Mental Health Commission breaks new ground

For the first time in New Zealand the story of mental illness and recovery has been told on video, through the eyes of people who have used mental health services.

The Commission interviewed eight New Zealanders who have experience of mental illness and compiled their views and comments in a narrative-style video. The resource is intended as a teaching guide to assist teaching in mental health and to increase understanding of mental illness and recovery.

Mental Health Commissioner Mary O’Hagan says that the interviews with mental health service users were a powerful commentary on recovery from mental illness.

“Although the interviewees’ experience of mental illness and mental health services differed considerably, a unified vision emerges around the importance of creating mental health services that work in partnership with service users,” say Ms O’Hagan.

“The Mental Health Commission aims to show that most people recover from mental illness, and that mental health services should focus on helping people recover and get reconnected with their job, home, family and communities again.”

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