2009
December
Raeburn House will continue Learning and Development programmes
In 2010 Raeburn House will continue to provide a range of Groups, Workshops, and Seminars
covering issues such as:
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Self-esteem
- Abuse
- Parenting
- Communication
- Conflict
- Arts ... and other requests.
The new 2010 programme includes:
- Comprehensive Anger Management Programme
- Separation Support
- A Healthy You!
- Tangata Tiriti Workshop
- Fun Youth Programmes
For more information, please contact Luciana Santoso, phone: (09) 489 0543, fax: (09) 441 8988, or email: luciana@raeburnhouse.org.nz Learning & DevelopmentGroups, Workshops, and Seminars.
November
Study: Nearly Half of All Kiwis Affected by Mental Illness
It is one of society's most delicate issues, but research released today shows that nearly half of all Kiwis have in some way been affected by mental illness
The independent study was commissioned by Movember, a charity which encourages men to grow moustaches during November to help raise awareness and funds in support of men's health.
Money raised by Movember will be donated to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ for its ‘Out of the Blue' depression awareness campaign and to the Cancer Society of New Zealand in support of prostate cancer.
Five hundred men and women were interviewed as part of the nationwide study with 48 percent saying they had personally experienced mental illness or that a family member or someone they knew had.
The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation of NZ, Judi Clements says depression is a serious issue with 1 in 6 New Zealanders experiencing it in their lifetime, and the World Health Organisation predicting that by 2020 depression will be the second major health issue worldwide following cardiovascular disease.
Clements says the term ‘depression' is used to describe a range of feelings from 'having the blues' or 'feeling a bit down' to acute and ongoing unhappiness. It can start anytime - from childhood through to old age - and can disrupt someone's ability to enjoy everyday activities.
"It is important to remember though, that most people can and do recover from depression when they get help, and the earlier the better," says Clements. "It doesn't necessarily need to be clinical help, support from family and friends can make all the difference."
The Clinical Director of Procare Primary Mental Health Programme, psychiatrist Dr David Codyre, says depression is highly treatable but if not addressed can have devastating consequences. Dr Codyre says men tend to be late ‘help-seekers' in the face of evolving health problems, including mental health issues.
"In part, it is the general male tendency to ignore their health, the ‘macho' tough it out thing, and also the fear of being seen as weak. For depression in particular the problem is that many men don't have a good understanding of what it actually is," he says.
Signs of depression can include feelings of sadness that don't go away, and losing interest and pleasure in usual activities, he says. Irritable mood can also be the main obvious change particularly in men. Excessive anxiety, agitation or worry, changes in energy levels, eating or sleeping patterns, feeling worthless or hopeless and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms, he says.
"If a person is experiencing any of these things for more than two weeks, it could be a sign of depression and they should get assistance.
"GPs are the best first port of call for seeking professional help as all primary care organisations now have mental health programmes including funded access to therapy," he says.
For more information about depression or about getting help or advice contact your GP or Health Line on 0800 611 116. You can also use this website or visit the Movember site.
Movember culminates at the end of the month at official Gala Parties in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch - the highlight of any Mo Bro's and Mo Sista's social calendar. Every Mo Bro has a chance to win the coveted 'Man of Movember' title.
2008 figures
Number of participants: 13,000
Amount of money raised: $927,000
For media enquiries please contact Fleur Fleur Revell at Impact PR
Media Monitoring Mo Bros
Meltwater Group, which supplies the Mental Health Foundation its online newsfeed, is getting in the Movember spirit. This is the first year the company has organised Movember as an inter-office event, with five different teams from three offices involved. In the past. Meltwater Group has had just a few people from different offices taking part.
As the final Movember stretch comes into view, the mo-growers' competitive streaks are starting to show, according to Andrew Taylor, from the conmpany's Client Relations Australia and New Zealand department.
Meltwater Mo-Bros (Left to right): Dave Hickey (Hong Kong office), Herman Falck, Andrew Taylor (Client Relations Australia and New Zealand), Dan Paul, Cristofer Eikenes (Client Relations Asia).
Visit our Mo gallery
October
Walking to Africa tops Nielsen BookScan bestselling fiction list a week after launch
Award-winning New Zealand author Jessica Le Bas's poetry collection, Walking to Africa, is now the number one best-selling New Zealand book of fiction. The announcement comes just one week after the collection's launch. Walking to Africa is a story told through a mother's eyes as she follows her young daughter's descent into severe depression and through the strange, new and, sometimes, frightening world of mental health care.
