Latest from Mental Health

Seclusion expert to investigate detention in New Zealand

The Human Rights Commission will bring an international expert to New Zealand to investigate the country's use of seclusion after repeatedly raising concerns.

Editorial: Mentally ill deserve better care than this

Several decades have passed since mentally disturbed people were shut away in places worse than prisons. Or so we thought.

Autistic man's case not the only one

The lack of clarity around patient seclusion has emerged after the Herald revealed the case of autistic man Ashley Peacock, who has been keep in isolation for years.

The gender most affected by stress

Scientists reveal how one gender is almost twice as likely to suffer from stress compared to the other.

Ashley's plight: 'Minister must intervene'

Opposition MPs say autistic man's case is breach of human rights and that Health Minister Jonathan Coleman must intervene.

Rachel Smalley: Moral shame of mental health unit isolation

COMMENT: He is not a criminal, so how is it, in this country, that we can sanction keeping someone in seclusion for over a half a decade?

Watch: Saving Ashley

Ashley Peacock loves spending time outdoors with animals. But as a mental health patient, the 37-year-old is allowed outside for just 90 minutes a day. His parents thought he needed specialist care but the decision is now one they “deeply regret”.

'He's had everything stripped from him'

An autistic man has been locked in a tiny, isolated area of a mental health unit for five years despite top-level warnings his treatment breaches human rights.

'You wouldn't do it to a dog'

An autism advocate has condemned the seclusion of Ashley Peacock saying "he didn't commit a murder, and you wouldn't have done that even with a murderer."

Why selfies are giving us teen brain

A million selfies are taken every day but psychologists warn the 'cult of me' has grave consequences.

How to fix the 'boy crisis'

We often worry about the future for girls, but it's boys who are locked in a crisis that's been building for a decade.

Budget 2016: Extra $2.2 billion pumped into health

An extra $2.2 billion will be pumped into health over four years to help cope with an ageing population and record immigration.

Kyle MacDonald: Can you ever overcome anxiety?

How music therapy can heal your brain

The hills of Dairy Flat are alive with the sounds of music whenever James Wong, 7, and music therapist May Clulee get together.

Teen's profound letter explaining autism

Gordy Baylinson is a beautiful writer with a lot to say. And he has strong opinions about the police and the treatment of autistic people.

How to give good advice

OPINION: Psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald explains the right way to give advice.

The short, tragic lives of Nia and Moko

Nia Glassie and Moko Rangitoheriri were both beaten to death at the age of 3.

Magic mushrooms 'could ease depression'