Mental Health
At-risk prisoner units getting therapeutic makeover
They were once stark, forbidding places but units for at-risk prisoners are undergoing a makeover.
Alzheimer's discovery could lead to new treatments
Scientists have discovered the workings of tau – an essential protein that turns harmful in the Alzheimer's brain and takes down neurons as it spreads. Intercepting this process could arrest cognitive… Audio
'If you're not going to use thoughts to change behaviour, get rid of them'
Returning to work in the new year can feel like an extreme case of Mondayitis. Question your unwanted thoughts and soften the language you talk to yourself with, says psychologist Gwendoline Smith. Audio
Seclusion to be eliminated in mental health care by 2020
Following scathing reports both at home and by the United Nations, New Zealand is vowing to elimate the use of seclusion rooms in mental health care. The work is scheduled to start in March and the… Audio
Treatment options limited for anorexic adults - study
University of Melbourne researchers are exploring how anorexia affects adults and some of the unique challenges older people with the illness face.
Mentoring campaign aims to boost mental health recovery
A new campaign encouraging recovered sufferers of mental illnesses to help others hopes to build on the success of earlier work, including that of former All Black John Kirwan.
Six suspected youth suicides in Tamaki in four months
There have been at least six suspected youth suicides in the Auckland suburb of Tamaki in the past four months.
Six suspected suicides of farmers 'tragic'
The weather and election stress are factors in a spate of suspected farmer suicides in recent weeks, New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive says.
Call for 'more connections, less corrections' in mental health
Sending mental health workers on relevant 111 callouts is a necessary first step, but will not work without a wider approach to homelessness and addiction, say mental health advocates. Audio
Mental health inquiry must be independent - advocates
Mental health advocates want the government to guarantee an independent inquiry into the country's mental health services.
Most DHBs keep no records on self harm in respite care
Most district health boards are not keeping records of self-harm at respite centres for mental health patients.
Patients' suicide attempts not recorded by most DHBs
Eleven of New Zealand's 20 District Health Boards are not keeping any records of people attempting suicide or self-harming at respite centres for mental health patients. Advocates say the lack of… Audio
Many respite centres not recording suicide attempts
Many respite centres for mental health patients don't have clinical staff on hand at all times, and eleven of the country's 20 district health boards don't require the centres to record suicide… Audio
I said 'Take me to the doctor and we can start from there'
Twenty-two year old Erin Donohue's new novel is a Kiwi take on teenage mental illness that she hopes will help families understand it better. Because Everything is Right but Everything is Wrong is… Audio
Urgent need to increase addiction services - Health Minister
Addiction services are under-funded and more treatment facilities are urgently needed, Minister of Health David Clark says. Video, Audio
'My son died...will they listen now?'
The mother of a 23-year-old man who died after using synthetic drugs says they begged to get him onto a drug rehabilitation programme, but were repeatedly told there weren't enough beds. Video, Audio
Govt urged to act fast on mental health inquiry
Mental health leaders say Labour's promised ministerial inquiry must be short and sharp so urgent improvements are not delayed. Audio
The lifesaving influence of the piano
Composer, pianist and singer Nick Knox is one of 12 musicians playing the ivories for the Audio Foundation’s Festival of Piano Music. For the festival he’ll let the moment take him where he needs to… Audio
Surge in mental health help for Otago students
There has been a surge in university students in Dunedin needing mental health support. The government is moving to put counsellors in all primary schools to help with child mental health. But after a… Audio
Mother of suicidal son urges govt on mental health inquiry
A mother who saved her son who was trying to kill himself is urging the new Government to hurry up with an inquiry into mental health services. The woman, whom RNZ is not identifying for privacy… Audio
