The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) in New Zealand is celebrating the annual Mental Health Awareness Week this week to help Kiwis understand what boosts their wellbeing and improves mental health.

The campaign is run by the Mental Health Foundation annually between 26 September–2October and this year’s campaign theme is ‘Reconnect - with the people and places that lift you up - hei pikinga waiora’.

'Mental Health Awareness Week is a very significant event for all of Aotearoa,” said Associate Professor Susanna Every-Palmer, Chair of Tu Te Akaaka Roa – the New Zealand National Committee'.

'Mental Health Awareness Week is for everybody, yet it is also an opportunity to listen to, acknowledge and tautoko the experiences of those living with serious and enduring mental health and addiction issues'.

Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui, representing the dynamic relationship between taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing), taha tinana (physical wellbeing) and taha whānau (family and social wellbeing). As each of these elements form the walls of the structure, a weakness in one area impacts the entire wharenui. When we nurture and tend to the tapa and the connections between them, we can strengthen our wharenui. 

'Following the challenges and disruption of the previous few years, Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 reminds us to reconnect with the whānau, friends, and environment that surround and support us', said Associate Professor Every-Palmer.

Information and resources can be found online through the Mental Health Foundation website, with activities that can be incorporated at kura (school), wāhi mahi (workplace) or at home with friends and whānau.

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call +61 437 315 911, or email media@ranzcp.org

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In Aotearoa New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, 1737 is here to help, for free - Mental Health. You can also contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.