Working in Mental Health

People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can experience mental illness. It could affect a friend, family member, a work colleague, even you.

Common mental illnesses are depression, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder and anxiety.

Most people manage or recover from mental illness. They hold down jobs, make good partners, parents, flatmates and workmates and have a great deal to contribute to their community and society.

A career in mental health is one that really makes a difference to people’s lives. It’s an exciting, dynamic, changing health sector. It needs innovative, creative, caring and passionate people. There’s a huge variation in the type of roles in the mental health sector.

Te Pou, New Zealand’s National Centre of Mental Health Research and Development has more information about careers in the mental health sector.