One Less Thing Limited

11/04/2026

Why We Can’t Ignore New Zealand’s Mental Health Crisis — And What We Can Do About It
Writer: One Less Thing
One Less Thing
Mar 27
4 min read

Mental health is no longer something we can afford to talk about “later.”

Across New Zealand, individuals, families, and workplaces are feeling the impact of a growing mental health crisis. What was once considered a private or personal struggle is now a national conversation — and rightly so.

At One Less Thing, we see firsthand the difference that awareness, education, and early intervention can make. But we also see the gaps — the moments where support comes too late, or not at all.

Mental health is no longer something we can afford to talk about “later.” Across New Zealand, individuals, families, and workplaces are feeling the impact of a growing mental health crisis. What was once considered a private or personal struggle is now a national conversation — and rightly so....

11/04/2026

Across New Zealand, children are struggling quietly with their mental health. Around one in five children now live with a probable mental health disorder, up from one in nine in 2017.

How schools and families shape wellbeing

The systems around children, including schools, families, and communities, shape whether they feel able to talk about their mental health.

In schools, this often comes down to regular routines, trusted adults, and a learning environment that values emotional wellbeing alongside academic growth and achievements.

At home and in communities, it can mean responding to children with care and consistency and ensuring they feel welcome and taken seriously.

Creating emotional safety in everyday interactions

Children are more likely to talk about their mental health when emotional safety is part of everyday interactions. This includes being listened to without judgment, having feelings acknowledged, and knowing concerns will be taken seriously.

This does not mean acting as a therapist or having all the answers. Often, what matters most is noticing when something is not quite right, responding calmly and with empathy, and offering reassurance.

Small, consistent actions, such as listening and checking in regularly, can help children feel supported and more confident about opening up.

I have a 15-, 13- and 12-year-old, I understand the up and downs that teens bring.

Strengthening support for children’s mental health

Supporting children and young people’s mental health means strengthening the systems around them. One-way adults can do this is by building their confidence to recognise signs early, start supportive conversations, and signpost when needed.

Learn how to support young people by developing the confidence to recognise signs of poor mental health, start supportive conversations.

Find out how you can help support your Youth. www.1lessthing.co.nz or reach out anytime 021 02854223

19/03/2026

Steps Parents Can Take to Support a Child Struggling With Mental Health

Supporting a child who is struggling with their mental health can feel overwhelming for any parent or caregiver. Many families worry about saying the wrong thing, missing warning signs, or not knowing where to start. The truth is, supporting a child’s mental wellbeing doesn’t require perfection — it begins with awareness, empathy, and the willingness to take action.

https://www.1lessthing.co.nz/blog

04/03/2026

Why Quality Mental Health Education Matters at Work

Mental health support in the workplace often focuses on access to services. But access alone does not guarantee help-seeking, early intervention, or prevention.

What consistently emerges from global research is that quality mental health education is the foundation that makes all other supports work.

The World Health Organization has repeatedly emphasized that improving mental health outcomes requires more than treatment; it requires mental health literacy, early identification, and community-level capacity to respond (WHO, 2022). Without this foundation, employees may not recognise early signs of distress in themselves or others, may delay seeking help, or may avoid support altogether due to stigma and fear.

The Awareness–Action Gap in Workplaces

While employees report high levels of stress and burnout, many also say they do not know how to start conversations about mental health or where to turn until issues escalate. This gap between awareness and action is where quality education becomes critical.

This is where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) plays a distinct role. Quality Mental health Education as the Backbone of Workplace Mental Health Systems

MHFA is not a general awareness program. It is a globally recognized, evidence-based mental health education framework designed specifically to build practical skills for early identification, response, and prevention.

MHFA training equips participants to recognise early signs of common mental health challenges, respond with confidence and empathy, and guide individuals towards appropriate professional or organisational support.

We are clear about what quality mental health education looks like, and we are equally clear about how to deliver it. MHFA is built on decades of research, continuously updated evidence, and structured learning outcomes. It does not position employees as therapists, nor does it replace professional care. Instead, it strengthens the space before crisis, where timely conversations and informed responses can prevent escalation.

Find out more https://www.1lessthing.co.nz/book-online

27/02/2026

** Content warning: Su***de **

MHFA Aotearoa licensed by Te Pou is more than the national authority on mental health first aid, they are also experts in workplace mental health.

With nearly 20 years of experience, they bring a deep understanding of workplace culture and what it takes to support mental wellbeing at work.

One Less Thing supports workplaces and organisations to create mentally healthy environments that are safer from su***de. We equip people with the skills to support a person having thoughts of su***de and develop understanding of the fundamental need for support after su***de within our communities.

Su***de prevention isn’t one action – it’s a continuous cycle of prevention, intervention, and postvention that builds safety, care, and trust. When all three areas work together, organisations strengthen their culture, improve performance, and save lives.

Our Training for Organisations helps mitigate risks, enhances support networks, and fosters a culture of mental wellbeing throughout your entire workplace.

For more information: https://lnkd.in/eyg--5v4

23/02/2026

🔵 Managers are under pressure, do they have the tools they need to succeed?

People managers are frequently expected to balance team wellbeing, workloads, and performance goals, often without the necessary training or support.

