Wellbeing research paints a complex picture
Healthy Christchurch Media Release
15th April 2013
Research released today provides a fascinating snapshot of how
the Canterbury population is coping with the aftermath of one of
New Zealand's worst natural disaster.
The research was commissioned to inform
the All Right? wellbeing campaign, a Healthy Christchurch
project led by the Mental Health Foundation and the Canterbury
District Health Board. It was undertaken by Opinions Market
Research, and included interviews with community leaders, focus
groups, and a phone survey of 800 people in Christchurch,
Waimakariri and Selwyn.
Dr Lucy D'Aeth, Public Health Specialist at the Canterbury
District Health Board, says the research paints a complex picture
of where people are with their wellbeing.
"On the one hand many people are struggling with specifics -
things like dealing with insurers and repairs. On the other there
are many with a new found sense of hope and optimism for the
future. These are not two distinct groups, there are lots of people
experiencing both highs and lows in the recovery process," Dr
D'Aeth says.
"Overall the results indicate that emotional wellbeing is not
high across the Greater Christchurch population. Many people are
grieving for the 'lost Christchurch', and there are significant
numbers of people who are struggling with potential mental ill
health.
Dr D'Aeth says respondents reported that there had been a
'double blow'.
"People told us that the stress and anxiety caused by dealing
with insurance, repairs, and the agencies involved in the recovery
were often more debilitating than the earthquakes. This is called
the 'double blow' in the research.
"There was also a strongly expressed feeling that too much
emphasis had been put on buildings, and that we need a more
'people-focused' recovery."
Dr D'Aeth says people have been impacted differently by the
earthquakes depending on what life stage they are at.
"Younger, single people reported that while there are now fewer
opportunities to socialise in Canterbury, job or study
opportunities have opened up. On the other hand many 'empty
nesters' and elderly said that they felt their last years of their
life have been 'stolen' from them."
The research shows that people's wellbeing is closely related to
the extent that the earthquakes have impacted on their lives.
"Many living in the residential red zone felt that life was
'unbearable', whereas some who had had their claims settled said
that they felt that 'opportunities had unfolded'.
"The research also found people valued spending time with friends
and family, and were keen to have access to affordable, local
events."
Dr D'Aeth says the research has helped to ensure the All Right?
wellbeing campaign effectively 'hits the mark' and promotes mental
wellbeing in Canterbury.
"Canterbury has changed a lot and the research shows Cantabrians
are experiencing a wide range of feelings. A key focus of All Right
is to help people understand that it's normal to feel a range of
emotions but that if you, a family member, or friend is
consistently feeling low, there is help available."
"The campaign emphasises the simple ways, which people can, and
do, take care of themselves and others to boost
wellbeing."
View the research commissioned for the All Right?
campaign [PDF].
Find out more about the All
Right? campaign.