Fine Is Not an Emotion: How New Zealand Really Felt in 2023
In 2023, New Zealanders grappled with a wide range of emotions, with over 50% rating their most common mood as "bad," "meh," or "ok," according to Clearhead's year-end data. This sentiment reflects a deeper need to address the emotional wellbeing of our nation.
The statistics gathered from over 180,000 Kiwis who engage with Clearhead’s mental health and wellbeing platform reveal a concerning trend: A significant portion of our population is struggling with emotions that fall short of contentment or happiness. The prevalence of "meh" and "ok" moods suggests a pervasive sense of emotional underwhelm, a state where many feel they are just getting by.
The data also reveals a critical interplay between financial and emotional wellbeing. A notable 70% increase in financial worries among Kiwis since last year is a stark indicator of the economic pressures weighing heavily on mental health. The financial strain which is exacerbating stress levels has become a silent but powerful contributor to the nation's subdued emotional state.
Amid these findings, wellbeing emerged as a primary mental health focus area, as:
• 41% of New Zealanders are worried about the state of their mental health.
• 26% of the population are experiencing heightened stress and increased anxiety. • 1 in 7 Kiwis identify relationship problems as being their primary challenge.
Clearhead CEO, Dr. Angela Lim, remarks, "This year's data uncovers a complex relationship between external triggers and emotional health. The escalation in lacking purpose/meaning in life is up 2.89% from 2022; it goes beyond monetary issues, affecting our daily mood and overall wellbeing.” Reflecting this, Clearhead has seen a threefold increase in therapy sessions, indicating that more people are struggling and actively seeking help to manage their mental wellbeing.
But there is hope for our nation; Dr. Robert Waldinger, renowned clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an expert in happiness research, has found that the essential ingredient for improving our emotional wellbeing is fostering strong, supportive relationships.
Dr. Lim comments, “The connection between Waldinger's research and our data is relevant in addressing the broader context of New Zealanders' mood and the increasing financial stress impacting our community. By nurturing our social connections, we can better navigate these challenges and enhance our overall mental health.”
Dr Lim adds, “It's time we acknowledge that being 'fine' is not the benchmark for mental health. Let’s strive for a state of wellbeing where individuals feel genuinely good, not just okay.
ENDS
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About Clearhead
Clearhead is an innovative digital platform offering a range of mental health services, including therapy sessions, various wellbeing tools, and self-help resources. Founded by Dr. Angela Lim, Clearhead is dedicated to making mental health care accessible and proactive, leveraging the latest technology to meet the evolving needs of its users. For more information on Clearhead's services and resources, visit www.myclearhead.com
