Mental wellbeing

Anxiety

Feeling worried or anxious some of the time is normal. But when anxiety stops you taking part in everyday life and starts to feel all consuming, it’s time to ask for help. It can be hard, but it’s important you ask for help early. Waiting for it to pass or just trying to get over it isn’t a good solution.

Anxiety is a recognised medical condition and often people with anxiety need help from a health professional to learn how to manage it.

Common signs of anxiety include:

• Worrying too much than usual for 6 months or more.
• Unable to relax.
• Constant thoughts running through your mind.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Feeling irritable and restless.
• Avoiding certain situations.
• Always expecting the worst to happen.

You may only have a few symptoms but it’s still important to reach out. Find someone you trust to share how you’re feeling; this may be a friend, family member or health professional.

Anxiety can be treated and your treatment depends on how mild or severe your anxiety is. Treatment can include medications and non-medicine treatment options such as talking therapy, mindfulness and relaxation.

Mentemia

Mentemia is a New Zealand app that offers you evidence-based ideas and tools to help you learn how to be well, and stay well. It’s free for all New Zealanders.

Connect: Develop and nurture your relationships with people

• Become involved in groups; join your local craft, sports, choir, hobby or book club and enjoying singing, sewing, playing a card game, visiting gardens or croquet on the lawn together.
• Gather some friends for a DVD evening; ask people to share a film they like.
• Grab some mates and get into the great outdoors – go on a bush walk, go surfing or go mountain bike riding.
• Take time to read your local newspaper or newsletter – find out what’s going on in your area, such as music or cultural performances, then organise a group outing.

Give: Give your time and presence

• Take opportunities to support and advocate for groups, friends, family or neighbours in need.
• Organise or promote random acts of kindness days at school, work or when you're out with a group.
• While driving, stop to let a car into the traffic.
• If you have fruit trees pop your excess fruit out on the street with a "help yourself" sign.

Take notice: Remember the simple things that give you joy

• Be mindful of the first mouthful of food you eat. See if you can really pay attention to all the flavours and textures of the food, the act of chewing and the act of swallowing. During the following meal, see if you can be aware of the first two mouthfuls of food, and so on.
• Take the opportunity to sit quietly in a busy place like an airport or a mall and notice the interactions between people.
• Take notice of the night sky. Be aware of what phase the moon is in and how the visible constellations change throughout the year.
• Go for a bush walk, try to identify the different animal and plant species you see and photograph them while taking the time to really notice what you are photographing.

Keep learning: Try something new or rediscover an old interest

• Learn something you don’t know about the area in which you live by checking out the local notice boards for interesting talks and events.
• Discover the name of the iwi, hapu, maunga and awa of the place you live.
• Memorise a new word every week. Practice using it among friends and family.
• Put your hand up for a new challenge/training in your workplace to broaden your knowledge.

Be active: Do what you can and improve your mood

• Try a ‘Have A Go day’ with a local sports group. Look out for what’s on offer, as often, free equipment and tuition is provided.
• Participate in a fun run/walk to raise money for charity.
• Try tai chi classes for strength, balance and mental wellbeing.
• Find out the most popular sport among your colleagues and then organise a match or tournament for staff.

Reference: Wellbeing, Mental Health Foundation