At the beginning of April, the Ministry of Health started issuing a daily survey to collect information about the health
and wellbeing of New Zealanders, how they are doing, and how they are being impacted by COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health is using this data along with other sources of information, such as call volumes to help lines,
feedback from services and specialist mental health and addiction service data as ongoing monitoring of how people are
doing.
In the most recent week of surveying, 99% of people told us they are getting along with other members of their
household, 99% can support the wellbeing of their children and 95% are able to pay basic living costs. Most people
report being happy with life as it is.
Thirty-one per cent of people experienced feelings of loneliness or isolation at times, and 8% reported depressive or
anxiety related symptoms, however, it hasn’t been possible to estimate how much of this is due to the impact of the
COVID-19 restrictions.
Robyn Shearer, Deputy Director-General, Mental Health and Addictions says: We know COVID-19 may have significant, long
term effects on people’s mental wellbeing. It’s important to track how people are doing so we can target support where
it’s most needed.
'We are aware that there is a lot of different research being conducted at the moment and each will use different
methodologies and sample groups - which means they are likely to come up with differing results. All of this information
provides us with a useful indication of what is going on,' says Robyn Shearer.
'We recognise some people are struggling, and we know that the level of need varies in different communities. That’s why
we are making support and tools available. The survey gives us important information on the trend over time- which is
currently showing overall improvement,' says Mental Health and Addiction Chief Clinical Advisor, Dr Arran Culver.
'The impacts of COVID-19 may be felt for some time and some of them may be out of our control. But that doesn’t mean
mental distress is inevitable. Just like physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing is something that we can strengthen with
practice. The stronger our mental wellbeing is, the better we’ll be able to cope with uncertainty and stress.'
Robyn Shearer says, 'If we all act now and pay attention to our mental wellbeing - practicing good mental wellbeing
techniques and accessing support when we need it - we can avoid a spike in mental distress in months to come.'