Miracle in Raglan: A New Hope for Mental Health in New Zealand

Social IssuesCulture Jun 15, 2025 Tim Baker

When we first connected with Dr. Robin Youngson, it felt like discovering a kindred spirit in the fight for true mental health reform. Dr. Youngson, a former anaesthetist turned author and compassionate care advocate, has dedicated his life to bridging the gap between science and the profound, often overlooked, power of human connection. After reading his book, The Science of Miracles, I knew his message had the potential to reshape how we view and approach mental health in New Zealand.

The result of this connection is Miracle in Raglan, a short documentary that dives into the science behind true healing, challenging the conventional medical model that too often relies on medication as a first response. This isn’t just another feel-good story – it’s a call to action, a reminder that we are in the midst of a mental health crisis.

The State of Mental Health in New Zealand

New Zealand’s youth suicide rates remain among the highest in the developed world. According to the latest statistics, around 700 people die by suicide in New Zealand each year, and countless others struggle in silence. Prescription rates for antidepressants have skyrocketed, with one in four adults now taking these medications, many of them long-term, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness for mild to moderate depression.

This crisis demands a new approach, one that addresses the root causes of suffering and treats people as whole, complex individuals rather than mere symptoms on a chart. That’s exactly what Miracle in Raglan aims to highlight.

A Path Forward

Through this documentary, we hope to shine a light on the real, often untapped potential for human connection, compassion, and holistic approaches to mental health. Our goal is to spark conversations, challenge outdated norms, and encourage New Zealanders to rethink their approach to emotional well-being – not just for themselves, but for their loved ones too.

How It Can Benefit You and Your Loved Ones

By watching Miracle in Raglan, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how you can support those around you, reduce stigma, and perhaps even find a path to personal healing. You’ll see how small, meaningful changes in our approach to mental health can have a ripple effect, creating stronger, more resilient communities.

If you’re tired of the same old conversations about mental health and want to be part of a real, lasting change, this documentary is for you. Let’s take the first step together – because real change begins with a single, brave choice to do things differently.

Bungee Jumping's Forgotten Pioneer BusinessSocial IssuesTechnologyCulture Bungee Jumping's Forgotten Pioneer The first time I met David Kirke, New Zealand's forgotten pioneer and the worlds first bungee jumper. Who you ask? Most people in New Zealand would never have heard the name David Kirke the man that created the now quintessentially Kiwi extreme sport with an illegal jump from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1979 at the city of Bristol, England. Read Tim Baker - The Early Years. Social IssuesCulture Tim Baker - The Early Years. I was four years old. We were packing the car with stuff, more stuff than just the usual groceries or a trip to the dump. Mum was calm, dad seemed sombre... Read In Hindsight: The Heartbreak & Tragedy Of The Vaccine Mandates PoliticsSocial IssuesTechnologyCulture In Hindsight: The Heartbreak & Tragedy Of The Vaccine Mandates At the end of 2021, my trauma clinic began to be overwhelmed by a new category of clients: those traumatised by the government's COVID vaccine mandate. Here are some of the stories… Read Is Toxoplasma Gondii the Hidden Culprit Behind Mental Health Crises? Why Parasite Treatment Should Be a Top Priority in Psychiatry Social Issues Is Toxoplasma Gondii the Hidden Culprit Behind Mental Health Crises? Why Parasite Treatment Should Be a Top Priority in Psychiatry For years, the mental health field has diligently sought answers to the root causes of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and—most tragically—suicidal behaviour. We often look for obvious culprits: trauma, substance abuse, environmental stress, or familial history of mental illness. But what if the real cause of these debilitating conditions is far more insidious, microscopic, and commonly overlooked? Read The Link Between Antibiotics and Depression: What You Need to Know Social Issues The Link Between Antibiotics and Depression: What You Need to Know Antibiotics are hailed as life-saving drugs, essential in fighting infections. Yet, recent research suggests that these medications may have an unexpected downside—an increased risk of depression. While antibiotics combat harmful bacteria, they also disturb the gut’s delicate balance, which may have a profound impact on mental health. Read I was born in Christchurch New Zealand, into an upper class family Social Issues I was born in Christchurch New Zealand, into an upper class family I was born in Christchurch New Zealand, into an upper class family. I don't like spreading the family name around. So I'll just go by my alias, Andy. Read
Help Us Help Others!

Your donations are incredibly important for us, and enable us to use our initiatives to help our fellow Kiwis.

Donate today
Join Our Newsletter

For the latest news and projects, keep up-to-date with our newsletter. We promise not to spam you; we get enough of that ourselves!