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Jacinda Ardern uses Mental Health Awareness Week to encourage Kiwis to be more 'open' regarding struggles

October 10, 2018

The Prime Minister spoke about the issue during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has encouraged New Zealanders – and particularly Kiwi men - to be more open with each other regarding their mental health struggles.

Asked to share her thoughts today during Mental Health Awareness Week, Ms Ardern called for Kiwis to speak more openly about day-to-day issues.

"There's something to be said for us speaking more openly around just the issues that people face day-to-day...being much more open with each other around the stress and strain that people feel in a modern environment," she told media.

"The large majority of people never come to the attention of our mental health services and yet take their own lives and so the first step is seeking help and encouraging people to be much more open particularly, males in our community."

Ms Ardern said the stress and strain she felt were largely related to her job.

"Without wanting to overstate it, whatever I experience it probably just reflects the job that I’m in and not necessarily more than that," she said.

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

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