Giving to others promotes well-being for all ages. Behaviour of this type is particularly important in the social development of children and young people. For adults and retirees, giving and sharing are important for defining a sense of purpose and a sense of self-worth. Therefore, the Mental Health Foundation has made this year’s theme all about giving.
There are many examples within our own MidCentral District Health Board community. Why does someone start giving? Take Karen for example.
A Palmerston North Hospital nurse told Karen that little babies needed to be kept warm and there was an urgent need for knitted items for babies in the Neonatal Unit.
Karen has knitted over 1000 items for the vulnerable babies in the unit at Palmerston North Hospital from woollen blankets, singlets, beanies, cardigans and as well as booties. She has been happily providing these items for at least 15 years.
Karen says it makes her feel good knowing that little vulnerable babies are being well looked after. She has a label that she sews into the garments she makes and has been sent many ‘thank you’ letters from grateful mums from as far away as Australia. That, she says, makes it all worthwhile.
We can all feel good about doing a little giving. It’s a two-way thing. You feel good about doing it and the community benefits.
Try a little giving over Mental Health Awareness Week. For ideas of how to give see
http://mhaw.nz/five-ways-to-wellbeing/give/
Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945