Mental Health Stories

Discover how Jocelyn Watkin used mindfulness and movement to help youth mental health.

From journalling to hosting a podcast, Malak shares the small, everyday actions that support her wellbeing.

Three brothers and a mate embark on an epic kayaking quest and encourage others to find solace in the great outdoors.

Being an advocate and supporter for those with Long Covid makes sense to Jenene, who has mostly called upon is her empathy.

Larisa talks about her family's experience and notes there are ways you can support people living with Long COVID that go a long way.

During Naveen's experience with Long Covid, reading other people’s experiences on online groups has been the most helpful thing.

Toni's physical symptoms were misdiagnosed as symptoms of her mental illness.

Chloe shares some of her personal experiences with the Mental Health Act, some of the wisdom she’s gleaned, and her thoughts on the next steps for this law’s change.

Helena, a peer support worker in Auckland, shares her story of recovery from mental distress and psychosis, in the hope it will help others.

10 lessons from 10 years with Bipolar Disorder.

Looking back, Catherine thinks her experience of depression was triggered by a move from a larger lifestyle block to a smaller one.

A transformative pathway to care at Auckland’s acute inpatient mental health unit

A kaupapa Māori mental health service pilot taking a different approach to care

Loss and grief are everywhere. How odd they’re so common yet grievers still get misunderstood, avoided, and judged. One recent book frankly addresses this and empowers us in our work.

When people interested in nutrition and mental health ask me what I would suggest as “must-reads”, I recommend just two books.

Māori and indigenous nations determine what the Tūramarama Declaration means to them and their approaches. It is a guide and a timeless document.

A 60 year passion for promoting health, mental health and community wellbeing.

Connection is everything. It's how we spend our good times, and it's how we cope with the bad.

Stoicism is a guiding philosophy that has positively influenced my personal and professional life. Stoic wisdom helps me live a more joyful, productive, and resilient life.

I remain indebted to the solidarities that were brought together in this anthology, reminding me to always think about who and what is missing from the room, whose voices are not heard.

Being open to and curious about the experiences of fellow humans helps create empathy, understanding, and self-reflection.

Two clubs taking part in Big Morning Run – the Far North Run Club and OutRunnerz – tell us how the benefits of group running go far beyond the physical.

Suzy Cato says it was an absolute privilege to have danced for the Mental Health Foundation on TV3’s Dancing With The Stars.

Libby’s passion for movement and being out in nature to look after her wellbeing is something that’s also helped motivate her. 

Georgia Dougherty's marathon effort to raise vital funds and honour her dad.

Jenny Hirst honours her father and her wellbeing with a 60km run on her 60th birthday.

Dr Juliet Batten, author and psychotherapist, helps us prepare for our later years with these practical tips.

Psychiatrist , ageing specialist and baby boomer Chris Perkins has her own "ways to wellbeing".

"Care for yourself, care about yourself," is Areta’s advice when asked about successful ageing.

Artist Tess Sheerin’s mental health journey hasn’t been easy – but it’s been one she’s been able to inspire others with through her art.

Education, faith and work enable Jennifer Nicholls to rise above any discrimination surrounding her mental health experiences.

While working on a better work-life balance, it was someone else who pointed out to orchardist Stephen he needed a break.

Actor Rob Mokaraka opens up on how it took a near-catastrophic incident with police to make him realise he had depression.

Cheyenne shares how sharing her experiences has also empowered her to accept what they have lived through and turn them into strengths.

For Megan, attending a group put her feelings of isolation to rest. She feels she’s now in the right place for herself and able to offer help to others.

MMA fighter Shane Young is supporting Pink Shirt Day to help make Aotearoa a safer, kinder place for Māori and everyone.

Life and work are closely interwoven for Dr Cherryl Waerea-i-te-rangi Smith with her work looking at intergenerational relationships.

A blooming wonderful fundraiser.

Making every day at work an awesome day isn’t just a pipe dream for telecommunications company Chorus – it’s a strategy.

Monique Jones is enjoying the benefits of a mentally healthy workplace.

Mitre 10 employs 6,000 people in New Zealand, which is why they have a support centre of around 350 people.

Event reminds skaters that seeking help shows strength, not weakness.

Ella Dickison celebrates graduating as a clinical psychologist with a bold new look, and a promise to positively influence a difference in mental health.