MENTAL HEALTH FACTS
The Mental Health Facts are the foundation of The Push-Up Challenge. Your target number of push-ups varies from day to day to reflect a different Mental Health Fact.
They're sourced from peer-reviewed studies by qualified researchers, and undergo a stringent fact-checking process.
Read and share them to start important conversations, boost mental health awareness and help smash the stigma.
DAY 2 : YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
Today’s push-up target is 75, because over 75% of life-long mental health conditions develop before the age of 25.
Most mental health challenges begin early in life. Recognising them early can prevent challenges from deepening, while building lifelong skills that support a healthier, more resilient future.
Support, awareness, and healthy habits early on make a lasting difference. Adopting mentally healthy behaviours early helps young people manage stress, strengthen relationships, and build the resilience they need to thrive.
Ways to support youth mental health
- Foster strong connections by being present, supportive and reliable.
- Encourage healthy coping skills like mindfulness, problem-solving and stress management.
- Promote active lifestyles through sport, play and movement.
- Create safe spaces for open conversations and check in regularly.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to crisis support services. Help is available.
Need support?
If you’re a young person or worried about one, contact Youthline:
- Free call: 0800 376 633
- Text: 234
Support for young people, their whānau, and friends.
For a full list of helplines, visit: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/help
It’s Waitangi Day!
To young people and their whānau across Aotearoa, we hope you take a moment to reflect today. Together, we celebrate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and celebrate culture, community, and connection – all key to our mental wellbeing.
Source: Kessler et al 2005 ‘Lifelong prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15939837/
DAY 1 : KINDNESS
Today’s push-up goal is 63, representing the 63% of adults who say being kind boosts their mental health.
Kindness is a simple act with a profound impact - not only does it brighten someone’s day, but it can also ease stress and lift your own mood.
Acts of kindness are linked to greater self-esteem, optimism, and a stronger sense of belonging - all key ingredients for good mental health.
Ways to practice kindness
- Send a thoughtful message to a friend or colleague.
- Offer to help someone with a small task.
- Do something kind for yourself today.
Source: Kindness and mental health | Mental Health Foundation (2020)
