Katie McQuaid grew up on the Kāpiti Coast, a small seaside town called Paraparaumu located near the bottom of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Her life changed throughout her teenage years without her knowing it and upon reflection later on in life, she realised that she had been living with depression for quite some time.

As she came to terms with her diagnosis, Katie details her experiences with confronting this illness head on, how she sought support and what her loved ones did (and didn't do) that made a difference.

As an experienced health and physical education teacher and having recently completed a post-graduate certificate in counselling studies, Katie offers insight for those loved ones supporting someone with mental illness and suggests tangible strategies to help assist them on their journey.

Whilst not a qualified GP or mental health practitioner, this honest and reflective no-nonsense Kiwi approach to depression shines a light on what continues to be a growing concern in Aotearoa New Zealand and how, at the grassroots, we can offer straightforward, meaningful support.

It's okay to not be okay.