I NI N S ISGI H T ST SR E RT Y 2021 GH RP EO PO R T2 4 6 –– F…E…B…R. .U2A0R1 9
Well minds The impact of recreation on rangatahi More young New Zealanders are affected by poor mental wellbeing than ever before, and those on lower incomes are often the most affected. Recreation opportunities can make a difference, by meeting anga ahi needs for connection and empowerment, The benefits of participation include: reducing the impact of stress; developing a sense of connection and belonging, lowering levels of depression and anxiety in rangatahi.
Snapshot – Youth mental health Increasingly 15-24 year olds In NZ are struggling with their mental health,1 as reported in the Youth19 survey.
29% of females and 17% of males report having symptoms of depression, which is double the 2012 rate2 Youth from high deprivation areas report higher levels of depression and have higher levels of attempted suicide.
NZ has one of the highest youth suicide rates of all OECD countries.3 During the teenage years there is a significant drop off in recreation and sport participation in NZ.
Recent UK research has similar findings. Mike King, youth mental health advocate says ha “one big issue for young people who seek help with mental health issues is the waiting list for counsellors.”
Can recreation participation make a difference for young people? If so, what works?
NZRA Insights Report – Fight, Flight or Freeze in the Red Zone
Wellington Secondary Schools Junior regionals, Ki-o-Rahi, https://www.kiorahi.com/blog/2020resultswellyjunior
The Child and Youth Wellbeing Framework (2019)4 Based on discussions with young New Zealanders, this focuses on reducing the impact of child poverty. It includes the following outcomes: •
Happy and Healthy
•
Respected and Connected
•
Involved and Empowered
Participation in recreation can positively contribute to all three areas.
Benefits of participation There are many benefits of recreation participation, and some are of particular relevance to rangatahi. A range of approaches to community infrastructure can be used to boost social relations and wellbeing in a community.
Being in nature Recreating and exercising outdoors, actively or in reflective mode, is beneficial in myriad ways for mental wellbeing, including: Being in nature can positively impact the immune system Reducing rumination5 Increase feelings of wellbeing 6 Reduction of stress7.
Social connectedness Social relationships have the capacity to “get under our skin” in ways that shape the biological processes detrimental to health… and can relieve the harmful aspects of stress.8 1