Mental health issues, if taken lightly, can lead to a reduced quality of life and disrupted well-being. Dr. A.K. Agarwal, President of RFS-I and former Head of Psychiatry at KGMU, pointed out that 13.7% of Indians have mental health issues, with 2% severe issues.
India, however, as compared to before, is moving away from past neglect and raising more public and governmental awareness towards mental health issues. While mental health is taken less lightly in India, the country is still in a transitional phase. Listening to podcasts, especially those with an Indian focus, can be incredibly helpful, acting as a crucial bridge towards an individual's overall well-being.
What it’s about: The Healthy Indian Podcast explores a range of topics related to health and wellness. There are many topics you can find in this podcast, from seeking personal growth, motivation, inspiration from real-life stories, to addressing cultural stigmas and other lifestyle challenges.
Who it’s for: This podcast is for anyone looking for light-hearted and inspiring stories that look at both physical and mental health challenges. It speaks directly to desi experiences and struggles.
Hosted by: Umang Shah, who guides conversations with expert guests and others with compelling stories.
What you’ll gain: You will gain a sense of empowerment and confidence because this podcast blends inspiration and action. You are not just getting motivational stories, but also doable lifestyle strategies. The best part is that since it focuses on the South Asian community, you will find the topics relatable.
What it’s about: Zindagi Matters' core premise is "Where life meets hope". The episodes explore individuals' journeys from hardship to recovery, mostly in an Indian context. Many topics are explored in this podcast, including domestic violence, living with bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma and the challenges faced by caregivers.
Who it’s for: It's for a broad audience, but also targets those who are going through or have gone through trauma and abuse. People living with some form of mental health issues and family members looking for ways to understand and support loved ones can also benefit from this.
Hosted by: Geeta Lal Sahai, a mental health advocate, author, and filmmaker, hosts the podcast. She is also the founder-president of the Swayam Foundation, an NGO dedicated to mental health.
What you’ll gain: You will find comfort in realising that you are not alone, as there are many factual stories discussed here about people's journey from struggle to transformation. It provides a supportive community where people's vulnerability is seen and celebrated as a souce of strength.
What it’s about: Coach For Mind: The Indian Mental Health Podcast covers many topics, from common health issues people experience, from anxiety to depression. It provides coping strategies for daily life, like ways to manage stress, personal growth and mindfulness.
Who it’s for: Basically, anyone who wants to boost their mental health literacy and apply the practical tools for better wellbeing overall. Whether you are a student, a working professional or someone navigating life challenges in the Indian context.
Hosted by: Lekh Bajaj. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and life coach who was previously an engineer at IIT Delhi. He founded the Coach For Mind platform and brings both analytical skills and clinical expertise to his work.
What you’ll gain: You will gain valuable insights into various mental health concepts from a clinical perspective. You will get both actionable steps and coping strategies for managing psychological issues that are common within an Indian context. You will also get a structured and empathetic approach to emotional growth and emotional resilience.
What it’s about: The Indian Shrink focuses on wellbeing and relationships. Topics covered here range from healing from emotional injuries, the neurobiology of love and regulating sleep. The podcast's mission is to make therapeutic concepts easier to understand. It addresses anxieties about mental health recovery.
Who it’s for: This podcast appeals to people who are seeking for emotional well-being and also those who are new to therapy and want to understand mental health from a professional perspective. The insights are valuable, especially for those in the Indian diaspora.
Hosted by: Shubhika Singh Chundawat, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with qualifications from both India and the UK, and a Certified Trauma Specialist. She is also a trans- and queer-affirmative mental health practitioner.
What you’ll gain: You will understand complex mental health concepts because the way the messages are conveyed is in an easy-to-understand format. Furthermore, you will also get guidance and coping strategies on relationships, trauma and and LGBTQIA+ issues.
What it’s about: The SOS with Suchita podcast breaks the stigma around mental health in India. It focuses on what mental health really is by featuring open conversations with experts and real people.
Who it’s for: This is for everyone who wants to learn more about mental health, including those who are experiencing mental illness and also people who want to challenge the societal stigma.
Hosted by Suchita Bhhatia, a filmmaker, podcaster, and passionate mental health advocate. Her background in storytelling through film and theatre informs her approach to hosting, creating a space for vulnerable and open conversations.
What you’ll gain: You will hear relatable stories of the struggles people go through and discover a community that normalises talking about emotional well-being. What makes this podcast unique is that it challenges and refines the cultural beliefs around mental health.
So every podcast I listed above is on Spotify. The Healthy Indian Podcast, Coach for the Mind and The SOS with Suchita can also be listened to on Apple Podcast.
Looking for more desi podcasts? Check out the link below for thought-provoking intellectual podcasts. These options will give you plenty to reflect on.