Walking to Africa was published by Auckland University Press and the writing of the collection funded by a 2007 NZ Mental Health Media Grant. The collection is available through all good bookstores. Read our media release.
Ministry brochure looks to help people under finanical pressure
The Minsintry of Health is today launching a new brochure: Coping with financial stress: looking after yourself and your family/whānau during tough economic times. The publication is for people who may be experiencing stress or mental health problems relating to financial hardship. It provides practical advice for coping with stress, solving problems, and looking after family during tough economic times. It includes information about the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and directs readers to support services if they need them.
The brochure can also be found online inside our Resource Finder. You can order copies from the Ministry of Health's website.
Steve Gurney steps out for mental wellbeing - Tahunanui Beach 8 October
Adventurer Steve Gurney is inviting the people of Nelson to take a walk on Tahunanui beach to promote mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Recently returned from kite-buggying in the Sahara, Steve is best known as a champion athlete and nine times winner of the Coast to Coast. Less well know is his experience of depression and the internal endurance race he embarked on to return to health.
Steve knows first hand that getting active can really have a positive impact on mental wellness. Also walking will be Aubrey Quinn, the face of the highly acclaimed Like Minds Like Mine TV campaign.
"Engaging in physical activity is a great way to enhance your mental health and well-being", says event organiser Alison Lewin, Manager of Nelson's Health Action Trust. "This is a great opportunity for people to get energised for their working day and connect with friends, family and work colleagues at the same time".
There will also be a free and easy fitness session on offer from local trainer Gaye Evans, and a dance session with Darnz Hip-Hop Salsa. Last but not least Steve will be buzzing up and down the beach in the kite buggy he took to the Sahara!
Mental Health Awareness Week launches today!
5 October
Winning Ways to Wellbeing: Be Active • Connect • Give • Learn • Take Notice
Monday 5 October - Sunday 11 October 2009
Heke tipu oranga, he taonga tuku iho, ka pakanga ake, aue te aiotanga, te manawanui
Persist in the battle and journey for wellbeing, it is a treasure handed down from the heavens, then comes confidence and peace.
This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is Winning Ways to Wellbeing. MHAW is an annual national awareness day that ties in with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, and has a related theme. Each day you can view a new video on our website about the five wining ways to wellbeing, attend an event in your region, use some aspect of ouronline toolkit (which includes book reviews, perspectives on wellbeing, evaluation forms, reading lists, etc) to help you celebrate, plus a whole lot more!
Have fun, and remember to: be active, connect, give, learn and take notice!
Read our general press release.
Read our Day One: Connect press release.
Calling all youth - tell us what you think about wellbeing and enter a draw for dinner and a movie!
5 October
The Foundation's mental health promoters are really interested in finding out what youth think about wellbeing: what are the things youth believe make a positive difference in their life, or what issues they think are important to the wellbeing of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you are a young person, email us at youth "at" mentalhealth.org.nz before 1 November, and tell us what you think, and we'll put you in the draw for dinner and the movies for 4 to the value of $250.
When we select the winner we will be in touch to find out where your closest movie and dinner options are and get that all sorted with you. Look forward to hearing your thoughts, good luck and be well!
Read our Tearaway article on the five winning ways to wellbeing.
New Zealand Psychological Society Supports Evidence-Based Approach to Mental Health Awareness Week
5 October
The New Zealand Psychological Society believes the Mental Health Foundation's theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, Winning ways to Wellbeing, sends a very important message.
The President of the Society Jack Austin said today "it is a useful reminder to us all that we need to pay attention to our mental health as we do to our physical health. The Society congratulates the Mental Health Foundation for drawing on the evidence-based conclusions of the Foresight Project for Mental Health Awareness Week highlighting improving wellbeing through connecting with others, being active, savouring and reflecting on our experiences, keeping on learning, and engaging in cooperative behaviour".
Mr Austin said "there is scope for policy and law makers, health, educational and other professionals and ourselves as individuals, to look at ways in which we can help shape environments which highlight and promote ways for people to feel good and function well".
He said "wellbeing is not so much an endpoint but a journey in which we can help ourselves and support one another at the same time. Mental Health Awareness Week is an excellent reminder that we can be active and productive participants in shaping our mental health, as individuals and in our communities".
September
International book launch
STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS: INSIGHTS INTO SELF-STIGMA AND MADNESS
Stepping out of the Shadows is a book of articles, essays and personal accounts about the effects of the self-stigma associated with mental illness. It has a worldwide audience and is the first book of this kind to be published on this topic.
Self-stigma is a relatively new topic for the mental health and social sectors and it is hoped that this book will appeal to a broad cross section of people from all walks of life.
