Money not wellbeing’s ‘magic wand’

Marlborough woman

started ‘One million happy thoughts’ as a way to fund mental wellbeing programmes in Kiwi schools. She explains why.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you are likely very aware that the state of mental health in New Zealand is on a trajectory from bad to worse.

Our suicide statistics are tragic in the deepest sense of the word. There are no words to portray what families who have been personally affected by this have been through, and continue to live with. It’s essential we reduce these numbers, and fast.

Because of the seriousness of the situation, I can see why the discussion is narrowed in on treating the problem, but a single focus on treatment and no plan for prevention can be likened to treading water. You don’t get anywhere, and eventually you’ll tire out and drown.

Nationwide, we are unable to keep up with effective treatment for mental illness sufferers.

Even with the $455 million for frontline services in the Wellbeing Budget, those on the frontline will still be grappling.

Money is not a magic wand, it’s about resources too. Consider if the Government threw $5 billion at this, where do we suddenly find hundreds of specialist counsellors and doctors to treat those in need?

In my view there are two words that sum up how we can create real change to this situation – self empowerment.

We start with kids and give them the tools to take charge of their own mental wellbeing. Where do we do deliver these tools?

It’s impossible to go in to every home, so the only place this can happen is in schools.

But teachers are already overwhelmed and under resourced, we can’t just lump this responsibility on them.

They need support and resources to create the kind of environment conducive to positive wellbeing.

I believe our mental health crisis has presented us with an opportunity to create the most self aware, self empowered generation ever. Imagine, an entire generation who are equipped with powerful tools, strategies, and practices to positively manage their thoughts and emotions, so they can make good choices and display healthy behaviours as they grow into teens and young adults.

These kids will grow up not relying on the system to fix them.

They can take responsibility for their own happiness because they know how to create it from within. They are less victims of their environment, and more creators of their environment.

My mission is to see that all Kiwi kids are taught powerful mindset practices, so they can harness the power of their minds. From the lessons I’ve learned overcoming my own mental health challenges and the research I’ve undertaken, I know this is the answer to changing the trajectory of mental health in New Zealand.

The research, the programmes, and the expertise currently exist to deliver these skills to kids. Programmes backed by science and based on the fastest growing strand of psychology, positive psychology, are proving successful around the world, not only in improving student wellbeing, but also in lifting academic performance.

It’ll take a massive shift in thinking to get our entire education system to embrace teaching tools for mental wellbeing, and regard this as highly as they do academic learning. But, evidence speaks loudest and that’s the overarching purpose of my initiative ‘One million happy thoughts’.

Through funds raised by this project, we plan to provide the ‘proof in the pudding’ by activating these essential programmes in schools across the country, starting with a programme called Visible Wellbeing.

In summary, yes tackling the now and treating those who are suffering is essential. But equally important is changing the trajectory that we’re on.

This means we need to start coming at it from both ends, not just treatment, but preventative empowerment as well.