Tips and guidance

Everyone is affected by difficult events in different ways. Many people, especially those in our Muslim community, are still feeling the effects of the March 15th Mosque attacks in Christchurch.

It’s normal to feel distressed, and to experience symptoms of stress, when there is renewed media coverage or public discussion.

A range of support is available if you need it. Your needs may be big or small, medical or practical. Knowing that you need help or support is an important step.

Check the links below for resources to help with self-managing your own or a loved one’s mental health and wellbeing and navigating grief and loss.

If you need to talk to someone, or sense someone else might need to talk to someone,  go to Immediate help or Health providers and counsellors for contact details.

We all have mental health, and just like there are ways we can improve our physical health, there are things we can do to improve our mental health too.

There are lots of simple things we can do to look after our mental health and wellbeing, now and in the future. Here are some practical tips for looking after yourself and others from AllRight? They’re simple but they work:

  • Share a cuppa and a kōrero.
  • Take a break from the news and social media.
  • Remember the little things that make you feel good.
  • Stick to your routines if you can.
  • Rest. Time out helps.
  • Head outside, nature is good for us.

New Zealand Rugby’s Headfirst website also gives tips on how to deal with stress, anxiety or identity crisis, and provide a place to reach out and get the help you need.

If feelings of helplessness or sadness are overwhelming and you feel like you can’t get on top of them or move on, support is available. You can free call/text 1737, 24-hours a day.

After a traumatic event it is normal to feel distressed, and to experience thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations that you may not have had before. This distress may increase again with reminders of the attacks of last March, as we acknowledge that a year has passed since they happened, and remembrance events are covered by the media.

For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - to talk it through with a trained counsellor.

You may have lost a member of your family/whānau or a friend. Or you may feel devastated by the loss of community members, even if you didn't know them personally.

We all handle grief in different ways. Feeling sad is completely normal, and there are people and services available to help you cope.

  • Grief and loss  |  Mental Health Foundation - We feel grief if we lose people we love, or things and places we were attached to. It can be a difficult and painful process. This site offers information on symptoms of grief, help and treatment options, and strategies to support recovery.

Children and young people often need special assistance to cope with trauma and difficult times.  Many may still be feeling the effects of the 15 March attacks, or may need support as we approach events that bring up memories of what happened.

They look to adults for help. The information below can assist you in providing that help.

It's important to also take care of yourself so you can care for those who depend on you. Read Tips and Guidance for additional resources to help you.

For people to talk to for additional support and advice, go to Immediate help or Health providers and counsellors  

Mental health and wellbeing

Anxiety

Tough times

Grief and loss