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August Camelia
 
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Supporting Your Mental Health

Andrew Metcalfe —

Are you or someone you know struggling right now? We have more information, suggestions and inspiration that may help...

Community Support and Resources (our COVID-19 support webpage)

In August 2021 we went into lockdown as a more infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 has made itself known. Even though restrictions have now eased, we know that for many this has an ongoing impact, and it's important to look after ourselves as well as reach out to support (and help) others around us. 

Supporting Mental Health in Our Communities

...an article by Rev'd Dr Meg Harvey in the Diocese of Christchurch. 

Government Resources: Reach out for help 

It's okay to feel lonely, overwhelmed, upset or frustrated right now, and there is help available if you feel you need it.

Wellbeing, support, mental health and addiction services are available at Alert Level 4. Some services may be delivered in different ways, such as by video link or over the phone.

The Ministry of Health and the Unite Against COVID-19 websites list lots of free resources to help you to manage your mental wellbeing.

There are a number of helplines you can call:

  • Free call or text 1737 at any time to connect with a trained counsellor. (corrected)
  • Young people can contact Youthline, 0800 376 633 or by free texting 234.
  • Pacific communities can call the dedicated 0800 Ola Lelei – 0800 652 535.
  • Family violence and sexual violence services also continue to be available at Alert Levels 3 and 4.

Remember, if you feel like you are in an unsafe environment, you do not need to stay home or in your bubble. And if you feel in danger, call 111.

If you or someone you know is in danger and it is not safe to talk, you can still phone 111 and if you do not speak, you will get the option of pressing: 55. You can then listen to the call-taker's questions and instructions so they can arrange assistance for you.

Local Advice

In a recent ODT article,  Mental health vital now, psychiatrist Chris Gale had some useful suggestions on how to take care of ourselves as we face such uncertainty in the current pandemic (the article also has a video where Dr Kumari Valentine gives some excellent advice).  

Tips for staying mentally fit — Image by: Otago Daily Times

Extra Resources

It is also important to remind ourselves what resources we have in our Faith Communities:

  • Prayer - we can pray for each other and ourselves. Why not reach out to a friend and tell them what you would appreciate prayer for... or to tell them that they are held in your prayers? Don't forget regular opportunities for prayer that we have together - why not join in? 
  • Worship - joining with others virtually can help anchor ourselves and focus our minds on God as revealed in Jesus Christ. Check out some of the online opportunities we have to participate in worship virtually alongside others or to watch pre-recorded services. For a small Diocese, we have some wonderful things on offer.
  • Ask for support - If you need more help, talk to a trusted friend or Priest, or phone 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also have some helpful information and support on our Community Response and Resources webpage, including some reflective videos to help refocus if you need to! (see also the links at the bottom of this article).
Our life has its seasons: 2021 Called South
Christ be our light! Called South
Bishop Steven Benford 23 September 2020 Called South
A question with Bishop Steve 29 September 2021 Called South

Last year the Diocese of Wellington published a series of helpful blogs recognising that it had been a difficult year for many, especially due to lockdowns, isolation and uncertainty.

Each blog has some questions for reflection to help deepen your understanding. They are helpful not only for any who are struggling with mental health concerns, but also for those who are supporting others. 

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the following articles address the topic of suicide. If suicidal thoughts are troubling you or any of these articles unsettles you, please reach out for some help. Talk with someone you trust, see a doctor or counsellor, or call 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A wide range of mental health and wellbeing topics are covered here - we hope you have found them helpful and to close this series we’d like to offer you a simple blessing.


Don't forget we also have resources on our website.