Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 13, 2024 9:22 am GMT
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) shines a spotlight on the crucial role community plays in supporting mental well-being, as organizations across Southland prepare to celebrate with a series of engaging events. The theme, “Community is … what we create together,” resonates deeply within local support services that are dedicated to connecting individuals and fostering an environment of understanding and assistance.
Collaboration for Mental Health
In a collaborative effort to celebrate MHAW, several organizations in Southland are banding together to host a variety of activities. These include Able Minds Peer Groups, Healthy Families Invercargill, the Loss and Grief Centre, and Mind and Body peer group. According to Sally-Jane Kirk, family adviser at Future Directions and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, this week is an important opportunity to raise awareness about mental health services available in the community.
- “At some point in our lives, mental distress will attach to every single person in our community,” Kirk stated. “Future Directions aims to showcase both primary and secondary services, along with NGOs, to demonstrate available support.”
- Wendy Findlay, general manager of Healthy Families, emphasized the community’s resilience, which is vital for mental health. “We need to understand each other’s services and support one another,” she said.
The Importance of Connections
The Loss and Grief Centre director, Caroline Loo, highlighted another vital element of mental health: social connections. Research indicates that engaging with family, friends, and social groups can significantly reduce the risk of suicide.
“Being independent is often glorified,” Loo noted, “but in reality, we are all interdependent. We need to work together.” The Loss and Grief Centre will have a stand in Invercargill Central and the Southern Institute of Technology’s Wellbeing Expo next week to promote available resources. Activities will include raffles and a therapeutic art session on Monday, with an open invitation to the public to visit the center on Thursday.
Activities Planned for Mental Health Awareness Week
Throughout MHAW, different events will take place to foster connections and raise awareness. Some scheduled events include:
- A games afternoon at Mind and Body on Monday
- A walking group at the SIT Zero Fees Velodrome on Tuesday
- A free community barbecue at the Intercultural Church
- A mindfulness art event on Thursday
- An open day for peers on Friday
Rachael Roberts, an Able Minds facilitator, emphasized that these events aim to unite individuals while celebrating mental wellbeing. “By working together, we can celebrate our wellbeing,” she said. “It’s about bringing people together and showing that we care.”
Spotlight on Local Care
Alongside the local initiatives, Mental Health Awareness Week is also served by personal stories that underscore the importance of community support. Sally Booth, a well-being counselor in Central Otago, is one such example. With five years of experience, Booth helps individuals with mild to moderate mental health issues, offering five free sessions referred through local general practitioners (GPs).
“When people are feeling overwhelmed, they need a safe space to talk,” she explained. “I’m here to support them, no matter where they are in Central or the Lakes District.” She encourages individuals to explore local options, stating that community houses in Alexandra or Cromwell can be excellent starting points for those needing help.
Tips for Coping with Stress
Booth shared practical tips for coping with stress:
- Visualize worries floating away during quiet moments.
- Unplug and spend time in nature, as the environment has soothing effects.
- Take the brave step to talk to someone when feeling overwhelmed.
<p“Mental health is complex, and stress can manifest in many forms,” Booth noted. She believes the more we talk about mental health, the more people will feel empowered to seek help.
Mental Health Awareness Week: Making a Difference
Running annually since 1993, MHAW is spearheaded by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and aims to create awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. This year, the organization commissioned a study focused on the impacts of weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle on community wellbeing, finding that togetherness is often what helps people overcome challenges.
With over 1,500 respondents from affected regions indicating a strong reliance on community support, the emphasis on interaction during MHAW becomes even clearer. The Central app will serve as a hub for community MHAW news, enabling widespread access to resources and activities.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Mental Health Awareness Week embodies the idea that when communities come together, they can create an environment where mental wellbeing flourishes. The planned activities and the messages shared by local experts serve as a reminder that nobody is alone in their struggles. By participating, individuals not only improve their own mental health but also contribute to a supportive network that benefits everyone.
As Southland gets ready for a week full of fun, friendship, and learning, we hope these activities will inspire real change. This shows that community is something we build together.
