Holidays should be a time for celebrating but sometimes the things we do for fun can lead to concerns about our own wellbeing. Stress, drug and alcohol use can add to our problems. It can be hard to know who to talk to if you’re worried about things like alcohol and drug use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), safe sex, unplanned pregnancies, or if you’re feeling depressed.
Over the Christmas period you can find free and confidential 24 hour advice by ringing Healthline on 0800 611 116.
If you can’t visit your GP, pharmacies can offer advice around general health and sexual health. Some pharmacists are able to supply some types of medication after a brief consultation to see if this is right for you, and this can include the morning after pill. Ask at your local pharmacy if this is a service they offer or where you can go to for help.
Vibe has a free health service for young people in the Hutt Valley aged 10 to 24. You can see a doctor, nurse or counsellor for free about any kind of health or mental health concern. The service is closed from 23 December and opens 5 January. See www.vibe.org.nz for more information.
A free sexual health clinic is also held at 729 High Street, Lower Hutt, every Thursday from 6 January, 9am to 11.30am. To book an appointment call 0800 188 881.
