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Friday, 4 October 2013

Mental Health Awareness Week in Upper Hutt

7-13 October is Mental Health Awareness Week run by the Mental Health Foundation. Results from Council’s Mature Residents Survey and various local Youth Surveys highlight that many residents of all ages in Upper Hutt suffer from mental health issues particularly depression.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 04 OCT 2013—The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, 7-13th October, organised by the Mental Health Awareness Foundation (MHF) is Connect. Connect is seen as one of the pillars of healthy mental wellbeing along with several others such as being active and giving.

This year’s theme is to highlight that New Zealanders of all ages are experiencing negative physical and mental health effects due to social isolation, loneliness and lack of connectedness in accordance with the international Sovereign Wellbeing Index. The Index shows that New Zealand currently ranks 22nd out of 23 countries in terms of social wellbeing.

These results have been echoed in the recent Upper Hutt City’s Mature Residents Survey as well as past Youth Surveys. The Mature Residents Survey showed that many of our mature residents are suffering from depression and social isolation, with only a third of people in touch with others every day. The survey also revealed that 16% of those surveyed reported symptoms of depression. The Youth Survey demonstrated that a sense of wellbeing decreases markedly within our younger residents between the ages of 13-14 and 17-18 year olds, as well as there being a noticeable lack of knowing where to get help for mental health issues.

The Mental Health Foundation notes that there are many easy and straightforward things for all Kiwis to do to connect more meaningfully with others. They say that wellbeing can be boosted by simply making a personal phone call, walking the dog or having a shared lunch. Being around people through getting to know your neighbours, participating in the community through volunteering, or just being in an environment such as the City Library, can assist with human connection

Being active is also a well-known method to alleviate symptoms of depression and other mental health issues. Upper Hutt City Council’s Activation team supports our community to be more active. Their website lists a wide range of activities available to the community ranging from Zumba, swimming, croquet and much more for all ages and fitness levels.

There are also many easy ways to access help and information around mental health and wellbeing from The Mental Health Foundation website (www.mentalhealth.org.nz), talking to your local GP or pharmacist or using one of Council’s free resources such as Be Safe, Stay Well. In addition the Library has a Turn The Page pamphlet in the Health section listing a recommended range of books on health and wellbeing. To speak to someone for information or support, there are various agencies available such as Lifeline 0800 543 354, Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865 or Youthline 0800 376 633. In times of crisis call 111 or go to the local Emergency Department.

“This is a community that really cares about its people” says Community Development Adviser Sofia Robinson. “During this week especially, think about the people important to you who may be struggling for all sorts of reasons-and ask them if they’re ok. If they’re not ok and they need help, support them in seeing a health professional or in contacting a support phone line. You could be the person to make all the difference”

About Upper Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.

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