FridayOL

We Kiwis are a practical bunch. We pride ourselves on hard work, building a good life, and looking out for each other. We focus on the essentials – putting food on the table, having a roof over our heads, and ensuring our kids get a decent education. But are we overlooking something crucial, something that underpins all of these achievements? The answer, increasingly, is yes: our mental wellbeing.

For too long, mental health has been the quiet concern, the elephant in the room. We’ve been so busy tackling the tangible challenges of life – the economic pressures, the housing crisis, the demands of work – that we’ve neglected the inner landscape, the emotional and psychological factors that profoundly impact our ability to thrive.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that as long as we're providing the basics, everything will be alright. But the reality is far more complex. A secure job doesn’t guarantee happiness. A comfortable home doesn’t shield us from stress and anxiety. And even the best education can’t prepare us for the emotional turmoil of life.

The statistics are sobering. Rates of anxiety and depression are rising, particularly among young people. Suicide remains a tragic and preventable reality. And the stigma surrounding mental health continues to prevent many from seeking the help they need. We need to shift the narrative, to acknowledge that mental health is not a luxury, but a fundamental human need, just as important as physical health.

So, what can we do? The good news is that there's a growing awareness of the issue, and a concerted effort to improve mental health services. But it requires a collective effort, a cultural shift in how we think about and address mental wellbeing.

Here are a few key steps we can take:

• Destigmatise Mental Health: Openly talk about mental health, share our experiences, and challenge the stereotypes that prevent people from seeking help.
• Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that nourish our minds and bodies – exercise, hobbies, spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones.
• Promote Workplace Wellbeing: Employers have a responsibility to create supportive workplaces that prioritise the mental health of their employees.
• Invest in Mental Health Services: Ensure that everyone has access to affordable and high-quality mental health care, including counselling, therapy, and support groups.
• Educate Ourselves and Others: Learn about mental health conditions, recognise the signs and symptoms, and know how to offer support to those who are struggling.

Ultimately, building a truly thriving society means investing in the mental wellbeing of all Kiwis. It means creating a culture where it's okay to not be okay, and where everyone feels supported to seek help when they need it. Let’s move beyond the basics and prioritise the invisible, yet vital, foundation of our collective happiness and resilience. It’s time to acknowledge the 'hidden cleric' of mental wellbeing and give it the attention it deserves, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling life for all.

This isn't just about individual responsibility; it's about creating a society that values and supports mental wellbeing, from the classroom to the workplace, from our homes to our communities.