Mental Health Awareness Week’s (MHAW) 2024 theme is ‘community is . . . what we create together’ and linking with that theme today’s podcast gives insight into a local mental health professional’s mahi (work). 

Central’s Sally Booth has worked in mental health counselling for the past five years and today, she joins us on The Outlet podcast to talk about mental health, how to access help, and how she copes with life’s stressful moments.

Sally loves her role as a WellSouth counsellor in Cromwell and Roxburgh, and she connects community members as a run director for the Otago Central Rail Trail Park run. 

“I see people for five free sessions, they are referred by a GP . . . for mild to moderate mental health. 

“I like to say that people can come [to] us when they're really stressed. So, when they've got too much on their plate and they need somebody outside friends or family to talk to.

“No matter where you are in Central or the Lakes District, you certainly can get the support for free.”

Sally said face to face conversations can foster a sense of community, it is a brave decision to seek help but popping along to places like Alexandra or Cromwell’s community houses could be a starting point.  

“There's such a spectrum of burnout, of stress . . . we see people for grief and loss, for alcohol and drugs.

“There's so many different elements that might be happening for somebody. So, really my first [tip] is if you're thinking about it, then go and perhaps see a doctor.”

Free MHAW events in Alexandra next week connect with MHAW daily actions. PHOTO: WellSouth 

Sally said for her, visualising worries or stresses floating away helps, as does walking in nature.

“Nature's such a calming, safe space to be. We're really lucky here in Central that we've got many options to get outside and enjoy our environment.”

MHAW is run annually by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and has been since 1993. 

The MHF recently commissioned research to understand how Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent weather events impacted people’s wellbeing.

More than 1500 New Zealanders from affected regions revealed a clear theme: community is the key to getting through tough times.

The Central App will bring you more MHAW news next week.