Need for preventive mental work seen

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32779, 2 December 1971, Page 10

Need for preventive mental work seen

Lifeline and other service organisations had done much remedial work in the field of mental health in New Zealand, but so far very little preventive work had been undertaken, said the acting superintendent of the Methodist Central Mission (the Rev. B. Mackie) bn Tuesday evening.

Mr Mackie, who was speaking at the annual dinner of the Life Line Centre, said that he was concerned that so little was being done to prevent the conditions that led to a Life Line call.

“Mental health is not a term used to indicate a state of happiness, but it is a critical health problem which affects more people each year, which requires more treatment, causes more suffering and results in more human waste and financial loss than any other condition in society,” he said. “Life Line counsellors can not be happy about the 4000 cglls for help every year, because this figure represents a great amount of suffering. But at least we can be thankful that there is at least sonje help at hand for those persons who seek it,” Mr Mackie said.

"I personally would like to see the development of a national mental health week, which would be directed at the average citizen and would encourage an awareness of mental health,” he said. “One of the most compel-

ling needs for this city is not the venue for the Commonwealth Games, or where motorways are to be put, but better co-ordination and greater effort in welfare,” said the Mayor (Mr N. G. Pickering). Mr Pickering and his wife were guests of honour at the dinner. “Young people must be trained to help other young people, and must be encouraged at all times to take part in welfare organisations. This is what I have learned during my short term of office so far,” Mr Pickering said.