UCSA promotes Mental Health Awareness Month
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has been running MHAM since 1993 to help New Zealanders understand what boosts their wellbeing.
Five Ways to Wellbeing, as emphasised on UC’s website. Photo: UC NZ
This past September, Aotearoa celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM), and UC was abuzz with awareness.
To kick off MHAM 2023, the UCSA and UC launched a month-long program exploring the five pillars of well-being: connect, take notice, be active, give, and keep learning.
65 events were held, including 20 karakia, a 10,000-step challenge, craft and workshop activities, social events, spiritual and religious-based get-togethers, yoga, running, workout sessions, and a few educational seminars.
UC’s Director of Student Wellbeing, Gilbert Taurua said the purpose of holding so many different events was to ensure people feel connected, have a sense of belonging, know who and where they can reach out to for support at UC.
“Mental health is so relevant, I think that’s why the team has broadened [the number of events] out… the feedback has all been pretty positive,” he said.
Additionally, the event ‘Run72’ by Lads Without Labels was a huge success, highlighting men's mental health and suicide rates in New Zealand.
‘Run72’ raised more than $36,000 for the 'Lads Without Labels Counselling Initiative,' which provides a free counselling option, initially for UC students. Every $150 raised covers one hour with a professional counsellor.
The latest stats show that in Aotearoa, nearly two individuals take their own lives each day, and almost half of the country will experience mental distress or illness at some point in their lives.
Taurua said, “Mental health impacts us all, whether it's personally, within family or friends… We know here at UC that it can really impact people's academic success, general direction, and wellbeing in their life.”
The Five Ways to Wellbeing, cooked up by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) during their Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing research, reminds us that there are five simple daily actions we can sprinkle into our lives to boost our wellbeing. These daily actions can be for ourselves, our families, our communities, and even our workplaces.
Connect (me whakawhanaunga) is about developing meaningful relationships with family, friends, and the community, increasing happiness, security, and personal wellbeing and allowing you to provide and receive support through difficult times.
Take notice (me aro tonu) urges us to be present, to enjoy life's simple pleasures, and to discover joy in curiosity, thankfulness, and the beauty of everyday experiences.
Be active (me kori tonu) focuses on improving your well-being and boosting your mood through fun physical activities like biking, jogging, or simply walking in the fresh air.
Give (tukua) is about increasing happiness and overall well-being by helping others through small or large acts of kindness, sharing our time, knowledge, resources, and improving self-esteem by providing a sense of purpose.
Keep learning (me ako tonu) involves maintaining curiosity, setting goals, embracing new experiences to promote healthy brain development, social skills, wellbeing and prevent depression throughout life.
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Healthline – 0800 611 116