October is Mental Health Month, an annual even which raises awareness of mental health issues around the world. This year, the theme in Australia is 'Let's Talk About It', which highlights the importance of open dialogue and communication around mental health.
Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being, and means much more than just the absence of mental conditions or disorders. According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is:
A state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.
Supporting mental health looks different for every individual, community and culture; there is no one size fits all approach. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, mental health is closely associated with social and emotional well-being. When we talk about First Nations' social and emotional well-being and mental health, we must acknowledge the unique impacts of colonisation, racism, and disruption to culture and identity which is faced by these communities.
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap has identified the following areas as essential for programs and initiatives that support the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal Australians:
In light of Mental Health Month, the Watarrka Foundation would like to spotlight and celebrate some of the organisations and initiatives that are working to support the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
Gayaa Dhuwi Australia is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. Gayaa Dhuwi is a community led organisation which is governed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts. Some of their key focuses include empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in mental health, integrating traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing practices into mainstream mental health services, and providing equitable access to culturally safe mental health care. In collaboration with Lifelife, Gayaa Dhuwi developed 13YARN, a crisis hotline run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, which provides mental health services for Australia's young people aged 12-25. In 2014, Headspace developed the first youth-led national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health campaign, Yarn Safe, with the help of 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from across Australia. Yarn Safe operates campaigns and projects in local and remote communities across the nation. Following the release of the Yarn Safe campaign, Headspace saw a 32 per cent increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people accessing mental health support at its centres.
The Black Dog Institute is an independent, not-for-profit globally renowned mental health research institute located in Sydney. In collaboration with First Nations' advocates, the Black Dog Institute established the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre. The Centre is designed to elevate the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ lived experiences to contribute to the development of culturally safe, trauma-informed services, care, and programs. The Centre offers evidence-informed workshops, resources, and networks for Australian mental health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Akeyulerre Healing Centre is located in Alice Springs and proudly led by Arrernte people. Akeyulerre offers activities on Country that promote and support culture, healing and well-being for Aboriginal people, including bush schools, work with Angangkere, traditional Arrente healers, and the sharing and recording of Arrente stories and songs with Arrente elders. The Healing Centre provides a safe place for families to come and sit anytime, to share stories, laugh and work together. All of Akeyulerre's work is in line with the values and priorities of Arrernte people, with a strong focus on strengthening community and connection to Country.
As we celebrate Mental Health Month in Australia, the theme 'Let's Talk About It' reminds us of the importance of inclusive discussions and consideration of diverse needs in mental health, breaking down stigma and fostering a culture of support. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, who are more vulnerable to mental health challenges, this is especially important. So, let's celebrate what we are doing right, let's continue supporting local and national First Nations-led mental health initiatives like those above, and let's keep talking about what we can do better.
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