This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 October).
The 2012/13 New Zealand Health Survey reported that one in every six New Zealanders have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder at a point in their lives. The report also highlights a link between mental illness and poor physical health: mental disorders are the third highest cause of health loss in New Zealand. Chances are, you or someone you know has suffered from mental illness at some stage.
There is a wealth of information out there on mental health. It can be difficult to separate the good advice from the bad, the relevant from the not so.
With this in mind, a team of health professionals and librarians have created the Reading in Mind scheme. The scheme has sprung from a partnership between Pegasus Health, Christchurch City Libraries, the Mental Health Education Resource Centre and HealthInfo Canterbury/Waitaha.
The Reading in Mind scheme promotes the many benefits of reading for health and well-being, and really takes the hassle and doubt of choosing reading material for mental health issues. The scheme suggests a wide range of resources - including books, audiobooks and eBooks - on various topics including alcoholism, grief and divorce. Whilst nothing can replace the sound advice from your doctor or health care professional, it is a resource which can be used to assist with managing and treating mild to moderate mental health disorders. It is suitable for all ages and backgrounds.
Browse the Reading in Mind lists on the library catalogue.
Get active and make the most of the warmer weather with sports and activities, clubs for older adults and walks in and around Christchurch.
Here are some other health related resources to check out:
- HealthInfo Canterbury
- Health and Wellness Resource Centre
- Explore CINCH: Christchurch's community directory for ideas and clubs to do or join.
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