"‘Stigma', according to the New Collins Shorter English Dictionary, is a ‘distinguishing mark of social disgrace'.
"Why then would anyone apply such a mark to themselves; in what circumstances might it occur; and with what results?
"This collection of essays and personal accounts considers these questions and provides clues and answers."
-Judi Clements, Foreword, Stepping out of the Shadows
Edited by Dr Debbie Peterson and Sarah Gordon
Foreword by Judi Clements, CEO Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Contributors: Dr Debbie Peterson, Mary O'Hagan, Sarah Gordon, Dr Lynne Pere, Anne Helm, Vito Malo, Dean Manley, Ivan Yeo, Sarah O'Connor, Dennis Duerr, Niki Smith, Ruth Jackson and Alex Barnes.
For more information contact: Kerri-June Clayton kerri-june "at" caseconsulting.co.nz
General Manager, Case Consulting (04) 385 2103
REVIEWS
This thing called stigma has two heads. Public stigma represents the prejudice and discrimination of mental illness evident in the general population. Self-stigma occurs when people with mental illness internalize these prejudices. Research has started to take a look at self-stigma; researchers of this ilk would benefit greatly from the messages in Peterson and Gordon's books. Many of the authors, people who have all struggled with self-stigma, recount their stories in poignant fashion. Chapters are full of narratives in the person's voice. Consider comments from Lynn Pere: "I believed what other people told me... Internally it kills us when we start believing what other people are saying." (p 76). The editors did a nice job recruiting a diverse group of authors and highlight their messages by escaping blocked type and offer what looks to be natural hand writing. Books like these are important not only for helping readers understand self-stigma, but also as the first step in developing ways to discredit it. A keen outline for this task can be had from the stories presented here.
Patrick Corrigan, Psy.D Institute of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology
This is an excellent book, breaking new ground in our international understanding of self-stigma: the internalised shame, low expectations and ‘otherness' that can blight the lives of people who experience mental illness. Both personal narratives and research findings are presented which show that self-stigma is caused not by mental illness, but by the societies in which we live.
Stigma is being challenged in international, national and local campaigns. But these top-down efforts are not enough to change societies. The fact that recovery is open to all became clear only when people with personal experience of recovery from, and with, mental illness found a voice. Similarly, the journey to stigma-free communities will only be possible when people with lived experience of stigma are heard. This book starts the process, and will be widely read.
Mike Slade, Author of Personal Recovery and Mental Illness, September 2009.
NZ On Screen website features positive stories about mental illness
This Road to Recovery programme in the Open Door series follows a group of people who have successfully conquered their mental illness and are now contributing to society. They talk about what caused their health problems and what it is that keeps them healthy. Creativity is a common theme. On their road to recovery many discovered hidden talents with which they now enrich their lives and the lives of others.
Seclusion circles series art installation now in Auckland
2008 media grant recipient Kristian Lomath is launching his art installation seclusion circle series at the Depot Artspace in Devonport on Saturday 12 September. The installation is a series of twelve, three-metre-high, double-sided, painted panels with three dimensional art pieces and includes filmed narratives from the artists talking about their personal experiences of mental illness and their art. The exhibition will be in town until Thursday 24 September. Exhibition flyer and media release.
Online bookings available for a challenging new play about self-injury
Wanaka-based Silk Tent Theatre Company are taking their thought-provoking theatre piece, Girl with no Words - listening to the language of cutting, on tour to key New Zealand venues in October. The multi-media production uses songs, poetry, film and visual art to tell the moving story of a young woman's experience of self-injury as well as the reactions from her family, healthcare professionals and the wider community. It explores a difficult subject with energy, imagination, humour and empathy. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased in advance at www.patronbase.com/ticketfest
Girl with no Words poster and media release.
Out of Their Minds website - new look, new perspectives
"Sanity is the container madness sits in; they are made for each other like a cup is made to hold drink. Sanity stops madness from spilling everywhere. Madness stops sanity from confining us to the tyranny of the ordinary." Mary O'Hagan
Out of their Minds continues to explore the value in experience of mental illness with the launch of the second round of artists and thinkers on their new look website. The site features interviews from Mary O'Hagan, Ben Cragg, Shona Clarke and Tim Hagan join the first round of interviews by Judith White, Gareth Edwards and Egan Bidois.
"People commonly view mental distress through skewed portrayals shown in popular media. Ideas of secretive, finicky introverts sidestepping cracks denigrate a person's real experience." Tim Hagan
For more information contact Mind & Body's Like Minds Project Leader, sam RB hanna, or phone: (09) 630 5909 ext. 870 or mobile 027 655 2770.
