Mental Health
Father of drowned patient slams police decision not to charge DHB
A decision not to charge Waikato District Health Board over the death of a suicidal patient is wrong, the man's father says.
Study finds mental health patients no better off behind locked doors
A study co-authored by Oxford University Professor of Psychiatry Tom Burns and Otago University Professor of Law John Dawson, concludes locking doors in mental health care centers may not lead to best… Audio
Behind the police tape
Retired police crisis negotiator Lance Burdett speaks frankly about the mental stress he suffered after witnessing traumatic events during his 22 years in the police force. He is calling for more to… Audio
Action wanted over high Māori youth suicide rates
A leading psychiatrist is questioning whether more attention would be paid to suicide by young men if the rate was higher for non-Māori than it is for Māori.
DHB pushes to keep murder-accused monitored
Waitemata District Health Board is seeking a court order to permanently monitor a mental health patient accused of murder.
Not enough psychiatrists in rural areas despite suicide risks
A lack of medical professionals wanting to live in rural areas means patients in the country are having difficulty accessing GPs and mental health services, the head of the Rural Health Alliance says.
…Hospitals under fire in new report
Several hospitals have been accused of carrying out cruel and punishing practices on elderly and mentally ill patients in new reports released today. Audio
Turning the Tide on Suicide - part three
In part three of this series, Ezekiel Raui, Rongomaitawhiri Ah-Ching and Mauriora Tawaroa Takiari are three young people who each balance University Study and their work in suicide prevention. Audio
Seclusion solutions proposed for Nelson unit
The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended a mental health unit in Nelson not routinely admit new patients to seclusion, and give those in seclusion access to fresh air.
The mental legacy of the Christchurch quakes
Karen Brown gauges progress in post-quake Canterbury, mid-way through what is expected to be a decade-long recovery - and discovers many are still struggling with stress and depression. Audio
Rural mental health services get $600k boost
The government is spending another $600,000 to help rural mental health initiatives.
Canterbury mental health worries dominate committee debate
Worries about the mental health impacts of the Canterbury earthquakes dominated a fiery meeting at Parliament today. Audio
Mental health services in prison get $14m boost
The Corrections Department is to receive $14 million to help offenders with mental health issues.
Adults with autism shouldn't be locked up
Mental Health advocates say the government needs to find alternatives to seclusion for people with severe autism. Audio
Mental health users talk about the sector
Experts say mental health is no longer a priority for the Government and the sector is regressing to the days of institutions. Audio
Mental health workers struggling to cope
New figures show big rises in crisis mental health referrals at many of the country's hospitals, and some health workers are describing it as dangerous. Audio
Mental health referrals balloon
As new figures show a massive increase in crisis referrals at hospitals, the Govt maintains it is doing its best to respond to growing pressure on mental health services. Audio
Autistic man's parents want him moved to house care
The parents of an autistic 38-year-old who spends most of his day locked in an isolated mental health unit are demanding his release. Audio
#MenStartTalking - Lance Burdett
Men's Health Month kicked off today, with a breakfast at the Auckland Museum, to talk about how much or how little, men talk about their health. It was a fundraiser for the Men's Health Trust New… Audio
Laughter is the best medicine
Did you know adults only laugh 20-30 times a day while a child will laugh more than 300. Why is that? Are we also less happy when we don't laugh as much? Laughter coach Hannah Airey has been helping… Audio