At One Less Thing, we believe it’s time to stop blaming managers and start backing them.

Find out more about Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa – a practical, evidence-based course designed to help managers:

🔹 Lead with empathy and confidence
🔹 Spot early signs of poor mental health
🔹 Navigate performance and wellbeing conversations
🔹 Build resilient, high-performing teams

When managers are supported, teams thrive.

06/02/2026

Life Habits That Truly Support Your Mental Health — And Why They Matter

In our fast-paced world, mental health is more than a buzzword — it’s a foundation for how we feel, how we move through life, and how we connect with others. At 1 Less Thing, we believe that prioritising your wellbeing shouldn’t be complicated, expensive, or overwhelming.

In fact, some of the best things you can do for your mental health are beautifully simple — and deeply transformative when practised consistently.
Let’s explore the habits, practices, and lifestyle choices that gently strengthen your mental wellbeing — one day at a time.

Click on the blog to find out more

https://lnkd.in/ebudCCJa

03/02/2026

We refresh physical first aid skills regularly. Mental Health First Aid should be no different.

⏰ Refresher training is just two x 3.5hours of video conferencing – a small investment for peace of mind and lasting impact. Join us this February 19 & 20

We recommend MHFAiders refresh their knowledge, awareness, and skills every three years to stay confident, up to date, and ready to offer support when it matters most.

👉 Learn more about the MHFA Refresher:

https://www.1lessthing.co.nz/mhfa-public-workshop-2-1

20/01/2026

Refreshed, Recharged & Ready to Make an Impact!

Is your Mental Health First Aid Certificate older than 3 years?

Refresher Training — is now available

This refresher training will be held online via Zoom over two consecutive mornings 9am - 12pm. If you received your Mental Health First Aid Certificate over three years ago it is time to renew.

Learn how to assist someone who is developing a mental health crisis, re-introduction to the concept of MHFA, the impact of Mental Health issues and an overview of the principles and practice of Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa.

Refresher Online

19 & 20 February 2026

$460 + GST

https://lnkd.in/eiJ7YEar

If building your skills could help you or the person you support, this is a great chance to learn in a supportive, practical environment. Please share!!

09/01/2026

💫 Need someone to talk to who won't judge you? Youthline are here 24/7.

Holidays can feel stressful 😣 and thinking about next year can be a lot.

If you need someone to listen. Youthline is here — free, confidential, and always open.
📱 Text 234
📞 Call 0800 376 633
💬 Webchat 10am–10pm at youthline.co.nz
📲 DM Instagram
📲 WhatsApp 09 886 5696

No problem is too big or too small. You don’t even need to use your real name.

If you're an adult concerned about a young person - support is here for you too.

💙 Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Help is just a text away.

08/01/2026

Are our youth ready to head back to school?

New Zealand Health Survey results

The latest 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey provides new insights into the mental health and wellbeing of children and adults in Aotearoa.

https://lnkd.in/geTqRbVC

🚩About 1 in 8 (12.4%) children experienced emotional and/or behavioural problems over the last 6 months or school year.

🚩Around 1 in 7 adults aged 15 and over (14.3%) experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the last four weeks based on the Kessler 10 screening tool – about twice that in 2019/20 (7.4%).

🚩Rates of psychological distress are higher for younger and disabled people and differ for Māori and Pasifika peoples.

🚩Fewer people are drinking hazardously than they did five years ago. The rate of hazardous drinking was 16.6% in 2024/25, down from 21.3% in 2019/20.

These findings reinforce the need to better understand the emotional experiences of children and young people.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa, New Zealand, will teach you about early intervention.

Early intervention refers to recognising the warning signs of a mental health or substance use challenge and acting before it gets worse. When you realise the signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge early, it may be easier to get appropriate help from a counselor or medical professional before it becomes worse. Studies have shown that proper care and treatment make complete recovery from a mental health or substance use challenge attainable.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa, New Zealand is a 14-hour workshop held over two days.

This training program is evidence-based, evidence-informed, internationally researched, and can be found in 24 countries around the world.
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Collectively we can make a difference. Reach out today.

06/01/2026

More workplaces are realising the importance of managing mental health at work and recognising the benefits of creating mentally healthy workplaces.

Workplaces are seeing the benefits of promoting education and adopting policies and practices that create a ‘culture of care’ where employees are encouraged to talk openly about mental health. This is where Mental Health First Aid can help Mental Health First Aid offers early-intervention education courses for adults in the workplace that equip people with the practical skills and confidence needed to approach and respond to a co-worker, or another adult, experiencing a mental health problem.

Our skills-based training improves organisational and employee resilience and helps reduce stigma by generating positive conversations that safely address topics that may otherwise be challenging to discuss.

Mental health first aid is the initial help offered to someone who is experiencing a mental health problem or a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Embed the Training Program within your Existing Health and Wellbeing Strategy

MHFA training can form the basis of your organisation’s mental health strategy or complement existing programs and strategies. To successfully embed the training consider:

👍A mental health first aid policy for your workplace

👍An annual plan for delivery of mental health first aid training

👍Make mental health first aid training part of your workplace induction process

👍Deliver mental health first aid training to a broad reach of staff and teams across the workplace

Reach out today to find out how, One Less Thing can support your workplace wellness journey.