Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off today, and the Green Party yesterday spent time campaigning for reduced stigma around mental health issues.
Mental Health spokesperson Chloe Swarbrick spent time talking with people on Wellington's Cuba Mall, saying it's time for attitudes to change.
"It's really important to talk about mental health but also about mental wellbeing in Aotearoa," she said.
"One of the things that has come up time and again is that too many people still feel too much stigma in accessing mental health services - but even talking about it.
"It's OK to sometimes feel not OK, and people should feel OK with reaching out for help.
"If we genuinely want people to be speaking up when they do have an issue, then we need to recognise that comes often with a whole lot of complexity.
Those working in the field of mental health say they’re overstretched.
"So those resources and that education is really critical as well for New Zealanders."
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7)
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: online chat (7pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 children's helpline (1pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-10pm weekends)
Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
Safe to talk National Sexual Harm Helpline - 0800 044 334, www.safetotalk.nz
Victim Support National 24 Hour Helpline 0800 842 846, www.victimsupport.org.nz
· Rape Crisis National 24 Hour Helpline 0800 883300
SHARE ME