Wellbeing

A recent Education Central opinion piece struck a chord with teachers when it raised the question of whether the current level of mental health and wellbeing support teachers receive is sufficient. Rachel Helyer Donaldson follows up on this issue, probing to find out what support is currently given and what is needed.

There are calls to increase funding for school guidance counsellors immediately following the release of the Mental Health Inquiry's report.

Developing long-term strategies to help children approach – rather than avoid – situations which might spark anxiety is key to preventing anxiety disorders having a negative impact on their lifelong mental health. By Rachel Helyer Donaldson

Ahead of International Men’s Day on Monday 19 November, a second-year Bachelor of Social Work student reflects why more men are needed in the social good sector.

The Counsellors Association is calling for an end to the ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff’ approach and a greater focus on early therapeutic intervention instead.

A representative on the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and also a school counsellor herself, Jean Andrews discusses recognising, responding to and reducing self-harm amongst young people. By Soumya Bhamidipati.

New research shows young men experience four different types of silence following the suicide of a close friend or peer. Dr Chris Bowden discusses his findings and what teachers, schools and others in the school community can do to better support their students.

Chloe Swarbrick says young people are finding it hard to identify when they are experiencing mental health issues.

Secondary school teachers' union PPTA is disappointed that the Ministry failed to include in its offer to secondary teachers a working party to look at staffing levels of school counsellors. However, some counsellors are doubtful another working party would bring about the necessary change.

Rachel Helyer Donaldson looks at how our education and health systems are responding to the crisis of anxiety affecting our children and young people.