Dixon Chibanda

Dr. Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatrist in Zimbabwe, has been on a mission for years to help people gain access to mental healthcare in his community, where there's only one psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people. To bridge the gap and provide people with the help they need, Dixon turned to a rather unorthodox group for help: grandmothers.You can follow the show at @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatrist and author of 'The Friendship Bench,' innovatively combines traditional wisdom with modern psychology to tackle mental health in Zimbabwe. He discusses how storytelling and radical empathy can outperform traditional medication. Chibanda shares insights on training grandmothers as community healers, promoting human connection as essential for mental healing. He emphasizes the importance of hope over symptom checklists, showcasing how personal narratives can foster vulnerability and community support in overcoming mental health challenges.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re revisiting some of our favorite conversations with scientists about how to live healthier, happier lives.  Psychiatrist Dr. Dixon Chibanda has been on a mission for years to help people gain access to mental healthcare in his community. In Zimbabwe, there is only one psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people. To bridge the gap and provide folks with the help they so desperately need, Dixon turned to a rather unorthodox group for help: grandmothers. This episode includes mentions of depression and suicide. If you need additional support, you can call 988 to talk to a trained listener. You can also text with a trained helper by texting “SAVE”  to 741741. Our next season starts June 5. In the meantime, connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShanker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatrist from the University of Zimbabwe and creator of the Friendship Benches project, discusses the whimsical tradition of cheese rolling, captivating crowds worldwide. The conversation highlights a heartwarming story of a cancer survivor saved by a stranger's bone marrow donation, showcasing the power of community and storytelling. Chibanda also emphasizes the role of grandmothers in mental health, alongside a humorous exploration of Brazil's beatboxing nuns, bringing joy amidst life's challenges.

Dixon Chibanda, one of Zimbabwe’s only 12 psychiatrists, revolutionizes mental health care through his Friendship Bench program, training grandmothers in talk therapy. He shares heartfelt stories showing the impact of community support on mental health, particularly for those facing socioeconomic challenges. The program empowers grandmothers to provide crucial emotional support, reaching over 30,000 individuals. Chibanda's innovative approach highlights the potential for culturally relevant solutions in addressing the mental health crisis in resource-limited settings.