Mental Health

CDHB launches review after man accused of fatal stabbing confirmed as mental health patient on 'community leave'

Laisa Maraia Waka was murdered in a random street stabbing in Christchurch while she was on her way home from work.

'More than critical': Victims' advocate says people struggling to get help as mental health report ordered for alleged murderer

"This is exactly what a failed mental health system looks like."

Do optimists really live longer? Here's what the research says

A number of studies have shown that optimists enjoy higher levels of wellbeing, better sleep, and lower stress.

'Poor guy shouldn't be in jail': Severely mentally ill man behind bars a human rights violation - psychiatrist

"The environment [in prison] will almost guarantee a poor outcome."

'A level of responsibility': Grieving family taking legal action against Hawke's Bay DHB after son dies by suspected suicide

"It hurts, it's hard, very hard. No parent should be burying their child."

Construction sector struggling with worsening mental health issues

"If we don't get a sustainable funding stream we'll have to retrench our support for the industry."

Expert says Kiwis suffering 'office anxiety' about returning to work post-COVID lockdowns

Research found at least half of employees have anxiety about returning to the workplace.

'We can't help you, bye': Hillmorton mental health patient distraught after being discharged despite pleas to stay

"They made me feel invalidated... Their solution every time was 'we're going to discharge you' instead of trying to resolve the issue."

New research reveals concerning link between COVID-19 disruption and mental health

The study looked at people with pre-existing mental health issues.

'A striking finding': New study finds suicide rates may be lower in women who use hormonal contraception

"The study... may help to destigmatise the use of hormonal contraceptives."

Dancing With The Stars NZ winner Jazz Thornton says show shines light on mental health

She says it allowed her to share her story on mental health in a mainstream entertainment show.

'Why are these people dying?': Parents of man who died at Palmerston North Hospital's mental health ward say it was avoidable

"So many parts of the system fell down and collapsed, his death was avoidable."

Coroner acknowledges 'regrettable' delay of inquest into suspected suicide

Shaun Gray died while he was a patient at Palmerston North Hopsital's mental health ward.

Inquest into suspected suicide to begin 8 years after death

He was a patient at Palmerston North Hospital's mental health ward when he died.

'Who cares if I die?' - Solo mum with multiple chronic illnesses trapped at home because people won't wear masks

"We've been absolutely abandoned… I've got nothing and I am so isolated and so alone."

Bike business called Obsessive Cycling Disorder sparks outrage from OCD community

"I thought they were appropriating the acronym for a logo, which makes light of a condition that is really debilitating, and it minimises the seriousness of the disorder."

Mental health crisis services get major boost in Budget

Sustained effort and investment would be needed to fully address the pressures.

School mental health programme expansion gets $90m in Budget

"We know that early intervention is one of the best ways we encourage better mental wellbeing."

Believing you can do something to improve your mental health is linked with better wellbeing - study

There are many things people can do on their own to maintain good mental health.

'My full-time job is not killing myself': DHB halves patient's ketamine medication

Southern DHB cut its ketamine clinic from a twice a week service to just weekly.