Mental wellbeing

The Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service includes mental health and wellbeing considerations across its programmes and projects. It works with communities to build resilient, supportive and safe communities.

There is a strong relationship between mental and physical wellbeing. One in five New Zealanders experience a mental health-related issue.

When people feel that they belong, are valued, can contribute and have control over their lives, their mental health improves.

Follow the Mental Health Foundation’s ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’.

Connect: Help people who are new to our region by telling them about, and connecting them with, local services such as doctors, schools and community agencies.

Know where your kids are and how to contact them, their friends and their parents.

Give: Everyone needs people they can trust and talk to. Be that person and give your time, words and presence. Remember that sometimes people need professional help, from their doctor or a counsellor. Recommended services are listed below.

Take notice: Be aware of how you are feeling. It is normal to feel sad at times and Christmas can be hard on some families. Know how to find help for yourself and others, connect yourself and others to professional support if you or they are distressed. 

Keep learning: Embrace new experiences, see opportunities, surprise yourself. Listening to others and supporting them is another way to keep learning. 

Be active: Take a break from your phone or computer, and move your mood in any way you can. Get outside, breath, play, walk, run and dance.

• The Five Winning Ways to Wellbeing [Mental Health Foundation website]