Briefing About Mental Health and Alcohol Following Controversial Mike King Comments w/ the University of Otago’s Dr Rose Crossin: 4 November, 2024

On Wednesday, the 30th of October, prominent mental health advocate, Mike King, during an interview with Newstalk ZB, claimed that alcohol is a solution for people with mental health problems. 

The interview stems from a suicide prevention fundrasing event in Dunedin struggling to obtain a liquor license. 

Following the statements and subsequent controversy, a briefing was released on the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa, providing the facts and evidence around the correlation alcohol can have with mental health concerns.

News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to co-author of the briefing and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Population Health at the University of Otago, Dr Rose Crossin, about the briefing, and Mike King’s claim.

You can read the briefing here.

If you are struggling with mental health related problems, some places you can reach out to include:

Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234

Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111, go to your nearest emergency department, or phone your local DHB Mental Health Crisis Team (find your local number by ringing Healthline on 0800 611 116)