On World Mental Health Day, Tu Te Akaaka Roa, the New Zealand National Committee of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), is urging the New Zealand Government to improve the mental health support available to the community by increasing the number of mental health workers across the country.

This year’s theme, Mental Health at Work reminds us of the positive role workplaces can play in improving people’s mental health, from providing employees financial stability, training them about well-being, supporting open conversations about mental health and actively tackling discrimination and bullying. 

Chair of Tu Te Akaaka Roa, Dr. Hiran Thabrew, said, “For every dollar invested in improving employee mental health, there is a five-dollar return.

“Work-related demands, job insecurity and long hours can be a major cause of mental health problems. 

“Every productivity-focused decision a workplace makes and every employment-related policy a Government releases, has an impact on workers’ mental health.  

“We must ensure that workplaces that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their workers are the norm.”

Dr Thabrew said this theme also puts a spotlight on the challenges faced by mental health workers in their workplace, impeding their ability to provide timely care to people and putting them at increased risk of burnout.

“Workplace pressures add to the mental health burden, of not just for those seeking help but also for those providing it. 

“Despite being responsible for providing vital mental health care, mental health workers are more vulnerable to stress, burnout, and mental illness compared to the general population.

“This impedes their ability to provide timely and effective care.” 

A survey of 540 New Zealand based psychiatrists in Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry: Sage Journals (sagepub.com) last year revealed that 94% believe current resourcing is not fit for purpose. 

Additionally, 90% of those working on an acute on-call roster reported that demand in their after-hours work has increased or significantly increased, with nearly two-thirds noting a significant decrease in staffing levels.

“Without enough hands on deck, mental health workers feel demoralized and distressed, especially when they’re unable to adequately care for their most vulnerable patients.”

Workforce shortages remain the biggest barrier to providing timely and accessible mental health care for the 260,000 and growing number of New Zealanders who need it.

Dr. Thabrew called on the Luxon-led Government to do more to attract, train, and retain mental health workers across Aotearoa New Zealand to ensure help is available for all those who need it, no matter where or when.

“We call on the Luxon-led Government to listen to the voices of mental health workers about recent challenges posed by decreased staffing levels and delayed recruitment to vacant positions in mental health services.

“As psychiatrists, we acknowledge the collective efforts of the entire mental health workforce including nursing, psychology, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, lived experience, carers and our first Minister for Mental Health. 

“We thank you for the incredible work you do every day for a healthier, happier and more productive Aotearoa New Zealand,” Dr Thabrew said.

He waka eke noa (We are all in this together)

For media inquiries, please contact: Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org

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

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 New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, 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.