Lockdown and staying well

Hopefully you are finding your way through this period of lockdown and staying well.  We all know, however, that lockdown and a resurgence of COVID-19 in our community can be a difficult and stressful time; below are some resources that can be used to  support peoples mental health.  Free to use, so please share with your whānau and other people you may be supporting, or with someone you just know that could use these resources.

1.                  Mentemia – The app has ideas and tools to help you learn how to be well and stay well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It helps you deal with common stressors (such as poor sleep, anxiety and stress). Find out more at https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/apps/m/mentemia-app/

2.                  Melon – The app is a health and wellness app with a variety of programmes. The app is aimed at people who are feeling anxious or stressed. Find out more at https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/apps/m/melon-app/

3.                  Centre for Clinical Interventions website provides Cognitive Behavioral self-help resources for a range of difficulties such as depression, worry, health anxiety, sleep, self-compassion – to name just a few. They provide quick information guides, worksheets and comprehensive modules at  https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself

4.                  Whakatau Mai: The Wellbeing Sessions – These free, virtual community events are aimed at supporting wellbeing in real-time — to help you connect you with others, learn and practise new skills, and start looking at things differently. Some examples of sessions include; mindfulness, yoga, lgbt+ support. Find out more at Whakatau Mai: The Wellbeing Sessions

5.                  There are a number of online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs including:

Beating the Blues is the most widely used evidence-based online CBT programme for relieving depression

Just a thought Free online CBT and therapy for all New Zealanders. Courses for anxiety, depression and COVID related stress. 

depression.org.nz is a New Zealand-based website that uses CBT-based online self-help programmes for depression and anxiety.

auntydee.co.nz a CBT-based approach for wellbeing, anxiety and stress that has been adapted for Pasifika cultural groups by LeVa

SPARX is a New Zealand CBT-based online resource for young people. 

6.                  Sparklers at Home is resource for parents to talk with their primary-school-aged children about their mental health and wellbeing, and the return of Covid-19.

7.                  Hummingly offers tools and videos to support your workforce https://www.hummingly.co/

8.                  There is also helpful advice on looking after your mental wellbeing at  https://covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing/mental-wellbeing/looking-after-your-mental-wellbeing/

9.                  If you or a member of your whanau needs additional support, you can contact the following at any time:

1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).

10.              OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for lgbt+ support.

11.              Youthline – 0800 376 633 , free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

12.              thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626 for support for young people.

13.              What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 12noon–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available from 3pm–10pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.

Here is hoping this information can add to your support toolboxes as we navigate this bumpy road together.