August
Feetbeat: The fun team walking event, 14 September - 6 November
Feetbeat is a free fun team walking event run by Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS). It aims to encourage people to walk for 30 minutes each day, is run over 8 weeks, and done in teams of up to 8 people (4 minimum).
The long term goal is for people to maintain their walking habits after the programme. Each 30 minutes of walking is equal to 3km and teams can map their progress on the New Zealand maps provided in the registration packs.
There are prizes up for grabs for best team name, best team photo, and best team story that will be featured in the weekly newsletters. If this sounds like something you would like to be part of, visit the website for more information.
You can register online or download the forms. Contact: Stacey Willcox (09) 623 4600 ext: 28918 staceyw@adhb.govt.nz
Kiwi journalist's experience of depression and losing a friend to suicide
It affects one in five New Zealanders and you might be surprised just who. Depression is something we don't want to talk about but it's expected to be the world's number two health burden within 10 years. Watch TVNZ's Sunday programme, Taming the Black Dog, where veteran TV journalist Rob Harley reveals how he lost a friend because of depression and how it almost cost him his life. Where's the line between feeling sad and being clinically depressed?
2009 NZ Mental Health Media Grants category two recipients announced
Four people have been named as recipients of the category two NZ Mental Health Media Grants - singer/songwriter Sam RB Hanna, artist/musician Stephen McCurdy, author Graham Bishop and playwright Michelanne Forster.
Sam will be producing a digital EP, Stephen is working on an art exhibition, Graham will be completing a book about experiences of depression and Michelanne Forster will develop a one man show with actor and co-writer Paul Barrett to address the stigma and discrimination surrounding Tourette's syndrome.
All projects will be valuable resources in increasing understanding associated with mental distress.
2009 NZ Mental Health Media Grants category one recipients announced
New media producer, Gareth Watkins from Wellington and Southern Rural Life journalist, Yvonne O'Hara from Alexandra in Central Otago are this year's recipients in category one of the NZ Mental Health Media Grants.
Gareth's project is a series of five digital stories around mental health issues in the lesbian, gay, transgender and intersex community, while Yvonne is producing an eight-page supplement dedicated to rural mental health.
Both projects will be valuable resources in reducing stigma and discrimination and increasing understanding associated with mental distress.
2008 Media Grant recipient Amanda Cropp's North & South article now online
Amanda Cropp, recipient of the 2008 Media Grant for journalism projects, has just had her first article published in the August issue of North & South magazine. The article focuses on refugee and migrant mental health, and looks in detail at the issues and challenges faced by these New Zealand communities.
The PDF of Amanda's article is available online, courtesy of North & South.
July
Navigating the space between brilliance and madness
National Radio's Nine to Noon host recently talked to Mary O'Hagan, former Mental Health Commissioner and leading international expert on recovery based services, about the Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness. They look at the question of whether mental health is a disease that needs to be treated with medication or a gift to be nurtured and cultivated. The interviewer also talked to a representative of the Icarus Project.
Listen to the interviews.
June
Mental Health Foundation recognised for its contribution to race relations
The Mental Health Foundation's Kai Xin Xing Dong website is to be acknowledged by The Human Rights Commission for its contribution to race relations.
A variety of achievements and contributions to diversity in New Zealand is recognised by the Commission, and the Foundation is very pleased that the new Chinese Like Minds website is one of those achievements. News of the acknowledgement will be published in the Commission's next monthly newsletter, On the Bright Side, Positive Contributions to Race Relations, with the following commentary:
"This bilingual website was launched in the first week of June, with the intent of extending the reach of the Like Minds, Like Mine programme across cultures in New Zealand. Kai Xin Xing Dong grew from the 2006 Like Minds, Like Mine campaign.
Since then, culturally appropriate resources have been developed and publicised through Chinese media; workshops have been run with Chinese communities; and, with the help of Asian mental health community leaders, the project has connected with churches and Chinese community support groups to educate people on tackling stigma and discrimination related to mental illness.
Following the launch of the website, KXXD will develop more resources, which are primarily used by the general public, but are also designed to support GPs or mental health professionals. Later in the year, KXXD will be publishing a literature review: New Zealand Chinese Attitudes to Mental Illness.
The KXXD project is thought to be the first project in a Western country to use culturally appropriate approaches to counter stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness in Chinese communities."
