Counsellors embrace nature for Mental Health Awareness Week

Counsellors embrace nature during Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental health counsellors are urging Kiwis to get an emotional health ‘warrant of fitness’ during Mental Health Awareness Week (October 9-15).

“Our mental health has a major impact on our everyday lives and good mental health is vital to a healthy lifestyle,” says the president of the NZ Association of Counsellors (NZAC), Bev Weber.

“Just like you would see a doctor for a physical check-up, you should do the same for your mental health and Mental Health Awareness Week is a good time to start.”

Ms Weber says prevention is better than cure and that applies to both physical ailments and emotional and mental wellness problems.
Mental Health Awareness Week is from the 9-15 October and the theme is “Nature is Key”. The ‘Five Natural Ways to Wellbeing’ are: connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active.

Nature can be a powerful tool for our mental health and encourages a healthy lifestyle, even just by breathing in the fresh air and going for a walk.

Since 1993, The Mental Health Foundation organises the Week under contract to the Ministry of Health. It is endorsed by the World Federation for Mental Health, and is recognised in more than 150 countries.
NZAC advocates that embracing nature as a part of your well-being complements the role of counsellors.

Counselling helps with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life changes and stress, relationships with family, friends and work colleagues, trauma, abuse and bullying, domestic and sexual violence.
“We want everyone to enjoy good mental health as part of creating a healthy and happy society,” Ms Weber said.

NZAC has arranged a variety of events to showcase the week and get the public involved. To find out more, go to mhaw-counselling.co.nz

ENDS

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