Faith, nature, creativity and community can all give us a sense of being part of something larger than ourselves. That can matter deeply for mental health.
Banning social media for under-16s may sound decisive, but young people’s mental health deserves something more thoughtful than a politically convenient shortcut.
Early support can change what seems inevitable. Two Tokoroa men show why trust, belonging and lived experience matter when young people are at risk.
You can now buy Sh*t Happens directly from me, signed, with an optional personalised message, and receive a free copy of Mike King’s The Nutters Club for a limited time.
New Zealand’s new mental health strategy is welcome. But without funding, workforce capacity and clear priorities, even the right goals risk becoming another disappointment.
Money worries can shrink our world and feed shame. Understanding what money means to us, and getting another mind involved, can help restore a little choice.
Sports betting is now part of the background noise of sport. But easy access, especially for young people, can make gambling harder to recognise as harmful.
Many male survivors of sexual abuse still face silence, shame and barriers to help. Recovery needs dignity, good services, and support that understands trauma.
