Mental illness help flagged

CONNECTIONS: Garth Browning (left), Kiri Wilson, Korina Waitai, Hine Potaka and Peter London celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 051015WCSMHEALTH1

Deputy Mayor Hamish McDouall said he had missed the signs of clinical depression when a previous partner became unmotivated and he was only able to recognise the symptoms in retrospect.

Mr McDouall was speaking at the Connect event for the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week at the Central Baptist Church in Wicksteed St yesterday.

He said he had put her behaviour down to disinterest in their relationship but later realised that she needed help.

Mr McDouall also spoke about Wanganui people who may be struggling with their mental health after the massive rainfall in June caused their homes to be flooded.

"The emergency may be over but some people's lives are still not back to normal and they need social support to deal with feelings of grief and anxiety that can be lasting."

The Mental Health Foundation is promoting a focus on wellbeing this year with five simple strategies to advance mental health in ourselves and others.

Connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active are strategies that are being explored every day this week with activities organised by Removing Barriers Whanganui.

Removing Barriers is a collaborative group of organisations working in the Wanganui mental health sector, including the Whanganui District Health Board and Public Health, Nga Tai o Te Awa, Pathways, Balance Whanganui, Supporting Families and Te Oranganui Health Authority.

The focus for yesterday's gathering was on talking, listening, being there and feeling connected with inspirational guest speakers Peter London, Korina Waitai, Matua Kori Hemi and keynote speaker Garth Browning addressed the stigma of addiction and what drove it.

Mr Browning is co-ordinator of the Needle Exchange Programme for the central North Island.

He spoke about how support worked better than punishment in dealing with drug addiction.

"It's not about supporting people to take drugs - it about taking care of their health and taking care of society," he said.

Mr Browning talked about the effectiveness of the Needle Exchange Programme in preventing the spread of HIV in New Zealand.

"We are the envy of most of the Western world when it comes to the low spread of the HIV virus."