At Heart Saver NZ, we are dedicated to saving lives, and while our focus has traditionally been on physical health - specifically, Sudden Cardiac Arrest - today we want to highlight the importance of mental well-being in our life-saving mission.
On this World Mental Health Day, we recognize that mental health is just as crucial as physical health, and both must be nurtured in order to build resilient, life-saving communities.
Mental Health and Physical Well-being: A Vital Connection
Studies show a direct link between mental and physical health.
Stress, anxiety, and depression can all negatively impact heart health, increasing the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
Likewise, people with chronic physical conditions are more likely to experience mental health challenges. This makes it clear: maintaining good mental health is crucial for overall well-being, including the prevention of life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and cardiac arrest.
Empowering Our Community to Save Lives—Mind and Body
At Heart Saver, we believe that being prepared for emergencies doesn’t stop with knowing how to use an AED or perform CPR. It also involves promoting mental resilience in the community.
Individuals who are calm, confident, and mentally prepared are more likely to respond effectively in emergencies.
By focusing on mental health, we can ensure that our communities are not only equipped with the physical tools - like AEDs - but also the mental fortitude to act swiftly and decisively when every second counts.
Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health
Just as we've worked hard to break down barriers surrounding AED accessibility and CPR training, it's equally important to reduce the stigma around mental health.
In the same way that learning life-saving techniques can make a difference in someone’s survival during cardiac arrest, open conversations about mental health can create a supportive environment that saves lives in a different, yet equally important way.
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
At Heart Saver, we prioritise the mental well-being of our staff as much as their physical safety.
We encourage other organizations to do the same.
Stress in the workplace can lead to burnout, which in turn affects physical health and job performance.
A well-supported, mentally healthy team is better equipped to carry out life-saving work and make a meaningful difference in the community.
How You Can Make a Difference Today
Start a Conversation: Reach out to a colleague, friend, or family member and ask how they’re doing—not just physically but mentally.
Promote a Balanced Lifestyle: Encourage both mental and physical well-being. Regular exercise, proper rest, and mindfulness can reduce stress and improve overall health.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to taking care of both our mental and physical health—for ourselves and for those we may one day save.
Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities—one heart and mind at a time.
