The Kiwi celebs that are supporting Mental Health Week

It’s been a week of positivity and encouragement on social media with local celebs getting behind Mental Health Awareness Week.

The week is focused on speaking up about ‘the black dog’ and being brave enough to express yourself to your friends and family when you’re not feeling 100 per cent.

Black Sticks star Gemma McCaw enjoys going for a run to clear her mind.

“Getting outside always puts a smile on my face and is key in boosting our wellbeing”

Beautiful evening up Rapaki and nice to see some sun 🙌 Getting outside always puts a smile on my face and is key in boosting our Wellbeing 💚This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and it’s all about highlighting the importance of nature and getting outdoors whenever you can 🌿@mhfnz #mhawnz

A post shared by Gemma McCaw (@gemflynn) on Oct 11, 2017 at 12:58am PDT

Bachelor Zac Franich posted about being a surf lifesaver and how he fell into a “deep dark hole.”

“Don't bottle it up, because it won't go away. TALK, your friends and family care about you more than you think and would love to help.”

Stumbled across this in the throwback folder from 2015, and given it's Mental Health Awareness Week, seemed pretty appropriate. Just after this shot, things started heading south real quick and before long, I found myself in a deep dark hole. What advice would I give 26 year old Zac (or anyone for that matter) who's battling? Don't bottle it up, because it won't go away. TALK, your friends and family care about you more than you think and would love to help. Lastly, you are strong enough & it will get easier. Be kind out there peeps, everyone is fighting their own battles ✌️✌️ @mhfnz #mhawnz

A post shared by Zac Franich (@zacfranich) on Oct 11, 2017 at 12:25am PDT

Three news anchor Samantha Hayes supports #MHAWNZ.

Her advice is to “get outside everyday if you can, it does wonders.”

It's mental health awareness week & getting out & about in the great outdoors for me is the key to happiness. Having a buddy, like my friend Penny here who is way more motivated than me, helps too. Get outside everyday if you can, it does wonders. As does a bit of a challenge if you're feeling up to it. This photo was taken at the end of the 11km Waitomo Trail Run which turned our legs to jelly, but made us feel pretty stoked afterwards #mhawnz

A post shared by Samantha Hayes (@samanthahayes) on Oct 10, 2017 at 1:28pm PDT

ZM’s bubbly radio host, PJ Harding even admits she feels “flat with low energy” sometimes.

She enjoys getting out and active by forcing herself “down to the beach for a wee jog despite the ominous rain clouds.”

Woke up feeling flat with low energy this morning and was so tempted to sit around and do nothing but instead forced myself down to the beach for a wee jog despite the ominous rain clouds (side note, it did piss down at the start and also I looked FAR from coordinated running in the sand, sorry to any witnesses) Just getting out in nature is so powerful though and I already feel SO much better for just getting outside. Give @mhfnz some love and support cos this week they're highlighting the importance of getting outdoors for Mental Health Awareness Week #natureiskey #mhawnz

A post shared by Polly Harding (@pjdeejay) on Oct 10, 2017 at 2:41pm PDT

Black Caps cricketer Tim Southee loves walking his dog and says “it’s all about getting outdoors and enjoying nature.”

Nature is key. It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year it’s all about getting outdoors and enjoying nature. Get behind @mhfnz for one of the most important issues in NZ today! #mhawnz #natureiskey

A post shared by Tim Southee (@tim_southee) on Oct 9, 2017 at 10:09pm PDT

DJ Aroha also finds that pounding the pavement is a good way to bring clarity.

“Be kind to yourself, you are enough and it's okay to reach out for help.”

It's Mental Health Awareness Week so I thought I’d share part of my story (blog link in my bio). Sometimes it can be incredibly hard to love yourself. However, once you learn how; when you find yourself again in those moments of darkness; finding your way out isn't as much of an insurmountable task. Be kind to yourself, you are enough and it's okay to reach out for help. It's also okay to check in with your loved ones if you think they're not feeling ka pai. If you're down and need to talk to someone, call Youthline on 0800 376 633 or free call or txt 1737 to speak to a professional counselor #mentalhealth #selflove

A post shared by Aroha Harawira (@arohahaha) on Oct 8, 2017 at 11:44pm PDT

Even MAFS NZ groom Luke Cederman posted about his battle with mental health this week and says his way of overcoming it is by surfing and talking to his mates and family. 

If you want to find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week click here. 

WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call 111.

If you need to talk to someone, the following free helplines operate 24/7:

DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
LIFELINE: 0800 543 354
NEED TO TALK? Call or text 1737
SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666
YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 or text 234

This article was first published on Spy and is republished here with permission.