“Traditionally, Zimbabweans with depression may see a healer about an exorcism — many view mental illness as a curse. People are more likely to admit they’ve got mental health issues when offered the relatively low-key alternative of chatting on a park bench.”
To tackle Zimbabwe’s shortage of mental health professionals and stigma towards mental health issues, community leaders have been trained on mental health problems and positioned to provide treatment within their local communities- on local park benches. “So far, 27,000 people suffering from common mental health disorders have tried the program,” and it is being expended throughout Zimbabwe.
Click the Source link below to access the full article from the New York Times: The Friendship Bench Can Help Chase The Blues Away.