiences and apply learned strategies in their daily lives. This aligns with the principles of self-help interventions, which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms (Cuijpers et al., 20163).
Research Supporting the Use of Podcasts for Anxiety Management
Research indicates that engaging with mental health content through podcasts can lead to positive outcomes. A study in Psychological Medicine found that individuals who consumed mental health-related media reported increased knowledge and reduced stigma surrounding mental health issues (Tully et al., 2021). This suggests that podcasts can not only provide coping strategies but also contribute to a broader understanding of mental health.
Moreover, the interactive nature of podcasts allows listeners to reflect on their experiences and apply learned strategies in their daily lives. This aligns with the principles of self-help interventions, which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms (Cuijpers et al., 2016).
Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders affect approximately 31.1% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives. Symptoms can include excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life (NIMH, 20214).
Effective anxiety management often involves a combination of therapeutic interventions, lifestyle changes, and self-help strategies. While traditional therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are highly effective, many individuals seek additional resources to supplement their treatment. This is where podcasts come into play.
The Rise of Mental Health Podcasts
Podcasts have surged in popularity over the past decade, becoming a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and experiences related to mental health. A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research highlights that podcasts can provide accessible mental health information and foster community support (Hollis et al., 2020). The intimate nature of podcasts allows listeners to feel connected to hosts and guests, often leading to a sense of comfort and understanding.
- Hamilton, C. (2017). Meditation Minis. [Podcast]. ↩︎
- Tully, L. M., et al. (2021). Mental health media consumption and stigma: a systematic review. Psychological Medicine, 51(6), 1-9 ↩︎
- Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., & van Straten, A. (2016). The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: a meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 46(3), 1-12. ↩︎
- NIMH. (2021). Anxiety Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. ↩︎