After six episodes featuring a diverse range of communities tackling mental health issues across the globe, Positive News’ inaugural podcast, Developing Mental Wealth, has finished its debut series. Community initiatives focused on the importance of communal, low-cost, and culturally relevant support and education were the subject of the podcast, traveling to Guatemala, Nigeria, Peru, Zimbabwe, and beyond to investigate. It was popular with listeners and some members of the production team shared their favorite moments while working on the project.
The production’s executive producer, Samantha Psyk, was particularly struck by the power of listening. She found that truly engaging with other people and carefully hearing their stories was a simple yet effective way to connect with others, which she thinks can be applied to family, friendships, and even politics. Seyi Rhodes, who co-hosted the show with Dr. Radha Modgil, found the role of non-medical members of communities in delivering mental healthcare particularly enlightening. Hairdressers and grandmothers, for example, provide an inexpensive way for people to access care and Rhodes discussed the potential that other community figures, such as taxi drivers and postmen, could have too.
Radha Modgil, a wellbeing specialist, enjoyed exploring the Friendship Bench project in episode six, which was focused on the role grandmothers are taking in delivering care and combatting the stigma surrounding mental health. Indeed, the whole series illuminated the different ways communities and local practices deal with mental health in non-traditional yet effective ways. The outreach to marginalized groups and use of cultural traditions to foster discussion and care serves as an excellent model for future approaches tied in with local populations.
In conclusion, the Positive News’ podcast Developing Mental Wealth’s debut series was a success in exploring the ways diverse communities across the globe are addressing mental health. Its emphasis on low-cost, communal and culturally relevant practices is useful for policy-shapers and caregivers to consider when implementing or shaping their respective initiatives. The importance of listening, using existing community relationships, and combating stigma will hopefully inspire more innovative approaches to mental health challenges globally
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