Get better

You can do a lot of things to help you start feeling better

Even when it seems you can’t control your feelings, you can control what you do about things. Just taking a small first step is enough to get you on the path to enjoying life again. And it’ll work so much better if you don’t try to go it alone.

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.

Learn self help
Woman looking at sun rays

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.

Learn about treatments

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.

Find someone to help you

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.

Find out more

Other people's stories

I started training

I take my medication and attend therapy

Karakia gave me peace

I set my own expectations