Tēnā koe ,

 

It's a tense time for most of us. COVID-19 is scary and it's rapidly changing the way we work, socialise, travel, access healthcare, exercise, shop and live. We know many people are feeling anxious, stressed, worried and scared.

 

It's important to look after our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our whānau and community as we get through this – together. We've created a new section on our website with wellbeing tips, answers to FAQs and tikanga advice.

 

The number one message we want New Zealanders to hear is this: we will get through this if we work together. Connecting with people who make you feel safe and loved is the most important thing you can do to look after your mental health and the mental health of people around you.

 

We know things are really tough right now for some people who live with mental illness. Stress and anxiety can make things worse. While we don't have all the answers, our wellbeing tips are designed to work for you (however you're feeling right now). Our FAQ answers some of the questions we've been receiving. You can free call or text 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor – it's free and confidential.

 

We'll be updating this part of our website as often as we can with new information, resources and material. We're also active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where we'll be sharing ways to support wellbeing and asking you to share the things that are helping you get through. We hope you'll join us. He waka eke noa – we're all in this together.

 

Ngā mihi nui,

 

 

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.