Locals happy to talk about mental health

Since Monday, students from EIT have been mixing with members of the Napier and Hastings communities and handing out pamphlets about mental health. Photo / HBT

Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) students have teamed up with the Hawke's Bay District Health Board to spread the knowledge of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Since Monday, students registered for a Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction Support have been mixing with members of the Napier and Hastings communities and handing out pamphlets about the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week: Keep Learning.

A large part of the certificate course is based on practical work, with students on placements at least two days a week.

District health board member Diana Kirton organised the students, as she is EIT's practicum manager for the School of Health and Sport Science.

Student Caroline Graham became interested in the course after she noticed the growing number of anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs she was prescribing in her job as a chemist dispensary assistant. This assignment has been eye-opening for her and her fellow classmates.

"Lots of young people were really interested, especially in the pamphlet 'How Your Drinking Is Affecting You'."

Depression was another significant subject. After spending a morning in the Hastings CBD, Ms Graham was surprised by the receptive nature of the conversations.

"Barriers have clearly been broken down. There is just not the same stigma around mental health issues there once was."

Ms Graham also believed the Keep Learning theme had been well received and had got through to many people she had spoken to. People had more knowledge of mental illness.

Chris Malcolm, lecturer and programme co-ordinator for the Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction Support, said the effort of the movement was effective for awareness weeks.

"People don't shrink away from it," he said. "They're responsive and are having good conversations."

Treating mental illness had the same importance as treating addiction.

"It is obvious when you go to street level. People are concerned about their mental health. It has given me food for thought about future activities for the students - getting alcohol and drug conversations going and handing out information."

The district health board nurse director for Mental Health Services, David Warrington, believes mental health awareness shouldn't be limited to one week.