Nurturing our future generations

Nurturing our future generations

We all have mixed memories of high school. Between avoiding the massive bully lurking in the school corridor on our way to math’s class, to thinking about what you wanted to do with your life and managing the demands of exams and assignments, high school can be amongst some of the toughest years in a young person’s life.

The recently released Ministry of Health statistics on mental health tell us New Zealand has the highest rate of teenage suicide among OECD countries and the demand for mental health support for young New Zealanders is increasing.

Support Stream is a new service to help New Zealand youth manage their mental health and wellbeing. The service is there as a support system for youth who may be dealing with Anxiety or Depression or challenging life events such as a death of a loved one.

Support Stream’s Practice Leader and Occupational Therapist Shelley Southgate says depression in young people is often presented differently as they appear to be more irritable and rebellious than sad.

“An estimated 29 per cent of youth (16 - 24 years) in New Zealand have a mental disorder in a 12-month period. When we are in our teens we find it incredibly difficult to express our feelings in words and often these things go unnoticed with the person having an immense feeling of loneliness.”

Shelley says in addition to life’s usual challenges, a young person may also struggle with the demands of schools and pressure of exams.

Support Stream offers Education Support to those feeling overwhelmed with the demands of The service works in partnership with the clients’ GP or health professional to ensure an integrated approach. Through Support Stream, clients are first assessed by a registered health professional who ascertains their level of required support.

In addition, the Wellness Coaches work alongside existing school support service providers and oftentimes with the client’s family and whānau. This method helps ensure an integrated approach.

The Wellness Coach will then work individually with a client to develop a tailored wellness plan to ensure they are able to practically apply the recommendations received during counselling sessions and are able to achieve their wellness goals.

A wellness plan may include an exercise and nutrition plan, a daily schedule to help manage overwhelming homework and study demands, relaxation and mindfulness strategies or support to join a co-circular activity.

The initial assessment is $120 for a personalised wellness plan and a fee of $30 per hour.

Support Stream is available in Auckland’s Central, Eastern and Southern regions.

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