Be quick! Early bird registrations due to close for 2010 Building Bridges Conference
The 5th Building Bridges Mental Health and Addictions Conference will take place at the Wellington Convention Centre, 14-16 April next year. There's a special one-day early bird registration rate of $450+GST, but these close Tuesday 30 June 2009. There are also great rates for three or more from one organisation. Don't miss out... visit the conference website today!
Teenage mums use fashion for mental health promotion
Students from He Mataariki School for Teen Parents have designed t-shirts to spread the word about where to get help for mental health issues.
They are now organizing a fun event called Reach Out, Speak Out to raise awareness and self-esteem in Northland youth.
The group of seven teen mums started the project as part of a NCEA level two, or year 12, health class. In a health promotion exercise the students decided to tell youth how to access mental health support in Northland.
The students created t-shirts with slogans My Identity, Find Your Voice, Learn 2 Love and Accept Yourself Express Yourself, using the artwork of a fellow student.
On June 24 the t-shirts will be modelled by players from the Northland Taniwha at Reach Out, Speak Out, which is timed to be part of the matariki or Maori New Year celebrations. The day will also feature music, raffles, sausage sizzles, t-shirt sales and stalls by mental health providers.
The t-shirts are selling for $25 and the students have gleaned prizes for a fundraising raffle, including beauty vouchers and a skateboard. Money raised will be split three ways, including helping Jessie, 19, get to the South Island, where she has won a $4000 Outward Bound scholarship.
Money will also be put toward a gift for He Mataariki to improve all students' mental health - such as a table tennis table. Part of the money will be used for next year's health project.
Reach Out, Speak Out, raising mental health awareness for Northland youth, will be held from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on June 24 at The Pulse, Raumanga Valley Rd. For more information or to buy a t-shirt email he.mataarikiroz@xtra.co.nz or phone 09 438-2602.
Mind and Body supports play about mental illness - where ART IMITATES LIFE
A Mind and Body mental health worker Taimi Allan draws on personal experience as lead actor - a challenging emotional role - in Deep Blue Sea.
The play, written in the 1950s by English playwright Terrance Rattigan, is about an emotional response to the suicide of a former lover. An Auckland production of the play is running this month, from 9 - 20 June, at Titrangi's Lopdell House, and is supported by Mind and Body Consultants as part of its Auckland regional Like Minds, Like Mine service aimed at reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
For more details about the Allan, the play, performances and tickets, read the the Deep Blue Sea press release.
May
2009 New Zealand Mental Health Media Grant applications are now closed.
The year's recipients will be announced on 31 July 2009. More information about the grants
Chris Brain in "A Better Place"
Mind and Body Consultants was delighted to have the opportunity to support Chris Brain in the NZ International Comedy Festival with a 2009 Like Minds Like Mine RETHiNK Grant.
New Zealand's comedians' comedian staged his first ever solo show, A Better Place, during this year's NZ International Comedy Festival.
Chris, 2009 Billy T Award Nominee, was in A Better Place after years of living on the fringes. Having experienced depression since his teens, Chris has found writing and performing comedy is his saviour and his cross to bear.
Read more about Chris.
February
New website!
A brand new website www.outoftheirminds.co.nz produced by Mind and Body Consultants, features successful artists, performers and thinkers with experience of mental distress, exploring the value of their experiences, and what comes out of their minds.
The twist is that the artists actually interview themselves. Ben Cragg from The Benka Borodovsky Bordello Band interviews himself as several of his onstage personas. Award winning author, Judith White, interviews herself in a written exchange between her and some impatient characters from her latest unfinished novel.
"Madness is an experience utterly unique to any individual, so it makes sense people speak about it entirely on their own terms. Plus it's more interesting that way. And that's kind of the point - madness and mental distress can of course be really tough, we hear about that all the time, but there's more to it than that, and that's what this site will help show people." says Graham Panther from Mind and Body.
If you'd like to contribute to this site with a profile of your own and you think you fit the bill, contact Graham on graham "at" mindandbody.co.nz
$10,000 worth of grants!
Mind and Body is looking to support unique and innovative projects that challenge people to rethink their ideas about 'mental illness'.
The RETHiNK Grants are allocated annually to Auckland-based initiatives from an overall pool of $10,000. The grants are open to both groups and individuals.
The grants are a new funding source for innovative strategies, projects, activities or events that encourage people to rethink their attitudes toward 'mental illness' and people who have experienced it. These grants will fund projects that take a creative, 'outside the box' approach to the issue.
Applications close 4.00pm 31 March.
For further information please contact: Sam RB sam "at" mindandbody.co.nz or phone: (09) 630 5909 ext 871
