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It’s natural to react to any changes in life, including exams, relationships, whānau, money, and more. Sometimes these emotions can be mixed or seem bad or negative. For some of us, they can have an impact on our wellbeing so we experience mental distress such as depression, anxiety or stress.
This is all normal and expected, even if it doesn’t always feel great. The feelings will pass, and there are also strategies you can try to help feel better.
There are resources and strategies to help you calm down, relax, and help manage stress, anxiety, or depression. Sometimes there isn’t a way to get rid of these feelings and there aren’t immediate solutions, but you can find ways to deal with them.
Avoid blaming yourself, being pushy, or judging someone who is going through mental distress. Some general tips:
You can also try different ways to relax, such as meditation, mindfulness techniques. They’re often recommended by those who have been through the same feelings, but if you find that something isn’t working for you, know that this isn’t your fault.
Some resources include:
Some people feel better when someone actively listens to them. It can be hard at first but think about reaching out to a friend or family member you trust. Tell them you need judgement-free help with problem-solving, or just want them to be a sounding board. In some cases, you can get referred to someone who can help via your doctor.
If you feel more comfortable with contacting a professional, you can try the following free services:
If you need urgent help or support, it’s important to contact a professional. Do the same for anyone you know who has mentioned having these thoughts.
Remember that chatting to someone who is trained to help can save a life, so it’s important to intervene as soon as possible. Here are services that are free to access anytime:
Panic attacks can be quite scary if you’ve never experienced one or don’t recognise what it feels like. Sometimes they can be triggered by specific events or a build-up of stress, but a lot of people also experience them without having an obvious cause. The symptoms usually include:
These symptoms can appear without warning and last for around ten minutes, and disappear soon after.
Panic attacks may be painful or scary in the moment, but they won’t harm you, leave long term physical effects, or kill you. It’s just how your body is reacting to what’s going on in your life.
For more information on panic attacks and how to get through them, visit Health Navigator or the Mental Health Foundation website.
Acting responsibly with alcohol will help prevent any negative experiences or consequences. Peer pressure can be involved in some situations, so make sure that you are making informed decisions. And don’t forget to look out for your mates! You can read more about alcohol safety on Alcohol.org.nz.
Before consuming any kind of drug, try to understand what impact it can have on you and the people around you. Drug testing kits are usually available for free at festivals. You can read more about these on Know Your Stuff and the New Zealand Drug Foundation.
If you ever notice signs of overdose or extreme behaviour, or feel unsafe, call 111 or Healthline. Contacting any of those services won’t get you into trouble and might save somebody’s life.
Feeling comfortable with your body and avoiding any unintended consequences to sex.
We are all on different paths in our lives and it’s important to respect one another and our unique experiences of the world.
Find out what services are available and cost-effective to help you look after your body.
Maintaining good relationships with your family, friends and others can enhance your overall wellbeing.
