Mental health is shaped by a wide range of factors, which can make it challenging to know where to begin when someone we care about is struggling. Te Whare Tapa Whā, which translates to the four-sided house, was developed by Sir Mason Durie (1984) as a model for understanding Māori health. It describes hauora (health and wellbeing) as a wharenui (meeting house), and highlights how a person’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health are all connected. This way of thinking about hauora (health and wellbeing) can be useful in both personal and professional settings, not only in times of challenge, but as an ongoing part of our day-to-day lives.
Understanding Te Whare Tapa Whā
Te Whare Tapa Whā is built around four interacting dimensions of hauora (wellbeing), each represented by a wall of the wharenui (meeting house): Taha Tinana (physical), Taha Hinengaro (mental and emotional), Taha Whānau (whānau and social), and Taha Wairua (spiritual). Whenua (land, roots) forms the foundation and includes the physical makeup of the land, but whenua can also be about a place of belonging. Just like a wharenui, if one of these dimensions is missing, damaged, or out of balance, a person can become ‘unbalanced’. Te Whare Tapa Whā reminds us that these dimensions are all connected to one another and that we can benefit from taking a holistic approach when it comes to health and wellbeing.
Listen to Sir Mason Durie talk about Te Whare Tapa Whā in a series of videos: Overview of Te Whare Tapa Whā | Ministry of Health NZ
Taha Tinana (Physical Health)
Taha tinana is about our physical body, its growth and development, how it feels and how we care for it. There may be times where our physical health suffers, possibly due to factors outside of our control, but what is important is that we focus on the ways we can care for our tinana, acknowledging its connection to our emotional, spiritual and whānau wellbeing.
Signs of Imbalance:
- Fluctuations in energy: Noticeable changes in energy levels, such as increased fatigue or a general lack of motivation to engage in physical activity and other previously enjoyed activities.
- Changes in mobility or physical discomfort: Complaints of aches or pains that may indicate underlying health issues or neglect of physical care.
- Changes in appetite: Changes in how one nourishes their body, which might include skipping meals, less variety in their meals, or eating more than usual.
- Sleep issues: Complaints such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed.
Ways to Show Up:
- Encourage movement: Invite them to participate in activity that suits their lifestyle, energy levels, and interests. This does not have to mean conventional workouts; options could include swimming, taking the dog for a walk, playing sports or games with friends, hiking, or simply spending time in the garden or at a park.
- Offer practical support: If they need rest or recovery, help by taking on chores or responsibilities. In a professional setting, think about what accommodations you can make, such as adjusting workloads, offering flexible hours, or providing a quiet space.
- Nourishing meals: Cook and share nourishing or comforting meals.
Taha Hinengaro (Mental and Emotional Health)
Taha hinengaro considers our thoughts, emotions and behaviours. How a person is thinking and feeling, but also how they communicate. It goes beyond merely being free from mental illness; it involves fostering thoughts and actions that support balance and enable us to thrive.
Signs of Imbalance:
- Emotional and behavioural changes: This may include persistent sadness, intense worry, mood swings, irritability, heightened sensitivity, and withdrawal from their usual activities and social interactions.
- Cognitive difficulties: Struggles with concentration, memory, or problem solving.
- Harmful coping strategies: Reliance on harmful coping strategies, such as substance use or avoidance behaviours that may worsen the problem over time.
Ways to Show Up:
- Connect and be present: Simply being there for someone can make a significant difference. Offer your company without the pressure to fill the silence; sometimes, just sharing space is comforting. Check in periodically with a simple text or call to remind them they are not alone.
- Be patient and nonjudgmental: Create a safe space for them to express their feelings without fear of judgement. Let them know it’s okay to talk about their struggles.
- Foster self-care: Invite them to engage in self-care activities they enjoy, whether that’s sports, music, art, spending time in nature, and resting.
