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
Posts Tagged ‘Mental Health’
Catholic faith tested during leadership stint
Thursday, August 31st, 2023
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, 2023An 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
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
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
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
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
Sir John Kirwan to tackle mental health, ‘worry maps’ and cyclone challenges in Hawke’s Bay visit
Thursday, May 11th, 2023Former All Black Sir John Kirwan will visit Napier and Hastings next week for two free talks on mental health in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. He spoke to Hawke’s Bay Today reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine about the upcoming visit and the importance of looking after your mental health. The feeling of dread when rain hits Read more
TickTok’s changed the game: Teen mental health crisis
Monday, March 20th, 2023
Megan Dykes’s TikTok account is a dark place. On a recent Thursday morning, she opened the ‘For You’ page on the app and lingered over the first video that popped up: a clip of a young woman joking about wanting to cut herself. Dykes (pictured) swiped her thumb and watched another similarly gloomy post, and Read more
Mike King’s mental health tips for parents
Thursday, March 16th, 2023
Mental health campaigner Mike King is offering mental health tips for parents and has questions for every one of us. The former comedian offered his advice when he joined host Simon Bridges on Stuff’s Generally Famous podcast. He also spoke of his own battle with addiction, transition from stand-up, and cancel culture. During the podcast, Read more