Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and social and emotional wellbeing

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What is social and emotional wellbeing?
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people use the term social and emotional wellbeing. It describes the:

social
emotional
spiritual and
cultural wellbeing of a person

The term recognises their connection to:

land (Country)
sea
culture
spirituality
family
community

Past events affect your social and emotional wellbeing.
Another term used to describe a person’s social and emotional wellbeing is mental health.
What things help make me feel strong and resilient?
Things that can protect your strength and emotional wellbeing are:

social connectedness and a sense of belonging
connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry
living on or near traditional lands
self-determination
strong community governance
passing on of cultural practices

It’s important to look after your social and emotional wellbeing. Strength can come from family, friends, and community.
What factors can affect my social emotional wellbeing?
Factors that can affect the social emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people include:

widespread grief and loss
impacts of the Stolen Generations and removal of children
unresolved trauma
separation from culture
discrimination based on race or culture
economic and social disadvantage
physical health problems
prison
violence
misuse of drugs and alcohol

The impact of racial discrimination is important. Most people who have experienced racial discrimination report feelings of psychological distress.
The Stolen Generations
Australian governments and churches took thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. These children are known as the Stolen Generations.
The exact number of children who were removed isn’t known. Very few families have been left unaffected. Some families had 3 generations of children removed.
The removal of children broke important cultural, spiritual and family ties.
This has left a lasting impact on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered a formal apology to members of the Stolen Generations. This was on behalf of the Australian parliament.
When should I see someone?
When you’ve got a lot going on it’s normal to feel sad, angry or stressed. But if you have been feeling sad for more than 2 weeks this could be a sign of depression. And if you find yourself worrying too much, you may be experiencing anxiety.
Depression and anxiety are common mental illnesses and can be treated.
If you feel like you need support or healing for any reason, there are people who can help you. A good place to start is your local doctor or Aboriginal Health Worker.
It might help to write down your symptoms before your appointment, so it’s easier to explain what you’re going through. If you are thinking about suicide, it’s important to get help and see a doctor as soon as possible.
How is mental illness treated?
Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated. If you get help, there’s every chance that your condition will improve.
Options for treatment include:
- lifestyle changes such as increasing time outside, eating a healthy diet, exercising, improving your sleep hygiene
- talk therapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy
- medications such as antidepressants
There are also:
- online resources with more tips on good mental health
- apps for building your emotional wellbeing
What can I do to improve my social and emotional well-being?
There is a lot you can do to improve your social and emotional wellbeing. This includes:
- staying connected to your family and friends
- finding someone you can talk to
- talking kindly to yourself
- seeing a doctor, Aboriginal health worker or counsellor
- staying connected to your land and community
- valuing your culture and spirituality
- eating healthy food
- getting enough sleep
- exercising every day
- avoiding using alcohol or drugs to make yourself feel better
Resources and support
You might want to have a look at these websites:
- Proppa Deadly — people tell their stories about living with depression and anxiety
- WellMob Healing Our Way — social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing online resources
- Stop. Think. Respect — videos and other info about dealing with racial discrimination
- Trauma and Grief Network — helpful tips for dealing with trauma and grief
- Beyond Blue — videos and fact sheets about depression and anxiety
Here are some phone numbers and online chat services you can use:
- Counselling Online — for anyone with a drug or alcohol problem. Call 1800 888 236 or chat online 24/7
- Lifeline (for anyone having a personal crisis) — call 13 11 14 or chat online, 24 hours
- Suicide Call Back Service (for anyone thinking about suicide) — call 1300 659 467 or chat online, 24 hour.