Creating an animation about mental health for our community was a daunting prospect. The topic is so weighty, because the outcomes can be so devastating. But, if we normalise, destigmatise and learn more about mental health, then we can save lives. If we keep talking about it, keep saying ‘it’s okay to not be okay’, then we’re more likely to reach out to each other during challenging times. We’re more likely to prioritise our mental well-being and take time off when we need to.
I want mental health normalised to the point where it feels just as easy and acceptable to stay home for your mental health, as it is to stay home with a cold, migraine or physical injury. I want people to feel safe to talk about feeling fear, self-doubt, inadequacy and shame and to know that it’s okay to not be okay.
Resources for support here in the Tairāwhiti:
Call 111 in an emergency
FACE TO FACE
Te Waharoa (previously Te Kuwatawata)
Free to drop in - no appointment needed 26 Peel Street, (opposite the library) Gisborne 8.30am to 4pm weekdays Phone: (06) 868 3550
Pinnacle Health
Referral through your GP doctor
I Am Hope
Go to iamhope.org.nz and click ‘I Want Help’ then scroll down to ‘Choose a Counsellor’ and type in Gisborne.
ONLINE / PHONE
1731
Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained mental health and addiction professional
Lifeline
0800 54 33 54 to speak to a counsellor, available 24/7 (or free text HELP to 4357). www.lifeline.org.nz
Depression Helpline
0800 111 757 or text 4202. https://depression.org.nz
Suicide Crisis Helpline
0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Kidsline
0800 54 37 54 for children aged 5 to 18 years. Those who ring between 4-9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy - specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
0800 WHATSUP
Children's helpline - 0800 9428 787, available between 1-10pm on weekdays and from 3-10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7-10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.
Animation and story by Steph Barnett (ONO Project)
Comments