Posts Tagged ‘Mental Health’

State of the Nation – some successes but escalating challenges too

Thursday, February 15th, 2024
State of the Nation

In the midst of the country’s escalating cost-of-living crisis, the Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2024 report spotlights the growing socio-economic challenges confronting New Zealanders. The report, Ngā Tukunga Iho – The Things We Inherit, offers an annual assessment of the country’s social progress – this year especially – children and youth housing crime Read more

More specialists needed to help people with severe mental illnesses

Monday, October 9th, 2023

Top mental health specialists warn that the number of psychologists and psychiatrists must double to meet patient demand. Practitioners said New Zealand needed 15 psychologists per 100,000 people to meet demand – equating to 770 full-time workers. But Te Whatu Ora estimated the public sector currently employed about 350 workers. Ashley Bertelson, 18, said her Read more

Mental health specialists needed

Thursday, October 5th, 2023

Top mental health specialists warn that the number of psychologists and psychiatrists must double to meet patient demand. Practitioners said New Zealand needed 15 psychologists per 100,000 people to meet demand – equating to 770 full-time workers. But Te Whatu Ora estimated the public sector currently employed about 350 workers. Ashley Bertelson, 18, said her Read more

Catholic faith tested during leadership stint

Thursday, August 31st, 2023
Catholic faith

Todd Muller says his Catholic faith was deeply tested during his ill-fated 53-day stint as National leader. He “really struggled” during a self-described mental breakdown, saying his prayers “weren’t being answered”. But Muller, who will retire from Parliament after this year’s election, says hundreds of people reached out to him after he spoke publicly about Read more

‘Worst it’s ever been’ – KidsCan says need for families, children at all-time high

Thursday, July 13th, 2023

An Auckland mother says the struggle to provide her kids with the most basic items such as food and clothing is taking a toll on her mental health. As food inflation hits a 36-year high and fuel costs go back up, working families are having to juggle between bills, while kids are going to school Read more

$1.9b for better mental health services and still waiting

Thursday, June 29th, 2023
mental health

In 2019 the New Zealand government committed an unprecedented NZ$1.9 billion to improving mental health services. This announcement brought hope to a sector that had been treated like the second-class citizen of the health service for decades. But four years later, it is clear these high hopes have not been realised. It’s easy to find Read more

Covid’s mental health effect needs care says Bloomfield

Thursday, June 1st, 2023
mental health

Looking after your mental health is important. Kiwis “can’t afford” to lose sight of how Covid-19 impacted on this, Sir Ashley Bloomfield says. Known for his leadership during the Covid-19 crisis, Bloomfield has recently become an ambassador for a mindfulness programme for school-aged children. The Southern Cross-funded Pause Breathe Smile (PBS) programme is free and Read more

Four key factors underpin youth mental health problems

Thursday, May 18th, 2023
youth mental health

Four key factors negatively affect youth mental health, a new Auckland University study has found. The study investigated over 100 reports for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission study. Researchers found young people’s mental health suffers mainly from: an uncertain future due to inherited social and economic challenges and climate change racism and discrimination social Read more

Palmerston North diocese continues post-cyclone support

Monday, May 15th, 2023
Palmerston North diocese

The Palmerston North diocese is continuing its community support following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. The diocese sponsored a combined parent evening for Sacred Heart College and St John’s College earlier this month. The move follows generous contributions from people around the country who donated to the Diocese’s Cyclone Gabriel appeal. Palmerston North Diocese Read more