Depression can be a debilitating illness but researchers have discovered that a simple heart-to-heart talk between those suffering from depression and "grandmothers" through the so-called "Friendship Bench" could ease the effects of the mental disorder. The study, which involved "grandmothers" or trained medical workers, could make a big difference in the millions of Africans suffering from depression.
A result of the study published in JAMA shows that those who suffered from depression have shown lesser chances of exhibiting depression symptoms, anxiety as well as suicidal thoughts after they took part in six therapy sessions for problem-solving. Around 86 percent of the participants were women, 40 percent of whom are positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and 70 percent have suffered from illness and domestic violence.
The program called "Friendship Bench," according to Fox News, has already helped in the treatment of 27,500 people found in over 72 clinics all over the country. With the program's success, they are eyeing its expansion in Africa's sub-Saharan areas where people are suffering from the burden of common mental disorders.
"In many parts of Africa, if you are poor and mentally ill, your chances of getting adequate treatment are close to zero," said Dr. Karlee Silver of Grand Challenges Canada. US News said the study shows that the country only has 25 psychologists and psychiatrists despite the fact that 25 percent of those in Zimbabwe suffer from depression. The therapy offered by the Canadian government-funded "Friendship Bench" program has been effective in the treatment of common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Psych Central said the patients were given either the standard care and the "Friendship Bench" program. The study showed that 48 percent of those under standard care still showed depression symptoms compared to only 12 percent of those under the Friendship Bench program exhibiting the same symptoms.
