When did you last need help?

Meri | Akaroa

Content warning: this kōrero discusses suicide and mental health challenges.

The death of her mother was the catalyst for years of darkness for Meri. Now, she’s slowly climbing out the other side.

“Because I got sick after my mum passed, I lost my memory. I couldn’t remember mum’s tangi, I couldn’t remember her unveiling. I can’t remember the last two years properly.

So yeah, this year I got sick again and I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to die. I did ask for a shotgun, but they wouldn’t give it to me. This has been a very challenging year for me.

But all my tūpuna have been around me, my mum, my dad, my grandparents, my great grandparents have been around me. So there’s a reason why they’ve brought me back. There has to be, because I was certainly on death’s door. This year was a hard year. The last couple of years have been hard. Just being without mum really made it hard. But I’m getting stronger and stronger every day. And just being able to talk about it helps me.”

Our question for kaikōrero this month was “when did you last need help?” We learned about the diverse demands on the lives of New Zealanders and the incredible support networks they rely on.

🩷 Where to get help:
1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
Suicide Crisis Line: Free call 0508 TAUTOKO or 0508 828 865. Nationwide 24/7 support line operated by experienced counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training.
Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.
OUTLine NZ: Freephone 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463). National service that helps LGBTIQ+ New Zealanders access support, information and a sense of community.