Dr Mataroria Lyndon answers your health-related questions
In a world where all of us are carrying stress from cost-of-living pressure, burnout, and existing in a world that can feel pretty hostile, how do you know when it’s time to reach out for mental health support instead of just pushing through?
A lot of us have been taught to just “push through”; to keep going, stay strong, and not make a fuss. But there comes a point where pushing through stops being resilience and starts doing harm.
If you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, or low — or if things that usually bring you joy no longer do — that’s a sign to check in. Other signals can include changes in sleep, appetite, relationships, or how you’re coping day to day.
The key thing is: you don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis.
Reaching out early often means things are easier to work through, and you don’t have to carry it alone. Whether it’s a GP, nurse, or mental health clinician, the right support should feel safe, practical, and focused on what matters to you.
Tend offers free 30-minute video sessions with mental health clinicians through the app. It’s available to anyone over 16 in Aotearoa, it’s free, and you don’t need to be enrolled. It’s also completely confidential. If you’re ready to kōrero, you can book a session easily in the app. We’re here for you.
Download the Tend app or visit tend.nz
Got a health-related question for Dr Mataroria Lyndon to answer? Email: ask@gayexpress.co.nz or fill in the anon from below!
