Every year, the month of May is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month, a movement focused on spreading awareness and ending the stigma around mental health concerns. For those facing cancer, coping with the emotional toll of a diagnosis can sometimes be the biggest challenge. Whether it’s integrative therapies or speaking with a licensed therapist, prioritizing mental health is an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

However you’re feeling, there are helpful podcasts available where others share their stories and advice. Below are five podcast recommendations that you can listen to at any time:  

1) Meditation Minis Podcast

This is a top podcast dedicated to easy meditations that don’t take more than 10 minutes each. They’re tailored to your mood as well as physical and spiritual needs. We recommend starting with Simple Sleep Meditation, but also suggest exploring Gentle Venting Meditation, Box Breathing for Anxiety and Stress, and Chronic Pain Easing Meditation.

2) We Can Do Hard Things

Best-selling advice writer Glennon Doyle, her wife Abby Wamback, and her sister Amanda Doyle talk honestly about everything from anxiety to parenting to health and wellness. They’ve hosted a diverse cast of guests, including Michelle Obama, Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, and more. 

Below are some episodes you can start with:

• How to Quiet Your Inner Critic with Dr. Kristin Neff (Available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Why We All Lie & How Honest Can We Be? (Available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts)

Would you like to match with a licensed therapist? We’ve partnered with Talkspace to provide an accessible and convenient way to connect with a mental health professional. Use the code OUTCOMES4ME100 for $100 off your first month of Talkspace.

3) The Oprah Podcast

Best-selling author Mel Robbins sits with Oprah during her May 6th podcast episode to talk about the coping strategies she employs when she’s hit with crippling anxiety. Tune in for practical and effective tools that can help you find calm when you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

4) Integrative Oncology Talk

Created by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), this podcast is hosted by leading experts in the field. Get insights on the latest evidence-based integrative therapies that can help manage cancer treatment side effects, enhance mental health, and improve overall quality of life. Check out “Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue with Karen Mustian” for an in-depth discussion on how yoga and exercise can support you during treatment and beyond.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

5) Rotten Melons: When Your Boobs Do You Wrong

Hosted by two OB nurses who are both breast cancer thrivers, Rotten Melons offers frank conversations about coping with cancer, the realities of a diagnosis, and when to ask for help. The self-care episode explores their experiences using journaling and music as helpful stress management tools. 

Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.