Mensline suspension

As someone who often receives requests for help from men in distress who are seeking information on where to go for help and support, I was very disheartened to hear the recent announcement of the suspension of Lifeline's Mensline, a national service that has been there for men for over 15 years.

We know that men in trouble are vulnerable and not good at reaching out for help, and Mensline was one of the few services there specifically for them.
 
You can hear more on this subject from Radio New Zealand's Nine to Noon programme with Kathryn Ryan who interviews world suicide prevention expert Annette Beautrais, and Mensline founder Warwick Pudney http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/20100304

In Australia this service (Mensline Australia www.menslineaus.org.au) is funded by Government but this is not the case in New Zealand, with Mensline being funded through charitable grants and public donations, and staffed by volunteer counsellors.

As Annette Beautrais says, there needs to be a commitment to on-going suicide prevention funding and the loss of this service is a set back to both the suicide prevention and mental health sectors.

I think it is essential that Mensline is restored and hope that Lifeline will be able to do so sooner rather than later.

Russell Tuffery, Information Officer, MHF Resource & Information Service

Leslie Ding - Chinese doctor who became a role model for his community

While working on an event for the Kai Xin Xing Dong Project in Christchurch, Vaea Hutchen, mental health promoter, discovered the story of an inspiring individual

When I was working on the Kai Xin Xing Dong Project, Simon Tam, my Chinese mentor, asked me ‘Did you speak to Dr Leslie Ding about the project?’ I told him I did not know who Dr Ding was. Sadly, Dr Ding had passed away in July 2009, but his achievements in mental health continue to make an impact. I would like to share those with you in this post.

Leslie Ding attended Otago University in 1958. He was the first New Zealand medical graduate of Chinese descent to qualify in psychiatry at Otago. Dr Ding moved to Christchurch and later became the consultant psychiatrist at Princess Margaret Hospital, where he established the eating disorders clinic.

He had a part-time private practice, lectured and supervised students at the University of Otago’s Christchurch clinical school, as well as working in forensic psychiatry.

Later, he was promoted to medical superintendent of Sunnyside Hospital, a position he held for four years before he became divisional manager of Canterbury’s psychiatric and geriatric services. 

In these two roles, he was involved with the change from institutional care to community-based services.
Dr Ding was closely involved with setting up the Comcare Charitable Trust in Canterbury where he remained involved for more than 20 years, including 11 years as chairman.

He was also active in other roles associated with his profession, including working as an accredited supervisor in postgraduate training, serving on the Mental Health Review Tribunal and the Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

Dr Ding was very highly regarded and had risen through the ranks of his profession but he was quiet about his achievements and never boasted about them.

A man who maintained strong links with his own cultural heritage, he was also sensitive to the needs of other cultures. He was respected within his profession and was a role model in his community. 

In acknowledgement of Dr Leslie Ding and his passing in 2009 an invitation was extended to his nephew Dr Colin Ding to be part of the Kai Xin Xing Dong project in Christchurch.    

Read more about the Kai Xin Xing Dong project

Vaea Hutchen, Mental Health Promoter

A new beginning! Or is it?

A NZ Herald article last Monday “China displaces UK in Family migration to NZ” by Lincoln Tan sparked some thinking on my part, and many subsequent questions arose. This is the fourth and final blog in a small series on the topic that will cover my thoughts and concerns relating to such a projection.

Chinese translation

I have heard this story many times: immigrants see their life in New Zealand as a fresh start, a new beginning.

However, stories about under employment or unemployment for people who have migrated to New Zealand are common. Many come to New Zealand to find their university qualifications will not be recognized here. The need to support themselves and their families means they are forced to apply for ‘lesser’ jobs that aren’t as well paid.

Please don’t take me the wrong way, there’s nothing wrong with ‘blue collar’ or working class jobs. It’s just that going from being a doctor, for example, to a taxi driver can be very disheartening, especially when you thought your qualification and work experience would be recognized in New Zealand.

Suddenly, the ‘new beginning’ starts to take on a very different meaning, which can be very distressing and leads to financial hardship and mental health issues.

Unfortunately, many couples facing financial stress end up resenting their partner’s decision to come to New Zealand. This can have a negative impact on the whole family.

Divorce is common because of this, as is domestic violence and depression.

So what do you need to do if you are considering migrating to New Zealand?

Often migrants don’t actively seek all the information that is necessary.

You should think about whether or not your qualifications will be recognised. Talk to the relevant authorities here to ensure you will be able to carry on your career. If not, what is your ‘Plan B’?

Think about the kind of community you would like to live in, is that possible? Decipher what you are pursuing exactly, and what are you willing to sacrifice in order to attain that.

These are crucial actions and decisions that will enable you to make the transition process smoother, and avoid the possible negative long term consequences.

Online newspapers a great research resource

One way to ensure you are not making any incorrect assumptions is by reading online newspapers to identify common issues talked about by people who have undergone what you are aiming to do. See if there are any of their strategies you can adopt to ensure you avoid these disappointments and hardships. This does not necessarily mean you will have to abandon your dreams, but it will better prepare you for what to expect, and what must be done, when you arrive.

We don’t want history repeating itself. We must find effective ways to make sure those people who are newly arrived can have a better start. It is better for everyone this way.

If New Zealand is looking down the barrel of a large influx of immigrants over the next 15 years, we must all take on the lessons already learnt or more sad stories will continue and only increase in number.

We invite your comment on this serious and important topic.


Ivan Yeo, Mental Health Promoter, Like Minds