Summer may traditionally be the time to relax and kick back with whānau and friends, but in 2023 that may not be entirely the case as the burdens of finance and stress increase.
In addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, worries about finances and making ends meet are impacting people's mental health and wellbeing.
With the spiralling cost-of-living issues and the feeling of financial over-commitment after Christmas, it can be hard for many families to get their budgets back on track. Data shows Māori, Pasifika, and Asian New Zealanders are most impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
However, the Mental Health Foundation is encouraging whānau and friends to talk about what's troubling them and seek out help to tackle it. Their All Sorts summer campaign aims to normalise the emotions many of us will feel at this time, and help people realise it is okay to reach out for support.
Recent research from the IPSOS New Zealand Issues Monitor report in September 2022 shows inflation and the cost of living is worrying one in every two of us, with fears that these issues will continue to trouble all of Aotearoa in some form for the next five years.
In November 2022, research found personal finances were the biggest roadblock to our mental wellbeing.
Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson says a simple mindset change can help offload some of those worries.
"No matter what you're worried about, connecting with a friend and opening up to a loved one or someone you trust can lighten the load significantly. Even when times are tough, it's important to remember there are all sorts of simple, free, or very inexpensive ways to boost our wellbeing and look after ourselves and our whānau! Let's shift the focus on what we CAN do in Aotearoa this summer."
Signs you may be under stress
There are many different symptoms you may be experiencing as the pressure mounts up - and they can manifest in all kinds of forms.
These are the warning signs of stress you should look for in yourself, your whānau, friends and colleagues.
Physical
You may be experiencing:
Shortness of breath or shallow breathing
Indigestion, stomach upsets
Frequent colds or flu
Memory or concentration problems
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more
Changes in appetite
Exhaustion, low energy, tiredness
Headaches, body aches or pre-existing conditions that have worsened.
Emotional
You may be feeling:
Impatient or irritable
Less confident
Anxious, tense or tearful
Numb and disconnected
Regretful or guilty
Embarrassed or ashamed
A lack of joy and energy for life.
Behavioural
You may be:
Losing interest in whānau or work
Finding it hard to make decisions
Having trouble coping with day-to-day things
Avoiding seeing friends, doing activities you usually enjoy
Using drugs or alcohol to cope.
How to prioritise your own wellbeing
"Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing may not seem like a priority if you're struggling to pay the bills, but it’s actually crucial to take care of yourself when times are tough," Robinson says.
"Try to introduce some simple wellbeing activities into your day. A brisk walk by the beach or calling an old friend can do wonders for boosting your mood and easing the stress."
Robinson suggests the main way to cope with financial distress is to tackle it early on.
"It's better to deal with financial issues now, rather than in the future. Many lending institutes are providing extra support for people in financial distress plus there are free budget advisory services to help you navigate through the tricky times," he says.
"If you feel like you’re not coping, always, always reach out for help – there are 24/7 free helplines such as 1737 manned by trained counsellors that offer support, information, and help. You can also speak to your GP or community health service such as Marae health services."
Managing all sorts of emotions
"Whether you're feeling all good/ka pai, anxious, hōhā, overwhelmed, worried, or sad – it's normal and it’s okay. When we can openly talk about our emotions, there's no shame or stigma, which also makes it easier to reach out for help if you need it," he advises.
"Try to remember these feelings won't last forever. One simple trick I like to do is 'name it to tame it'. By naming what we're experiencing or feeling, our brains get the message to switch off the stress signals and help us focus on what we can control."
"This busy summer period is saturated with all kinds of messaging and advertisements trying to get us to spend more money – well, we're here to encourage people to spend their time, not money, on things that matter," Robinson revealed.
"The moana, the awa, the parks, playgrounds, free summer community events, family, friends, picnics, BBQs, feeling the sun on our faces, enjoying a cuppa, moving our bodies in any way that feels good to us are low/no cost way of having fun over summer."
You can find more tips at summer.allsorts.org.nz
Simple coping methods
Share your concerns - A problem shared is a problem halved
Get expert help - There are plenty of free services to take advantage of and to get some great advice
Make a budget - Plan ahead with what you have, and what you know you have, rather than worrying about uncertainties
Don't go without the essentials - Skipping the basics will only increase the pressure
Talk to your bank - They may seem big and scary, but they may be able to help in ways you hadn't expected.
Look after your wellbeing - Exercise, meditation or taking a short break during the day can make a significant difference to how you feel.
Where to find more help:
There are several free, financial counselling and budgeting services available:
Money Talks, a free helpline for debt and budgeting support operated by FinCap. Call 0800 345 123.
FinCap, for free and confidential budgeting advice. Visit www.fincap.org.nz.
Salvation Army.
Christians Against Poverty.
Debtfix.
Sorted.org.nz for independent financial information, guides and tools.
Moneyhub.co.nz for a range of information and advice.
Citizens Advice Bureau for resources or local budgeting support. Visit www.cab.org.nz.
The following services offer free support 24/7 and can connect you with others who can help you:
Free call or text 1737 anytime to talk to a trained counsellor.
Depression helpline - visit www.depression.org.nz, call 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
Lifeline – visit www.lifeline.org.nz, call 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP).
Anxiety NZ 0800 ANXIETY (269 4389) for specific questions around your or your loved ones’ anxious feelings. www.anxiety.org.nz
Asian Family Services – free helpline 0800 862 342 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm). www.asianfamilyservices.nz
Vaka Tautua – free national Pacific helpline 0800 Ola lelei/0800 652 535 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm). www.vakatautua.co.nz
Contact your GP or your local healthcare provider.
For more resources or information visit www.mentalhealth.org.nz
Article created in partnership with Mental Health Foundation.
