Families love but often first to discriminate

Media Release
7 May
For immediate release

Families love unconditionally but often first to discriminate, says Mental Health Foundation

It’s almost certain that a member of your family will experience a mental health issue this year, and when they do, they will need your support, says the Mental Health Foundation ahead of the International Day of Families on 15 May.

The Foundation is reminding New Zealanders that “What you do makes the difference” when it comes to a family member’s experience of mental unwellness.

“One in five New Zealanders experience a mental health issue every year, so there is a high possibility that this will include a member of your immediate or extended family/whanau,” Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Foundation, says. “It’s natural to feel a range of strong emotions from compassion to fear when a loved one experiences a mental unwellness, but it’s important to remember that a full recovery is likely and you can help support them.”

The Foundation will be launching its groundbreaking families research at the end of July. It focuses on discrimination within and towards family/whanau from the perspective of both the person experiencing mental unwellness and their family members.

Here are some ways in which you can support a family member.
• Seek information, education and support groups so you can help your loved one achieve wellness
• Respect that some people prefer not to involve their family in their treatment
• Ask your family member how they wish you to support them
• Remember that the mental illness experienced by your family member is only a part of who they are
• Avoid language that creates discrimination.

It is also important for anyone supporting someone to make time for themselves too. The Foundation can provide free information and education on both supporting a loved one and self-care tips through its website (www.mentalhealth.org.nz) and through its Resource and Information Service, located at 81 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland.

People living outside of Auckland can interloan material through their local library for a small fee.

ENDS

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