🌱 A Holistic Invitation for Mental Health Awareness Week

Oct 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect — with ourselves, our purpose, and the world around us. In Aotearoa, wellbeing is beautifully represented through Te Whare Tapa Whā, a model developed by Sir Mason Durie that reminds us that true health is more than just the absence of illness. It’s about balance — nurturing the physical, mental, social, and spiritual/identity dimensions of life.

At the same time, the Japanese concept of Ikigai — often translated as “reason for being” — offers a complementary lens. It encourages us to explore what brings us joy, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what we can be rewarded for. Together, Te Whare Tapa Whā and Ikigai invite us to create a more holistic, meaningful approach to wellbeing.

Taha Tinana – Physical Wellbeing

Our physical health forms one of the core walls of our wellbeing “house.” When we move, breathe deeply, eat nourishing food, and rest well, we strengthen every other aspect of our lives. This week, make time to stretch, take a walk outdoors, or simply tune in to how your body feels. Small, consistent actions can have a powerful impact on both body and mind.

Taha Hinengaro – Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Mental health is about more than positive thinking — it’s about acknowledging and understanding our emotions. Allow yourself the space to feel, express, and rest. Practices like journaling, therapy, or mindfulness can help process experiences and build resilience. Remember, emotional strength grows when we treat ourselves with compassion and patience.

Taha Whānau – Social Wellbeing

Human connection is essential. Our relationships with whānau, friends, and community give us a sense of belonging and purpose. Sharing a meal, a kōrero, or a laugh helps us feel grounded and supported. This Mental Health Awareness Week, reach out to someone — connection doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.

Taha Wairua – Spiritual/Identity Wellbeing

This aspect is about inner purpose and connection — to values, beliefs, culture, or something greater than ourselves. For some, this might be faith; for others, time in nature or acts of kindness. Nurturing your spiritual side helps bring balance and clarity to the rest of your life.

Finding Your Ikigai

The concept of Ikigai ties beautifully into Te Whare Tapa Whā. It asks us to reflect on four key questions:

  • What do I love?

  • What am I good at?

  • What does the world need?

  • What can I be rewarded for?

When these areas overlap, we find purpose — the fuel that gives our daily life meaning.

When our four walls are strong and we live in alignment with our Ikigai, we build a foundation of resilience, balance, and fulfilment. This Mental Health Awareness Week, take a moment to reflect on what keeps your whare strong — and what gives your life purpose. Sometimes, the smallest actions lead to the biggest shifts.