Viborg cuts free sauna sessions for people with PTSD

Viborg Municipality is ending free guided sauna sessions for people with PTSD after just one year, a decision that has deeply affected participant Mateo Rathcke, DR reports.

The “Sauna on prescription” programme was intended to help people in psychological distress. Its annual cost of 500,000 kroner has been cut from the municipality’s budget agreement.

Rathcke has taken part since February. He lives with ADHD, autism, depression and PTSD, and says the sauna sessions have helped him manage everyday life.

“I don’t know where I’ll go when it stops. It makes me sad,” he said. “I and many others are taking a personal step backwards. We lose the chance to have something to look forward to, and a place where we understand why we are there.”

Rathcke said the programme also gave him a community and a place to meet friends. “I lose a community, and a place where I meet my friends. I’ll have a hole in my calendar, with nothing to look forward to.”

Viborg Mayor Katrine Fusager Rohde of the Liberal Party said she regretted that the cuts would affect vulnerable residents. She said the municipality had to consider whether the money could be directed to other ways of providing what she described as greater support.

Veterans are exempt from the cuts and will continue to have access to “Sauna on prescription.”