Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Our health resources are for informational purposes only, not for medical advice. For specific health concerns, diagnosis, treatment plans, or medication advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

This page contains information and links related to mental health topics that some users may find sensitive or triggering. These include, but are not limited to, discussions of depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicide. Please prioritise your well-being when engaging with these resources. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate professional help or contact a crisis helpline.

Books about Mental Illness and Mental Health challenges

Below are links to our library catalogue, filtered by certain mental health subjects.

Books about Well-being

Please note we also have a range of eAudiobooks and eBooks on BorrowBox and Libby that cover the above-mentioned topics. We recommend downloading the Library App, filtering by eBook or eAudiobook, and searching by a chosen subject matter.

Library eResources containing mental health topics

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Search a full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to alternative medical practices.

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Designed to support patients' information needs and foster an overall understanding of health-related topics. Consumer Health Complete provides content covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary, holistic and integrated medicine including the Clinical Reference System and the Lexi-PAL Drug Guide.

Mental Health Support Organisations and Mental Health Websites

View Lifeline's website

Lifeline provides confidential support from highly trained staff and volunteers through a 24/7 helpline and text services.

  • Call the TAUTOKO Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 828 865) if you think you or someone you know, may be thinking about suicide.
  • Call the Lifeline Helpline (0800 543 354) and their compassionate team is available to offer support and provide a safe space for you whenever you need it.
  • Text (4357) to access help through their text helpline service. Connect with our caring team via text, receive support, and find guidance in times of need.
Need to talk?
  • Are you feeling stressed or just need someone to talk to?
  • Are you feeling down or a bit overwhelmed?
  • Do you know someone who is feeling out-of-sorts or down?

Whatever it is, 1737 are here. Free call or free text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor or talk to a peer support worker. The service is completely free.

They offer brief 1:1 counselling support where we focus on one or two key things you need support for. 

Click here to access the directory

Health Point provides a directory of mental health resources accessible in Otago and or Southland.

Visit the Mental Health Foundation page

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health & wellbeing. Improving individuals, whanau, organisations and communities.

Visit the Depression.org.nz website

depression.org.nz is your guide through the rough seas of life in Aotearoa. They're here to offer understanding, validation and practical advice for those navigating depression and anxiety. Our mission is to lessen the impact of these challenges on New Zealanders' lives by promoting early recognition, encouraging help seeking and fostering supportive communities.

Visit the Mental Health Education & Resource Centre

The Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC) are leading providers of education and information on mental health, wellbeing and addiction for:

  • individuals seeking support for themselves or others
  • those working in the mental health, addiction and social service sectors
  • businesses wanting to improve and maintain wellbeing and resilience in their workplace

They provide access to a range of Information and Resources such as:

  • Friendly staff who can assist you in finding appropriate information and services to meet your needs.
  • A website with information on mental illness, addictions, support, helplines and where to start if you are seeking help for yourself or others.
  • MHERC’s onsite library hosts a large collection of books, DVDs, CDs, fact sheets and brochures on a wide range of topics such as specific mental illnesses, child and adolescent wellbeing, addiction, gambling, stress, sleep, communication, relationships and much more. We invite you to visit our library or you can start by browsing our resources online here.
  • Their eLibrary offers free access to eBooks and audiobooks anywhere, anytime from your device. Become a member, then download the free ePlatform app and search “MHERC” to browse and borrow from their collection.
Browse Healthify's Mental Health topics

The most trusted source of NZ consumer health information is Healthify | He Puna Waiora. When you have a health-related question, this is a great starting point.

Get the help you need here

Mental health and addictions support through Health New Zealand ensures there is always someone around to support you and connect your to the right place to access the support or care you need.

Across Te Whatu Ora Southern there are a range of services to support you and your family members through these experiences, whether through short-term assistance, or ongoing care.