Posted 19 months ago by Lavinia (lavinia@hauora.co.nz) Ngatoko Less than a minute to read

Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 whanau v2

Reconnect and boost your wellbeing

 It’s time to put a spring in your step, after a tough past few years and winter, and focus on boosting your mental health and wellbeing.

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is Reconnect - with the people and places that lift you up, hei pikinga waiora.

Over the past few years, with Covid restrictions, it has been easy to feel disconnected from the people and places that you’ve lost contact with. Image not found

So whether it's reaching out to someone you have lost contact with, visiting a place that's special to you or getting outside in nature, take the opportunity this week to make these reconnections that lift you up and enhance your wellbeing.

Health Minister Andrew Little says following two years of Covid-19 disruptions and now with the easing of restrictions, it’s timely to reconnect to support our mental wellbeing.

“This year’s theme will resonate deeply with many New Zealanders and it’s a great reminder of the importance of reaching out to those we know and care about. “You often don’t realise what pressures many people are experiencing and what a difference you can make by taking the time to check in, touch base or spend some quality time.”

Mental Health Foundation (MHF) chief executive Shaun Robinson says “the last couple of years have been tough for us all and it’s easy to feel disconnected from the people and places that are important to us. MHAW is a chance for New Zealanders to prioritise their mental health.

"There’s growing recognition that we need to uplift our mental wellbeing, and that connection is a crucial part of this - the engagement with this year’s theme has been very encouraging”.

“Whether it's reaching out to someone you have lost contact with, visiting a place that's special to you or getting outside in nature, we hope you'll join us this MHAW to reconnect with the people and places that lift you up to enhance your wellbeing - hei pikinga waiora,” Mr Robinson says. 

It’s not too late to get involved. The MHAW 2022 Guide provides daily activities for both adults and tamariki that can be done at school, work or home, inspired by Te Whare Tapa Whā and the Five Ways to Wellbeing, which are simple evidence-based strategies to improve wellbeing. 

Click HERE for more about the week and activities.