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Information

The Competition                            Competition Rules

This years theme is ...

Blooming From Within: Cultivating Wellness in a Busy World.

In today's fast-paced world, with constant demands on our time and attention, prioritising self-care has become more crucial than ever. Self-care is the deliberate practice of activities that nourish our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It's not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining a healthy and balanced life.

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Chronic stress, a hallmark of the busy world, can have a significant negative impact on our health. When we neglect self-care, we become susceptible to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even physical illnesses. Prioritising self-care helps us manage stress effectively, improve our mood, boost our energy levels, and enhance our overall sense of well-being.

 

There's no "one-size-fits-all" approach to self-care. What works for one person might not be effective for another. Effective self-care encompasses various aspects of our lives, including: physical, mental and emotional, and social well-being.

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By emphasising the importance of self care, this essay competition inspires individuals to take action in their growth. It encourages reflection on the challenges of maintaining well-being in a busy world and empowers individuals to discover strategies for cultivating personal growth and resilience. 

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Essay prompts:

 

  • How does stigma impact individuals with mental health issues and their ability to seek help?

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  • What are some common misconceptions about mental health, and how can they be addressed?

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  • How can communities, schools, workplaces, and policymakers work together to promote mental health awareness and support?

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  • What role do cultural, social, and economic factors play in shaping mental health perceptions and access to care?

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  • Can technology and social media be leveraged to reduce stigma and improve mental health support?

 

These are just some recommended topics to talk about in your essay. Please feel free to include whatever you think is relevant to the theme in your essay. 

Competition

Competition Rules and Requirements:

The competition is open to all New Zealand students aged between 13 - 18, at the time of submission. Entries open September 23rd 2024.

 

Participation in the competition is free. Each participant is limited to making one entry.

 

Participants must read the essay writing Guidelines, and all essays should comply with these guidelines. 

 

Essay entries shall be 600 words or less and must be submitted by Friday, May 16th, 2025 via email to nzmhaec@gmail.com.

 

One winner will be select from each year level and finalists will receive honourable mentions.

 

Winners will be announced on June 13th, 2025. Winners will receive a prize, provided by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, and winners and finalists will have their essay shared on the NZMHAEC website.

 

By making entering into NZMAHEC, participants giving NZMHAEC the right to share their essays.

Competition Rules and Requirement
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