Start by talking to someone (kōrero)
A good way to start dealing with what’s going on is to share how you’re feeling with someone you trust. This could be someone in your family or whānau, your partner, a friend, church leader or anyone in your community who you feel close to.
It also helps if you don’t try to cope with stressful situations on your own. Consider turning to your friends and whānau. They can provide emotional support through their love (aroha), comfort, respect and concern. They may also give you advice and share new information, as well as practical support like getting the things you need or helping with things around the house.
If you have good social support you tend to have better physical and mental health, and find it easier to cope with challenging events and situations.
Mauria ko ōku painga. Waiho ko ōku wheru
Highlight my strengths. Ignore my weaknesses - Māori proverb.
Things you can do yourself
There are a lot of self-help strategies that can improve all four aspects of your life – your body (tinana), your spirit (wairua), your social circle (whānau) and your mind (hinengaro). The great thing about self-help is that you’re in charge, so you can try different strategies and see what works for you. Friends and whānau can also get involved by checking in with how you’re getting on or even doing some of the activities suggested in this section with you.
Treatments available
It might be recommended that you try medication or therapy to help deal with your symptoms. There are many different types of treatment and knowing more about them will help you choose the right one.
People who can help you
If you need extra support (tautoko), there are people trained to help with depression or anxiety. You can get help in face-to-face meetings with health professionals or by contacting a helpline. Some of these people will have experienced mental distress themselves, so they’ll understand what you are going through. Don't be afraid to ask for help – the sooner the better.
Work with your strengths
Some groups like Māori , Pasifika, Rainbow, Deaf, rural groups and men, face shared challenges that contribute to their experiences of distress. But they also have some shared ways of getting through the hard times that help them get back to enjoying life again.