Mental health awareness
September marks both World Suicide Prevention Day (10th) and Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24th). It’s an appropriate time to check on those around you and seek help if needed.
The Mental Health Awareness Week theme of ‘Five Ways, Five Days’ provides proven tools to boost mental health. Here they are:
Monday
Take Notice | Me Aro Tonu
Take Notice refers to the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness can be thought of as open and receptive attention to, and awareness of, what is occurring in the present moment.
Tuesday
Give | Tukua
Give refers to actions based on kindness, altruism, or generosity. Carrying out acts of kindness boosts our happiness, life satisfaction, and overall wellbeing.
Wednesday
Be Active | Me Kori Tonu
Widely recognised as being crucial for physical health and fitness, being active is also a powerful mood booster. Being active can make us feel good, and also enhances our thinking and learning abilities.
Thursday
Connect | Me Whakawhanaunga
Connection is the ngākau/heart of our wellbeing. It weaves us together, making us feel seen, heard, and understood. When we nurture meaningful connections with others, we fuel our own happiness.
Friday
Keep Learning | Me Ako Tonu
Keep Learning refers to ‘exercising our mind’ – almost like taking our brain to the gym. Any activity that challenges our thinking and expands our consciousness improves our ability to think.
Several vital services exist that can assist those experiencing mental health issues,
although not everybody is aware of them. The first point of call, if you are struggling, is a general practitioner (GP). They’ll be able to help, and to refer you to local community mental health services.
In the 21/22 financial year, the rate of suspected self-inflicted deaths for males was 14.9 per 100,000 males, and for females was 5.5 per 100,000 females.
New Zealand help lines:
Need to talk? (1737 – free call or text) any time for support from a trained counsellor.
The Depression Helpline (0800 111 757) 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
Healthline (0800 611 116).
Youthline (0800 376 633).
The Lowdown Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797).
