Latest from Mental Health

Judge's sadness at jail sentence

A previously law-abiding mother has been jailed for faking the signature of the chief executive at one of New Zealand's biggest insurance firms.

Breastfeeding mums cut postnatal depression risk in half

Women who do not breastfeed their babies are at a higher risk of postnatal depression, according to a major study of more than 10,000 mothers.

Youth suicide falls, elderly rate rises

New Zealand’s youth suicide rate has dropped by a quarter – but suicides among the elderly are rising as old people are increasingly isolated from their families.

Counselling can do more harm than good (+what to watch out for)

Deborah Hill Cone: I've torn my nails to shreds from depression

Deborah Hill Cone writes about living with depression and her hope that one day soon the tears will stop.

New sleeping pill approved after lowering doses

Merck & Co., the second-largest US drugmaker, has won approval to sell its treatment for insomnia that is viewed as a drug with fewer side effects than older pills such as Ambien.

Personality type problems

The idea that people can be classified into types has a long history. Writing 23 centuries ago, the Greek philosopher Theophrastus sketched 30 characters that are instantly recognisable to this day.

'There is always hope, always recovery'

The Mental Health Foundation has received an unprecedented number of calls following the death of comedian Robin Williams.

Williams' cause of death confirmed

Robin Williams' cause of death has been confirmed by sheriff's officials this morning, as tributes continue to pour in for the actor, who had a special bond with NZ.

Painkillers reduce risk of post-natal depression

Women who use pain relief during childbirth may have a lower risk of depression after their babies are born, a leading psychiatrist has said.

NRL: Newcastle stalwart seeks treatment for depression

Watching Alex McKinnon battle a devastating back injury contributed to Darius Boyd's battle with depression, Wayne Bennett says.

Psychologist: MH370 worse than MH17

Auckland psychologist Grant Amos believes the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in March proved more troubling to nervous passengers.

NRL: The mother hen caring for her young chooks

The tragic suicides last year of young Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys players Mosese Fotuaika and Alex Elisala rocked a lot of people in rugby league and prompted Spencer and Carmen Taplin to try do something about it.

How gardens could help heal dementia

Gardens in care homes could be crucial in helping to stimulate memories for dementia sufferers, scientists have found.

The role of therapy in rehabilitating sex offenders

As a clinical and forensic psychologist, I assess and treat sex offenders, ultimately to minimise the risk of reoffending and help keep the community safe.

Treating post-traumatic stress disorder: confronting the horror

NZ a 'lifestyle superpower' - author

New Zealand has been described as a "lifestyle superpower", joining Australia as the envy of the western world, a political author says.

Staff fitness reflected in best work

A recent study suggests that the positive impact of exercise on your personal life may extend to how well you function at work.