Authored by Yamaji Woman, Registered Psychologist, Rebecca Caratti
What is Social Emotional Well-Being?
It is a holistic approach to supporting your wellbeing. In psychology, we focus on feelings, emotions and the make-up of our brains.
We know that as First Nations people, our healing pathways are generally collectivist and encompass all aspects of self. It is not just about our feelings and emotions!
Why is it important?
For many First Nations people, good mental health is indicated by feeling a sense of belonging, having strong cultural identity, maintaining positive interpersonal relationships, and feeling that life has purpose and value (Dudgeon et al. 2014; Dudgeon and Walker 2015). Conversely, poor mental health can be affected by major stressors such as removal from family, incarceration, death of a close friend or family member, discrimination, and unemployment, as well as stressors from everyday life (Gee et al. 2014; PM&C 2017).
In 2018–19, based on self-reported survey responses, an estimated 24% of First Nations people reported having a diagnosed mental health or behavioural condition and 3 in 10 (31%) First Nations adults reported ‘high or very high’ levels of psychological distress (ABS 2019).
Furthermore, disruptions to family and kinship connections, including inter-generational trauma, have been linked to increased suicide and suicidal behaviour in First Nations communities (Dudgeon et al. 2021).
What is different in the social-emotional well-being space?
As mentioned above, In this space we look at all parts that are important to First Nations' wellbeing, not just how our emotions and mind are behaving! Below, we can see that the self is surrounded by 7 overlapping domains that are sources of our wellbeing and connection. The stronger these domains are, the stronger our well-being will be. The model also acknowledges that history, politics and society all affect the social and emotional well-being of First Nations people (Gee et al. 2014). The model can be applied to help deliver culturally safe and responsive health and wellbeing services for First Nations people.
Things like connecting to country, to family and to culture. If all of these parts are strong and working in harmony, we feel good. If they are not strong or only strong in a couple of parts, we will feel off.
The Social Emotional Well-Being Wheel
Signs I may feel off:
Withdrawing from the community or family
Feeling big emotions (Angry/ sad/ happy) without any good reason
Feeling like I am not in control
Thinking about hurting myself or others
Unable to sleep
Unable to relax
Increasing use of substances (Drugs/ alcohol)
Where to get help
This is where Altius can support you. We have culturally aware staff who have been educated on culturally appropriate treatments. At Altius, we are fortunate enough to have First Nations staff whom you can choose to interact with.
Or contact support at:
13YARN: 13 92 76
Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
Beyond Blue: 1300224636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Acknowledgement
Illustrations and Table from the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC BY 4.0)
