Looking after your mental wellbeing

If you, or someone you know, are at risk, get help now. Visit the Mental Health Foundation website to find contacts details for regional mental health crisis teams.

We need to do more than just eat well and exercise to maintain good health. If you’re caring for a person with a disability, it’s important that you get enough good sleep every day, and take time out to relax and enjoy life. That way you’ll be better able to cope with all the little stresses that everyday life throws at you.

Even when you look after yourself, sometimes you might find things get a bit much. You might suffer the loss of someone close to you or go through a big life change, or you might experience depression – a mental illness that affects one in six New Zealanders at some time in their life.

At times like these, you’ll need support to get you through. Talking with a trusted friend or family member is a good start, and it’s a good idea to visit your doctor. They can help with things like medication or counselling if appropriate.

We’ve put together a list of places you can get more information about mental wellness and how to cope with stress, anxiety and depression. They also provide advice about where to get help when you need it.

Information and advice about mental health and depression

The Mental Health Foundation provides information on mental health conditions, where to get help and how to support those you care about. They also have a section to help you find support groups, as well as a section to find counselling services.

Depression.org.nz provides lots of tips about how to find a way through depression and stay well. It looks at the range of treatment options available, but also provides lots of information about self-help techniques and wellbeing.

Helplines

If you need someone to talk to, you can call Lifeline on 0800 543 354. Lifeline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers free, anonymous and confidential counselling and support. They can help you deal with lots of issues, whether you’re feeling isolated or anxious, or whether you are stressed about work, family or financial problems.

You can find a list of other helplines on the Mental Health Foundation’s website. You’ll find helplines for children, teens, parents, and LGBTIQ, as well as helplines specifically for people dealing with addiction, family violence or grief.

Other online tools and resources

Visit the MH101 website to find links to resources especially designed for youth, seniors, and Māori and Pacific Island communities. It has links to some effective online tools and smart phones apps that have been designed to help manage stress and anxiety.