Where can I find ideas and information to help me and my family through this difficult time?
Reach out to your usual supports over the phone — family and whānau, friends and workmates. Sharing how we feel and offering support to others is important.
Sticking to a routine such as having regular mealtimes, bedtimes and exercising really helps.
If over the following days and weeks you feel you are not coping, it’s important to seek help and professional support. Your family doctor is a good starting point.
For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental well-being, you can also call or text the ‘Need to talk?’ service on 1737. This service is free, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and gives you the chance to talk it through with a trained counsellor.
There is excellent advice on the government’s Unite Against COVID-19 website on looking after your mental well-being.
Depression.org specific tips on coping with COVID-19
https://depression.org.nz/covid-19/
The Lowdown – for young people
https://thelowdown.co.nz/
Who could I call?
In a crisis
You should contact the mental health crisis teams in this area at
Te Haika 0800 745 477 (operating 24/7).
All the groups listed below have counsellors who will do whatever they can to help.
| The Depression Helpline | 0800 111 757 or text 4202 |
| The Lowdown Team | Free text 5626 or email the team using the link on the website. |
| Alcoholics Anonymous | 0800 229 6757 |
| Alcohol Drug Helpline | 0800 787 797 |
| Anxiety Line | 0800 2694 389 |
| Healthline | 0800 611 116 |
| Lifeline | 0800 543 354 |
| Samaritans | 0800 726 666 |
| Victim Support | 0800 842 846 |
| Youthline | 0800 376 633 or text 234 |