Are you okay? Are you worried about someone else?

Are you okay? Are you worried about someone else?

A message from WellSouth’s Health Promotion Team

Life can be tough, and we often have to deal with lots of challenges and changes. In these tough times it can be hard to see the positives in life or have any hope. However WellSouth have some options that may be able to help you.

The Mental Health Foundation also have a set of five simple actions that we can use every day to improve our wellbeing and help us lead happier, healthier lives.

Connect, Me Whakawhanaunga: Talk and listen, be there, feel connected. People are stronger when they pull together and you can connect in so many little ways with those around you. Join a community group, ask a colleague how they are feeling today, phone a friend you haven’t spoken to for a while.

Give, Tukua: Your time, your words, your presence. There is a lot of evidence that those who give are happier. It does not need to be anything big – everybody has something they can offer. You could take up volunteering, help your neighbour with their rubbish, or give a family member some flowers.

Take notice, Me aro tonu: Focus on the simple things. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling.

Keep learning, Me ako tonu: Embrace new experiences, see opportunities, surprise yourself. Get a friend to tell you about their job, read a new book, research activities in your area, or visit the library.

Be active, Me kori tonu: Do what you can, enjoy what you do, move your mood. You could try a new exercise; swimming, agua jogging, walking, cycling, you could join a group, or build some more activity into your day by parking further away, and taking the stairs.

If we do a little more of these things every day we can improve our wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us. For more information visit www.mentalhealth.org.nz. Remember it is okay to reach out and ask for help. If you or someone you know is not okay contact your GP or trusted health professional.

Books on Prescription is a programme where high quality and professionally reviewed self-help books are available from local libraries for common health problems, including resources on stress, anxiety, food choices, diabetes, heart disease and more. Visit www.booksonprescription.co.nz for more information, additional resources such as smartphone apps, podcasts and videos are also available on the website. You can Read/Listen/T’App yourself well!

GoodYarn is a practical workshop that gives people living and working in the rural sector practical tools to be able to talk to people in rural communities about mental health. GoodYarn workshops are run by experienced facilitators who have a wealth of knowledge of the rural sector. To book a GoodYarn workshop contact WellSouth on 03 477 1163 or health.promotion@wellsouth.org.nz

Need to talk? Not okay? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor or call Lifeline – 0800 543 354. If you are concerned about immediate safety dial 111.

ENDS

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