It’s been a difficult time for many recently and it is likely that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will be felt for months, if not years, to come, according to Mental Health Foundation CEO Shaun Robinson. Along with his team of 45 based here in Uptown (when they are not in lockdown), Robinson is working hard to support the mental wellbeing of New Zealanders at this unprecedented time.

“It’s probably too soon to get a full picture,” says Robinson, “but I think the focus the Government has put on mental health and wellbeing during the higher alert levels has been admirable.”

Calls to helplines have risen significantly during lockdown, but according to Robinson, this is a good thing. “Everyone has been impacted in some way during this time. People have understandably been feeling anxious, afraid and angry. But fighting these feelings is not going
to work; acceptance is important. People reaching out is a good sign, as it shows that they feel it is legitimate and okay to do that.”

Robinson adds, “The Police have not seen a spike in mental health-related callouts, which shows that people have generally borne up quite well. The message that we are all in this together and the focus on kindness and well-being has been really good. However, we are not out of the woods yet, especially in terms of economic impacts. The challenge is to keep this momentum going.”

The Mental Health Foundation started over 40 years ago with the proceeds of a telethon. For more than 20 years, the organisation has been based in Uptown, part of the vibrant community that is “nice and central for people, but also far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, with the mountain for walks, parks and great places for lunch”, says Robinson.

The charity uses a research and evidence- based approach to provide free guidance and support, as well as campaigning to reduce stigma and discrimination against those with mental health issues. It is not a counselling or medical health service, although many people do make contact and are given the support they need. Community funding has always been important, although these days the charity receives approximately 50% of funds from the Government.

“Over a lifetime at least 50% of the population will experience a significant mental health challenge, but it could be as high as 80%,” says Robinson. “We wouldn’t expect to go through our whole lives without ever having a physical ailment, so this should be viewed as a normal part of being human. We have to remove the stigma though. The term mental health has such negative connotations, especially when compared directly with how we view physical health.”

While much of the health system is about offering clinical support to fix people who are already suffering, the Mental Health Foundation is keen to harness the benefits of positive mental wellness for the wider population in order to mitigate issues and prevent suicide.

Many in the team understand only too well the challenges faced when people are struggling. Robinson is bipolar and has had his own suicidal episode. The charity has close relationships with other organisations that are made up of people who can also draw on lived experiences.

Robinson is passionate about helping people to build their own personal resilience, something he says is important when it comes to suicide prevention. “There is a clear link between promoting positive mental health so that people feel better equipped to cope and therefore deaths by suicide are reduced.”

This is important not just in a time of crisis. The charity provides tools and resources for those who are suffering and for those who want to support others. Information has also been developed to address the needs of particular communities, including Māori and young people.

“The landscape of mental health has changed a lot, but there’s still much to do. It’s widely acknowledged that you can improve physical health by doing things like exercise and eating healthily, but it is also true that you can build up your positive mental and emotional functioning,” says Robinson. “Our role is to reduce the stigma around mental health by promoting information and behaviours that will positively impact wellness.”

The charity provides training modules to workplaces across New Zealand that promote inclusivity and mental wellness. The benefits of having a positive approach to mental health is illustrated by sports teams including the All Blacks and the Silver Ferns. Robinson says “the teams put as much time into mental wellness as they do physical, which leads to a significant competitive advantage”.

Last year there was an increase in government funding, albeit on the back of “massive underfunding for a decade”. As we head into a period of uncertainty, the more we can do to moderate negative impacts, reduce stigma and build a positive mental health response, the better.