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Session H7: Mental health

1. Lynne Pere: “I’ll tell you once”: the importance of hearing Indigenous voice

Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow pdf 360KB

Abstract

Issues faced by Indigenous peoples living in urban and semi-urban/regional areas have a commonality the world over. The effects of colonisation and racism are irrefutable. Equally undeniable is the strength of self-determination and pride of Indigeneity. In Australia, like Aotearoa/New Zealand, large disparities are evident in the mental health of Indigenous peoples compared with non-Indigenous peoples. My postdoctoral work addresses these disparities through the unabashed promotion of Indigenous knowledge.

My research questions the importance for mental health recovery, of sharing the meaning behind the thoughts and ideas of Indigenous peoples with experience of mental illness. It recognises that the interpretations and the meanings those diagnosed with a mental illness attach to their personal mental health experiences, often influenced by culture, provide alternative explanations and understandings of mental health. It explores the possibility that when others share the rationale or personal meaning behind thoughts and ideas that could otherwise be seen as symptomatic of mental illness, when there is a genuine interest in a person’s experience of mental phenomena, recovery improves through a greater sense of ‘being understood’ and accepted, and an increased self-worth. This focus on an often misunderstood aspect of current mental health practice is worthy of consideration. But it is just one of many Indigenous understandings vital to improving Indigenous mental health. For some, the time for pleading our cases has gone. In a world where Indigenous understandings are minimised, patience has been spent. My paper unashamedly promotes the importance of listening to Indigenous peoples, and hearing, before it’s too late.

Author bio

Dr Lynne Pere has a health background in service delivery, policy, teaching, and research.  She is currently a Māori Health Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Dr Pere’s postdoctoral research extends findings from her PhD, to investigate the influence of culture on the meaning that Indigenous peoples from New Zealand, Australia and Canada, who have experience of mental illness, impart to their illness.Dr Pere describes her greatest achievement in life as being the Mum of four teenagers, a step-Mum, and a grandmother of a one month old.

2. Michael Wright: Giving and receiving care: reframing the work of Indigenous care-giving

Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow pdf 432KB

Abstract

The presentation will discuss the contribution care-giving and relationships provides to the stability in the Indigenous families and community irrespective of the fact that an ethic of care remains absent from the wider debate. A critical question that needs to be asked is that if ‘care’ and ‘care-giving’ as a practice, are so central to the function of everyday society, then why is it marginalized at the political level? This presentation is based on the findings of my thesis. Findings included the identification of a serious disconnection between mental health providers and Indigenous Australian families living with serious mental health issues. This disconnection was due in part to mental health providers lacking understanding of Indigenous needs and of the complexity and concepts of Indigenous care-giving. One outcome from the study was the proposal of an Indigenous care-giving model. The key elements of an Indigenous model of care-giving are the importance of relationships and reciprocity in holding and sustaining culture, and the significance of cultural responsibility. This presentation will explore the elements of an Indigenous model of care-giving. For care-giving to be valued as a practice within society, will require a cognitive shift by policy makers, practitioners, managers and researchers to recognize the contributions care-giving provides to the stability within Indigenous families and community.

Author bio

Michael is an Aboriginal man, from Western Australia. He is a Yuat Nyungar, his mother’s and grandmother’s Yuat booja (country )is located less than 100 kilometres north of Perth, in the area known as the Victoria Plains, which includes the townships of Mogumber and New Norcia. He is currently doing a PhD at the School of Public Health, Curtin University, and his study involves exploring the experiences of care giving for Aboriginal people living with a serious mental health illness.

3. J. Bulman & R. Hayes: Dealing with depression and anxiety among Indigenous males

Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow pdf 804KB

Abstract

Mibbinbah has worked in partnership with beyondblue to enable Indigenous males to take their rightful place in society. This has been done through the development of safe spaces (Mick Adams, 1999). There are several dimensions to creating safe spaces for males who identify with diverse communities and are concerned about issues relating to depression and anxiety. Normalising these concerns publicly requires a “strengths-based approach” that validates the current knowledge and skills of the males. A key factor is the creation of a supportive environment that facilitates the men as they identify and explore many different issues with each other. Within in this increasingly safe yarning space, discussions about depression and anxiety can be introduced. This can be done by seeking the men’s help in evaluating the usefulness of specific information for their communities. By comparing and contrasting the various personal stories that arise naturally, participants can begin to recognise typical journeys into and out of depressive episodes. Groups are able to identify potential strategies for engaging with and supporting men at various stages of these journeys. A key realisation for many participants is the fact that depression and anxiety are not psychiatric illnesses. This paper will outline these insights in greater detail as they relate to the Mibbinbah (Men’s Spaces) program which is funded by the Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and beyondblue.
Adams, M. (1999) Address at the Ross River Indigenous Male Health Convention. Alice Springs, NT.

Author bio

Jack Bulman, CEO, Mibbinbah Limited and Program Manager of Indigenous Men’s Spaces (CRCAH)
Rick Hayes, Senior Lecturer, School of Public Health, Latrobe University -

Rick is a senior lecturer and the undergraduate coordinator for the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at the School of Public Health, La Trobe University. He is leading researcher on non-pathologising approaches to men's health in Australia and on matters relating to the social dimensions of men's health. With his research partner, Jack Bulman (CEO, Mibbinbah Limited), he is currently engaged in research relating to Indigenous men, men’s spaces and health. Rick lectures in health promotion and public health subjects and works on the health promotion team to provide reflective practice and mentoring opportunities for health promotion workers.

4.  A. Brown: Koori kids and adolescent health: integrating a culturally appropriate team approach for the Aboriginal community in Victoria

Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow pdf 1.4MB

Abstract

Since 1973 the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) in Fitzroy has played a major role in addressing the health and well being of the Victorian Aboriginal Community. The VAHS is predominately made up of four key areas: Clinical Health, Community Health, Women’s and Children’s Health, and a Family Counselling Service (FCS). As part of the FCS at the VAHS, we provide a unique mental health and drug and alcohol services culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal children, youth and adults throughout Victoria.

This paper will talk more specifically about the Koori Kids Adolescent Unit within the FSC at VAHS. The Unit provides unique integrated culturally appropriate team approaches that aims to provide ongoing support to young Koori people from birth up until 18 years of age, and who are considered at risk of developing mental health issues. Our integrated approach ensures that culture is embedded throughout our therapeutic service delivery.

Author bio:

Anthony Brown is a Gunditjmara man from Western Victoria who has 28 years experience working in the Melbourne Aboriginal Community, Anthony commenced with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) in 1982 as a field officer. In 1994, Anthony worked with the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) and then in 2000 Anthony was appointed as Chief Executive Officer at the Fitzroy Stars Aboriginal Community Youth Club Gymnasium. Anthony is back to the place were he started in Aboriginal Health (the VAHS) were he Co-ordinates the Koori Kids Adolescent Unit. Anthony is also the breakfast radio host on Melbourne Indigenous radio station 3KND 1503 am.