If you, or someone you know, are at risk, get help now. Visit the Mental Health Foundation website to find out where to get help in a mental health crisis.
We need to do more than just eat well and exercise to maintain good health. It’s important to get enough good sleep every day, and to take time out to relax and enjoy life.
Being in optimum health means you’ll be able to cope with all the little stresses that everyday life throws at you, like getting stuck in traffic, sitting exams, moving house or getting sick.
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.
The Lowdown is a website, especially for young New Zealanders. It can help you recognise and understand depression or anxiety and is full of ideas and practical strategies to help cope with depression, stress and anxiety and get to a better place. It also talks about issues like relationships, health and disability, body image, sexuality and bullying.
Helplines
If you need someone to talk to, at any time, 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 specially designed for youth, seniors, and Māori and Pacific Island communities. There are also links to some great online tools and smartphone apps that have been designed to help manage stress and anxiety.
