Mental Health Awareness Week 23-29 September 2024
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand with the theme: "Community is... what we create together."
This year, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand invites everyone to reflect on the power of community - how we define it, build it, and celebrate it together.
Explore their website for valuable tools and resources to strengthen yourself, your employee's and your community, by supporting mental well-being throughout the week and beyond:
What is mental health and wellbeing?
We all have mental health. It’s a taonga/treasure, something to look after so we can lead our best and most fulfilling lives.
The World Health Organisation defines wellbeing as “a state in which every individual realises their own potential; can cope with the normal stresses of life; can work productively and fruitfully; and is able to make a contribution to their community”.
Put simply, wellbeing is about how we feel, and how we function day-to-day.
At least It’s important to remember that with the right tautoko/support, many people can and do recover or live well.
Wellbeing isn’t just for people who haven’t experienced mental distress or illness — it’s for everyone.
Good wellbeing doesn’t happen by accident, it needs nurturing and protecting. Strong social connections are essential for our life satisfaction and overall health, which is why being part of a community can provide us with a sense of belonging, purpose and connectedness. Join us this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power of community in uplifting our collective wellbeing.