Mental Health: Reaching Out Matters More Than You Know

Mental health challenges touch far more people than we often realise. According to I Am Hope, around 1 in 5 young Kiwis will experience significant mental distress each year, and New Zealand loses more than 600 people to suicide annually. Even more heartbreaking, every day in NZ, at least 14 young people are referred for acute mental health support, yet many never get the help they need.

Reaching out is not a sign of weakness — it’s the strongest step anyone can take. Whether you’re struggling, or someone you love is, please know you’re not alone. Support is available 24/7, and there are real people on the other end who genuinely care.

If you ever need someone to talk to, you can reach out to me anytime. And if you or your family need practical help, East Auckland has incredible local food banks and church support networks:
👉 https://www.times.co.nz/advert-category/local-food-banks-east-auckland/

Where to get help:
• 1737 – Call/text 1737 to talk to a counsellor
• Anxiety NZ – 0800 ANXIETY
• Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or text 4202
• Lifeline – 0800 543 354
• Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254
• Samaritans – 0800 726 666
• Suicide Crisis – 0508 828 865
• Yellow Brick Road – 0800 732 825
• thelowdown.co.nz – Text 5626
• What’s Up (ages 5–18) – 0800 942 8787
• Youthline – 0800 376 633 or text 234
• Aoake te Rā – 0800 000 053

If life is in danger, call 111 immediately