Mental health: Let's talk about it

Janet Peters, is receiving a special award for her contribution to mental health. Photo/John Borren

Local psychologist recognised for her work in the sector by Australian health authorities

It may not be scientific, but registered psychologist Janet Peters reckons one of the best ways to measure how far attitudes to depression have changed is to ask a taxi driver.

"We'll be talking in the cab and they'll ask me what I do and I'll tell them. Ten years ago, they wouldn't have said too much, but now it sparks a whole new conversation. They'll be telling me about a family or friend's experience with depression or mental illness.

"People are very open to talking about it now, which is great."

Peters has enjoyed a career in the mental health sector for more than 30 years, as a psychologist and policy adviser. She recently received a top Australasian mental health award in recognition of her work.

Attending The MHS Learning Network's annual conference and awards ceremony in Canberra, she was presented with the Exceptional Contribution Award by Australia's National Mental Health Commissioner, Dr Kay Patterson.

The award honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to mental health services.

Peters, who lives and works in Mt Maunganui, has served as a researcher and policy adviser on mental health issues for various government departments and non-government organisations, including the Mental Health Foundation, Health and Disability Commission, Ministry of Health, Health Research Council and Ministry of Education.

She is best known for her work, which continues today, on the National Depression Initiative - a campaign launched in 2006 to reduce the impact of depression and aid recovery in the lives of New Zealanders.

Her role involves identifying and supporting individuals who participate in the initiative's mass media advertising, including filming for television advertisements. She has worked with former All Blacks John Kirwan and Pita Alatini and more recently she has supported youth who have been filmed for The Lowdown - a website to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety.

The "heavy" issues she deals with seem a world away from her idyllic beachfront property at the Mount, which also doubles as her office. As a contractor, a lot of the work she does is on her own and she's not tied to any one organisation. That's partly why she was so surprised by the honour.

"I'm a real worker bee but I'm not the face of anything so I'm really chuffed that people have still noticed what I've done."

Her interest in psychology and people's wellbeing emerged as a result of having both her parents experience mental illness. It was her own experiences growing up that prompted her to write an illustrated book for children, called Jemma's Journey. Published in 2013, it aims to help children aged 5 to 10 who have a parent with mental health problems.

New Zealand is leading the way in terms of innovative ways we've taken to reduce mental health discrimination.

Janet Peters

She says she has witnessed significant change in the way organisations and individuals respond to people affected by mental health. "We've made great strides and New Zealand is leading the way in terms of the innovative ways we've taken to reduce mental health discrimination and promote awareness about depression. But we've still got lots to do and I'm still passionately playing my part."

One of her part-time responsibilities is serving as the New Zealand liaison for the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership - a "government to government" virtual leadership agency aimed at improving the outcomes of people who use mental health services in eight countries. In this role she'll travel to Vancouver next month to learn more about suicide prevention.

Always busy, she's also committed to her community and is planning another crack at the Tauranga City Council elections next year.