Jacqueline Chartrand-Glenn (left) of Tuatara Counselling Services and Annabel Prescott of Anamata Youth Health and Youth Development service. Photo / Supplied
Jacqueline Chartrand-Glenn (left) of Tuatara Counselling Services and Annabel Prescott of Anamata Youth Health and Youth Development service. Photo / Supplied
When someone breaks a bone it's expected that they will rush to hospital for immediate treatment. However, it's much less common for New Zealanders to seek support when they've been struggling to manage their mental health.
During the Covid-19 pandemic the Taupō community has been dealing with significant challenges. For some it might be sadness about a family member they can no longer visit overseas, for others it's financial pressure, and many share a general anxiety from seeing our 'normal' world turned upside down.
Annabel Prescott of Anamata Youth Health and Youth Development service, and Jacqueline Chartrand-Glenn of Tuatara Counselling Services have been finding ways to work together to support people in mental health distress. This includes ensuring any barriers, such as financial or transport are removed for people needing to access support.
"Instead of dividing us, in many ways the recent national lockdown united us," says Jacqueline.
"We worked collectively to support each other during a time of huge upheaval. For some, the pandemic has bought to the surface underlying mental health challenges. This experience has given us a reason to start talking about our wellbeing and prioritising it, which is actually a really good thing."
Jacqueline's a qualified counsellor, a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and an accredited ACC counsellor. She works with a wide range of clients and uses a number of different techniques.
Unique to Taupō, Jacqueline has a specialisation in sandplay therapy. This is a creative therapy that provides clients with an alternative to traditional talk therapy.
"For Anamata it was about ensuring our young people were still able to access the support they needed, including contraceptive services. Being able to work collaboratively with other health providers was incredibly powerful, and has helped to build trust and open the doors for future collaboration" says Annabel.
Annabel and Jacqueline both see collaboration within mental health services as vitally important.
"At Anamata we find that young people choose the part of their life they want to share with us. It might be about their sexuality, their mental health, or they may just want a safe space to hang out. It's important that we create a community of care with other providers in Taupō, so that young people can find help in a way that works best for them. None of us can individually awhi everyone who needs help, we have to work together" says Annabel.
Jacqueline agrees, adding that providing a seamless connection of support for a community achieves the best results. The pair hope that other local organisations will continue to connect collaboratively.
Jacqueline's top tip for those feeling overwhelmed?
"The first step is to breathe. It really is the simplest, fastest way to help your mind and body self-regulate and slow down. Breathe in and out slowly, focusing on your tummy. Watch your lower diaphragm rise and fall with each breath, focusing your energy on each breath. Then find someone safe you can talk to. If you get told to 'harden up' then please go find someone else who will listen! There is no point burying your feelings — we now know that what you bury simply grows" she says.
Where to get help
Anamata — www.anamata.org.nz Tuatara Counselling Services — www.tuataracounsellingservices.nz Mental Health NZ (including Covid-19 wellbeing advice) www.mentalhealth.org.nz Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) Youth services: (06) 3555 906 Youthline: 0800 376 633 Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 Helpline: call or text 1737 If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