- Explore professional help: If they seem stuck or you have cause for concern, gently suggest they consider professional support. Accompanying them to their GP can be a good first step. The Mental Health Foundation provides helpful resources to assist in finding appropriate support. Mental Health Foundation Support.
Taha Whānau (Family and Social Health)
Taha whānau includes not only immediate family and blood relatives but also friends, colleagues, and the wider community. It’s about the relationships that foster a sense of belonging—those you care for and who care for you, the people you share your life with.
Signs of Imbalance:
- Social Withdrawal and Isolation: Signs that someone may be pulling away from social interactions, such as consistently declining invitations to gatherings or displaying a noticeable decrease in communication through phone calls, texts, or social media.
- Conflict: Signs of tension or conflict in their relationships, such as frequent arguments or misunderstandings.
- Emotional distress: Expressions of loneliness, sadness, or frustration regarding their social connections.
Ways to Show Up:
- Initiate contact: Regularly check in, whether through text, calls, or visits, to maintain ongoing support and remind them they are not alone.
- Encourage participation and contribution: Invite them to community or group events that match their interests. You may also help them find ways to give back to the community, connecting them with opportunities that deepen their sense of purpose and strengthen social ties.
- Help rebuild connections: Offer to accompany them or reach out on their behalf to friends, family, religious connections, or community groups, making it easier to re-establish relationships.
Taha Wairua (Spiritual Health)
Taha wairua is about who we are as a person, what drives us, and our search for meaning and purpose. For some this will be grounded in faith or religion, a connection to a higher power, and for others an internal connection. Regardless, wairua includes understanding your own values and beliefs and your relationship to the wider environment.
Signs of Imbalance:
- Disengagement from religious or cultural traditions: Noticeable shifts in how someone participates in their religious, spiritual or cultural practices, including whānau activities.
- Feelings of aimlessness: Expressions of uncertainty about personal goals or a lack of direction, suggesting a struggle to find meaning or purpose in life.
- Increased anxiety or restlessness: Heightened feelings of unease or agitation can suggest a disconnect from one’s values, culture, or spiritual beliefs.
Ways to Show Up:
- Open conversation: Create a safe and validating environment to discuss beliefs and values. This might start with you sharing some of these parts of yourself. Ask open-ended questions and don’t feel like you need to have all the answers.
- Support their spiritual practices: Join them in activities that align with their beliefs, whether it is attending cultural events, church, meditation, or nature walks. Recognise that not everyone has easy access to these opportunities, so it can be helpful to have conversations about how you can support them to access these spaces.
- Connect with elders, teachers, or spiritual leaders: If they seek guidance or feel uncertain about their next steps, help them connect with elders, teachers, or spiritual leaders who can support their journey. For some, this may also involve reaching out to a psychologist or counsellor to explore their values.
Caring for Our Own Whare
To show up for others, it is important that we consider our own well-being and maintain balance across the four walls of the wharenui. Take some time to reflect on the strength of your taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whānau, and taha wairua, and consider how you can nurture these aspects to enhance your resilience and presence for others. By taking care of ourselves and being open to support, we not only honour our own needs but also contribute to the collective strength of our community, creating a cycle of support that benefits everyone.
Article contributed by Practice 371
With gratitude to Sir Mason Durie for the Te Whare Tapa Whā model
At Practice 371, we are a team of experienced clinical psychologists, counsellors, and dietitians dedicated to supporting you on your path to mental and emotional well-being. We offer both general mental health services and specialist support for eating-related concerns. Whether you are seeking guidance for yourself or a loved one, we are here to help. To learn more about our services, visit us at www.practice371.co.nz.
References
Durie, M. H. (1985). A Māori perspective of health. Social Science & Medicine, 20(5), 483–486.
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. (n.d.). Te Whare Tapa Whā. Retrieved from https://mentalhealth.org.nz/te-whare-tapa-wha
Ministry of Health. (2020, December 2). Overview video of Te Whare Tapa Whā from Mason Durie [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRH1so1MjuI