Following on from Mental Health Awareness week, October 10th is World Mental Health Day to raise awareness of this issue globally.
Mental health has emotional and psychological aspects. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life and looking after it is critical for your overall wellbeing.
One way to consider overall wellbeing is through the health model, Te Whare Tapa Whā, developed by leading Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1994.
This model compares health to the four walls of a wharenui or meeting house; with each wall representing a different dimension.
Taha Hinengaro represents the mental state but this model demonstrates that the four sides support one another and all are needed to ensure strength and symmetry.
- Taha Wairua (the spiritual side)
- Taha Hinengaro (thoughts and feelings)
- Taha Tinana (the physical side)
- Taha Whānau (family)
- Whenua (land/roots, the connection with this forms the foundation for the wharenui).
Positive health and wellbeing requires a good mental state – and World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to reconnect with friends, family or workmates and nurture your Taha Hinengaro.
For more suggestions on how to look after your mental health visit https://mhaw.nz/
