Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off on Monday, September 18 with a focus on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, a set of simple actions that are proven to improve our mental health. 

The week’s ‘Five Ways, Five Days’ theme asks New Zealanders to Take Notice, Give, Be Active, Connect and Keep Learning.  

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are backed by evidence and can be easily incorporated into anyone's life, at any time.

Research shows that New Zealanders who participate in more of the activities related to the Five Ways to Wellbeing, such as doing regular physical activity, connecting with others, taking time to relax and giving time to helping others, are likely to experience higher levels of wellbeing.

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson admits it’s been a tough few years for us all, and that wellbeing tools like the Five Ways can really help us to cope.

“I live with bipolar and these simple techniques help me when I’m feeling both good and not so good. Over the past couple of years we've faced uncertainty and hardships that have left us with mixed emotions," says Shaun.

"By giving the Five Ways a go this MHAW, you’re learning helpful tools you can rely on to give your mental health a boost when you need it. 

“One in five New Zealanders experience a mental illness and/or addiction each year, and it’s important to remember that with the right tautoko many people can and do recover. 

"MHAW is about learning ways to enhance our wellbeing, so that we’re better equipped to cope when times are tough for us. We all have mental health and it's important to nurture it."

Workplaces and schools across the motu are gearing up to participate in the week, with all 10,000 MHAW resource packs sold out. 

There are plenty of resources available online for those still wanting to join in.

The MHAW Guide provides activity ideas for each day of the week, and the How to have a safe and supportive kōrero resource is helpful for anyone who’s worried about someone going through a difficult time.

The public can also head to the What’s On calendar to find MHAW-themed events happening in their region.  

The MHF is also partnering with Groov to host two free MHAW themed webinars, on Tuesday September 19 and Friday September 22. Hundreds have already registered to tune in and listen to wellbeing experts discuss creating mentally healthy workplaces and incorporating the Five Ways to Wellbeing into practice.  

Te Whatu Ora Interim Director Mental Health Commissioning Jo Chiplin encourages New Zealanders to get involved with the conversations and activities taking place this MHAW. “Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder for us all to stop and take stock of our mental wellbeing.

"The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a simple, evidence-based set of tools that can make a real difference to your happiness and general sense of wellbeing," says Jo.

“We all need to break down the stigma about mental health concerns and talk with our friends and whānau about mental wellbeing.

"It is great to see increased awareness of the importance of good mental health with more New Zealanders prioritising looking after themselves and getting support when they need it. 

"For example, we’ve recently seen our free, face-to-face primary mental health and addiction services Access and Choice hit the milestone of one million sessions delivered.”

It’s not too late to take part - jump online at mhaw.nz to get resources, activity ideas and more to help bring the week to life in your workplace, school or home. You can register to receive daily updates by clicking here.