Oceania: New Zealand
New website gives greater emphasis to mental health
An up–to–date website has been launched by the Government of New Zealand that deals with the whole area of mental health. It provides information on the Mental Health Directorate, the National Mental Health Plan, the Mental Health Act and other resources that may be of value to those with an interest in this field.
The Government says that this reflects its broadened interest in mental health since the publication in 2005 of a major study which looked at the entire subject of mental health and addiction in New Zealand, and firmly placed this issue as a priority for the administration and the country.
The paper, Te Tahuhu – Improving Mental Health 2005–2015, put forward a plan of action to tackle the wide–range of mental health problems and addictions in society, whereas previously the main focus had been on people with severe mental health problems and or addictions.
The Government’s wider approach to mental health is further backed–up by the 2006 New Zealand Mental Health Survey, which showed that almost one–half of the population will experience a mental illness and/or addiction at some time in their lives, while the World Health Organization says that depression is set to become the second leading cause of disability by 2020.
For further information visit the Ministry of Health mental health website at: www.moh.govt.nz
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