Good mental health and wellbeing are key aspects of a healthy life. However, mental distress is common. About four in five people over 15 years old have experienced mental distress, either personally or among people they know.

We want to create a nation that values, includes and supports people with experience of mental distress. Our goal is to  reduce the impact of mental distress so that all New Zealanders can participate in society and in the everyday life of their whānau | family and communities.

Our mahi

Depression.org.nz

Depression.org.nz is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to prevent suicide, along with improving the mental health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. It works to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety by helping early recognition, appropriate treatment, and recovery.

The objectives of depression.org.nz are to:

  • Strengthen individual, whānau and social factors that protect against depression and anxiety
  • Help whānau, communities and professionals with resources to support people who are experiencing depression and anxiety.

Our work is supported by a health promotion marketing approach including digital and print resources.

A telehealth service offers advice and counselling for people seeking help for themselves or others. Whakarongorau provides this service. 

Nōku te Ao

Nōku te Ao is a collaborative nationwide programme to end prejudice and discrimination against those with experience of mental distress. It works with and for people most affected by discrimination, including Māori and Pacific communities.

It is based on kaupapa Māori principles with national campaigns and communications, media monitoring and community-led social movement activities, education and grants. We provide funding to our partners to support programme delivery, with strategic responsibility held by Health NZ’s National Public Health Service.

The programme works to uphold the mana and human rights of people with experience of mental distress by contributing to:

  • equitable treatment by government and society
  • fair structures in organisations
  • positive portrayals in public communications
  • inclusive behaviours in personal interactions
  • influential role-modelling by people with experience of mental distress.

Learn More about Nōku te Ao

The Lowdown

The Lowdown provides a safe online place for young people to find practical advice, hear the voices of their peers, find a community of support, be guided towards hope and remind them that they are not alone in their experiences. 

Visit The Lowdown

Small Steps

Small Steps provides tools, resources, and information to support, maintain or improve mental wellbeing. The tools focus on positive thinking and mindfulness to help with feelings of anxiety, stress, or low mood. These tools have been developed in partnership with Clearhead and are designed for people to take small steps to improve wellbeing. Each tool only takes a few minutes.

Visit Small Steps

Mental health of new parents

Becoming a parent can be a hopeful time for change. It can also increase a parent’s stress, anxiety or bring up old trauma. Learn about the First 1000 Days programme.